The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich takes everything you love about smoky grilled chicken and gooey cheese, layering it all between perfectly golden bread for the ultimate comfort meal. Succulent shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, melty Havarti, and fragrant garlic butter transform simple ingredients into a crave-worthy experience that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re whipping this up for a weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or as a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering, this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is destined to steal the show.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of well-chosen essentials, you’ll bring out bold flavors and irresistible textures in every bite. Each ingredient plays a role, from adding richness and moisture to punching up the tang or providing glorious melt.

Olive oil: Brings a hint of fruitiness and helps soften the onions and garlic for a fragrant base.
Red onion (thinly sliced): Offers both sweetness and color, giving every bite a mild crunch and gorgeous purple hue.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the chicken and bread with savory undertones that linger long after the first mouthful.
Shredded roasted chicken: The star of your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich, making it hearty and protein-packed.
Smoked paprika: Introduces subtle warmth and smokiness that pairs beautifully with BBQ sauce.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy background note that enhances the savory goodness of the filling.
BBQ sauce: Sticky, sweet, and tangy, it brings all the flavors together in luscious harmony.
Havarti cheese: Effortlessly melts to a creamy, luxurious consistency, enveloping each ingredient.
Butter: Toasts the bread to a deep golden brown, infusing richness and flavor.
Garlic (for butter): Extra garlic means extra punch in the already irresistible garlic butter spread.
Parsley (minced): Freshens up the butter and adds a pop of green that looks beautiful when serving.
Sourdough or sturdy white bread: Provides structure to hold all the cheesy, barbecue goodness without getting soggy.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich adventure by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in those gorgeous red onions, sautéing until soft and just caramelized, about 2 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook until your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly—just 30 seconds or so. This aromatic base is the foundation of unbeatable sandwich flavor.

Step 2: Combine and Heat the Chicken Filling

With your onions and garlic ready, add the shredded roasted chicken right into the skillet. Sprinkle in smoked paprika and drizzle the Worcestershire sauce across the top, then pour in that luscious BBQ sauce. Mix everything gently, letting the flavors meld while the chicken warms through for 2-3 minutes. When the mixture is steaming and well coated, you’re ready for the next delicious step!

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, extra minced garlic, and freshly chopped parsley. Microwave this blend until it’s melted and ultra-fragrant, filling your kitchen with the promise of golden, garlicky bread. This elevated butter mixture will make your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich truly irresistible.

Step 4: Butter the Bread

Lay out all 12 slices of bread on a work surface. Generously brush one side of each with the garlic butter, making sure every inch glistens with herby, garlic-flecked goodness. This is what gives your sandwich its signature golden, crackly crust.

Step 5: Layer the Cheese and Chicken

Turn the bread over—garlic-butter side down—and start assembling. On 6 slices, lay down a slice of creamy Havarti, then heap a generous layer of your BBQ chicken mixture evenly over each. Top with another slice of Havarti, because when it comes to grilled cheese, more is definitely better. Cap it all off with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered sides face out for optimal crisping.

Step 6: Grill the Sandwiches

Carefully transfer your assembled sandwiches to a large non-stick skillet set over medium heat. Cook until the bottoms are deeply golden, about 3 to 5 minutes. Flip each sandwich, lower the heat to medium-low, and let the other side get just as beautifully browned while the Havarti melts into glorious ooze, another 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and let cool just slightly before slicing—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Garnishes

Add a finishing flourish to your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich with a light sprinkle of extra minced parsley or even chives. If you like an extra tang, try a quick drizzle of extra BBQ sauce or a scattering of thinly sliced green onions. These touches add freshness and make every bite feel even more special.

Side Dishes

Pair your sandwich with crunchy kettle-cooked chips, a classic creamy coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. For soup lovers, a tomato basil or corn chowder on the side turns this meal into the ultimate cozy feast, perfect for both lunch and dinner alike.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the halved sandwiches on a rustic wooden platter, holding each together with a cocktail pick. For parties, cut each BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich into quarters for shareable, bite-sized snacks. If you want to get a little fancy, serve with a ramekin of extra BBQ sauce for dipping—your guests will thank you!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day treat.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the sandwiches to cool completely, then wrap individually in parchment and plastic wrap. Place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag; they’ll stay tasty for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the crispiest bite, reheat your sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat, pressing gently with a spatula until both sides are hot and crispy again. You can also use a toaster oven; avoid the microwave if you can, as it will soften the bread.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich?

Absolutely! While Havarti melts beautifully, you can substitute with mozzarella, cheddar, or smoked gouda for a different cheesy twist. Experiment to find your favorite flavor combo.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Any good-quality bottled BBQ sauce works, but don’t hesitate to use your homemade favorite. Go sweet, spicy, smoky, or tangy—whichever suits your taste buds best. The key is using a sauce you love.

Is there a way to make this sandwich vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken with roasted jackfruit, pulled mushrooms, or your favorite plant-based protein for a vegetarian riff on the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich that’s still deeply satisfying.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and works perfectly, providing tender shreds that soak up all the BBQ and spice flavors beautifully. Just remove any skin and bones before using.

How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?

Start with sturdy bread like sourdough, and make sure the filling isn’t too wet. Toasting both sides of the sandwich with garlic butter forms a barrier that keeps everything crispy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a guaranteed way to win over friends, family, or simply treat yourself, this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is your ticket to pure sandwich happiness. Try it once, and it just might become your new go-to comfort food—cheesy, tangy, and full of bold flavor in every glorious bite!