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Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Got a craving for something bold? Picture juicy BBQ chicken and bubbling Havarti tucked inside toasted, garlicky bread. First, sizzle up your garlic and red onion to pack in some extra punch. Next, toss them in with your chicken, smoked paprika, a dash of Worcestershire, and as much BBQ sauce as you want. Slather herby garlic butter onto each bread slice. Build up your stack with your chicken mixture and cheese, then slap it all in a hot pan. Let both sides turn golden brown and get that cheese melting just right. You'll bite into sweet, smoky, cheesy goodness wrapped in crunchy bread—a total comfort meal for game night or hanging with friends.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Authored By Elisa
Updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 14:48:38 GMT
Meaty, cheesy sandwich resting on a wooden surface. Bookmark
Meaty, cheesy sandwich resting on a wooden surface. | recipesbyelisa.com

When you crave something comforting with a bold twist, these BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches come through every time. The crispy garlicky bread and smoky tangy chicken create the ultimate bite, all wrapped up in oozy Havarti cheese. They earn cheers whenever I make them and have practically become a family tradition during busy weeknights.

The first time I made these was after a long school day when everyone was tired and hungry. My family devoured them and now they are my rainy day crave cure.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: ensures your onions sauté perfectly and carry flavor
  • Small red onion: gives a bit of sweetness and color
  • Fresh garlic: makes the filling deeply aromatic try to use plump cloves
  • Shredded roasted chicken: keeps things juicy leftover rotisserie works wonders
  • Paprika: adds gentle warmth use smoked paprika if you want a subtle smoky kick
  • Worcestershire sauce: deepens the savory edge
  • BBQ sauce: brings that sweet tang quality sauce makes all the difference
  • Havarti cheese: melts beautifully and gives a creamy pull choose slices from the deli section for best texture
  • Butter: is the base for your crisp sandwich exterior use real unsalted for the richest flavor
  • Parsley: fresh and finely chopped for a vibrant note
  • Sourdough bread: sturdy enough to hold fillings works well thickly sliced white bread also does the trick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Aromatics:
Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat and let it warm up. Toss in thinly sliced red onion and cook gently for about two minutes until they soften and start to caramelize. Sprinkle in minced garlic and cook for another thirty seconds just until fragrant. This layering of flavors sets up everything that follows.
Mix the Chicken Filling:
To the skillet with cooked aromatics add shredded chicken paprika Worcestershire sauce and a hearty cup of BBQ sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat everything. Cook two or three minutes just until the mixture is warmed through and deeply flavorful.
Prepare Garlic Butter:
In a medium bowl combine butter minced garlic and fresh parsley. Microwave until fully melted and then stir thoroughly so every bit of garlic and parsley is evenly distributed. This will become the powerhouse for crisping your bread.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Lay out all bread slices on your counter. Spread the garlic butter mixture over every piece making sure to cover edge to edge. Flip them over so the buttered side faces out and start building on the unbuttered side. Add a slice of Havarti to half of the bread pieces then heap the BBQ chicken mixture evenly. Cover with another slice of cheese and close with a second piece of bread buttered side exposed.
Grill to Golden Perfection:
Set a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and place as many sandwiches as fit without crowding. Cook three to five minutes until the first side is brown and crisp. Flip carefully reduce heat to medium low and cook an additional three to five minutes until the cheese melts and the other side is equally golden. Resist turning the heat up too high to avoid burning the bread before the center is gooey.
A sandwich with meat and sauce on it. Bookmark
A sandwich with meat and sauce on it. | recipesbyelisa.com

I am absolutely hooked on Havarti cheese in this recipe. It just melts so smoothly and adds richness without overpowering the BBQ flavors. My favorite moments are watching everyone’s faces light up as the cheese stretches with every single bite.

