Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a grilled cheese sandwich. But what if you could elevate this beloved classic into a hearty, savory meal? Enter the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich! This mouthwatering creation combines the creamy goodness of Havarti cheese, tender shredded chicken, and a flavorful BBQ sauce, all nestled between two slices of perfectly toasted garlic buttered bread. It’s the ultimate fusion of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds!

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Why You’ll Love Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are the perfect addition to any dinner table, providing a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this dish:

1. Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 25 minutes, this sandwich is a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without the hassle.
2. Crowd-Pleaser: This sandwich is sure to please family and friends alike, making it ideal for gatherings, picnics, or simply a comforting dinner at home.
3. Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste. Add your favorite spices, incorporate vegetables, or swap out the cheese for something new!
4. Perfectly Satisfying: The combination of BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and crispy bread creates a satisfying meal that fills you up without weighing you down.

Ingredients for Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

BBQ Chicken

To create the flavorful BBQ chicken filling, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Red Onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Adds a sweet and savory flavor.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Enhances the overall taste with its aromatic qualities.
• Shredded Roasted Chicken (2½ cups): The star protein of this dish, offering tender and juicy bites.
• Smoked Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle smokiness and depth of flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1 teaspoon): Provides a complex, savory note to the chicken mixture.
• BBQ Sauce (1 cup): Choose your favorite brand or homemade version for the best flavor.
• Havarti Cheese (12 slices): This creamy cheese melts beautifully and complements the BBQ flavors perfectly.

Garlic Butter Bread

To prepare the delicious garlic butter bread, gather these ingredients:

• Butter (¼ cup): Provides a rich base for spreading on the bread.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the butter with a rich garlic flavor.
• Parsley (2 teaspoons, minced): Adds a fresh herbal note to the butter.
• Sourdough or Sturdy White Bread (12 slices): The perfect bread to hold all the delicious fillings without getting soggy.

How to Make Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling

1. Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Combine Chicken and Seasoning: Add the shredded roasted chicken to the skillet along with the smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Stir everything to combine and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Microwave until melted, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
2. Spread the Butter: Lay the 12 slices of sourdough bread on a work surface. Use a pastry brush or spoon to spread the melted garlic butter mixture over each slice.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Layer the Ingredients: Turn half of the buttered slices over, and on each slice, add 2 slices of Havarti cheese and an even portion of the BBQ chicken mixture. Top with another 2 slices of Havarti cheese, then cover with the remaining buttered slices of bread, buttered side up.

Step 4: Cook the Sandwiches

1. Pan-Fry the Sandwiches: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet.
2. Brown the Bottoms: Cook until the bottom of the sandwiches is golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Flip and Finish Cooking: Turn the sandwiches over, reduce the heat to medium-low, and continue cooking until the second side is browned and the cheese has melted, another 3 to 5 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will elevate the flavors of your sandwich. Opt for good-quality bread and BBQ sauce for the best results.
• Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as jalapeños, pickles, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for an extra flavor boost.
• Don’t Rush the Cooking: Cooking the sandwiches on medium to low heat allows the cheese to melt perfectly without burning the bread.
• Serve Immediately: These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh and hot, so serve them right off the skillet for the ultimate gooey experience.

Variations of Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

While the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is delicious as is, you can easily switch things up to suit your preferences:

1. Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese

Swap out the BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce for a spicy twist. Add some blue cheese crumbles for an extra kick.

2. Vegetarian