Storage Tips

Let sandwiches cool completely before wrapping in foil or airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat place in a skillet over low heat until the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in mozzarella or sharp cheddar if Havarti is not available. Any sturdy bread works but sourdough delivers unbeatable flavor. Use leftover turkey or even pulled pork for a fun twist when you are out of chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Cut sandwiches in halves or quarters for party platters. Pair with crisp coleslaw a pickle spear or even spicy potato chips for a homestyle meal. They also partner beautifully with a tomato soup dip.

A sandwich with meat and cheese on a wooden table. Bookmark
A sandwich with meat and cheese on a wooden table. | recipesbyelisa.com

Cultural and Recipe History

Grilled cheese has deep roots in American cuisine but this version leans into barbecue traditions making it a fusion classic. The garlic buttered bread takes inspiration from diner cooks who know a proper sandwich starts with a very crisp exterior.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Is one bread better for grilling?

If you want a grilled sandwich that really holds up, go for sourdough or chunky white bread since they stay crisp and don't get soggy.

→ Can you swap out Havarti?

You bet. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar melt up nice and creamy too, so use what you've got.

→ Is roasted chicken the only way to go?

Roasted chicken is super tender and tasty, but rotisserie or any leftover cooked chicken works just as well.

→ How do I stop my bread from getting burnt?

Cook over medium or lower the heat and keep an eye on things. Flip when the underside is a deep golden color so it doesn't scorch.

→ Can you prep the BBQ chicken filling before you need it?

Definitely! Make your BBQ chicken mix early so you can whip up sandwiches fast whenever you want during the week.

BBQ Chicken Melt

Tender BBQ chicken and smooth cheese toasted on garlic butter bread—super filling and full of flavor.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Total Time Required
25 minutes
Authored By: Elisa

Type of Recipe: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine Type: American

Servings Count: 6 Number of Servings (6 sandwiches)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Garlic Butter Bread

Ingredient 01 12 slices sourdough or thick white bread
Ingredient 02 2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley
Ingredient 03 2 cloves garlic, minced
Ingredient 04 60 grams unsalted butter

→ BBQ Chicken

Ingredient 05 12 slices Havarti cheese
Ingredient 06 240 millilitres BBQ sauce
Ingredient 07 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Ingredient 08 0.5 teaspoon paprika
Ingredient 09 2.5 cups shredded cooked chicken
Ingredient 10 3 cloves garlic, minced
Ingredient 11 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Ingredient 12 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Toss your sandwiches into the big non-stick skillet set on medium. Cook until one side turns golden, about 3–5 minutes. Flip them over, lower the heat a bit, and cook the other side until it’s toasted and the cheese has melted, about 3–5 minutes more.

Step 02

Flip your buttered bread over, then on six of them, set down one piece of cheese, then spread the BBQ chicken mix, and top with another cheese slice. Close each one up with the leftover bread; remember, the buttery side should be on the outside.

Step 03

Line up all twelve bread slices on your counter. Slather them each with the garlic butter so they’re nice and even.

Step 04

Drop garlic, parsley, and butter into a bowl. Heat in the microwave till melted, then stir till smooth.

Step 05

Toss the pulled chicken, paprika, Worcestershire, and BBQ sauce into your skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir everything so it mixes well and let it warm through for a couple of minutes.

Step 06

Pour olive oil into a good-sized skillet and warm it up on medium. Toss in the onions and cook till they’ve softened—should take a couple of minutes. Add the garlic and let it get nice and fragrant, about half a minute.

Extra Tips and Tricks

  1. Let your sandwiches cool for a moment before you cut them—this way, the cheese stays gooey and your slices look neat.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Large non-stick skillet
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Microwave
  • Spatula
  • Chef's knife

Allergy Information

Always double-check ingredient lists for allergens and seek advice if you're unsure.
  • Has milk
  • Has wheat
  • Has soy (Worcestershire sauce)

Nutritional Information (per portion)

The provided details are purely informational and should not replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 692
  • Fat Amount: ~
  • Carbohydrate Amount: ~
  • Protein Amount: ~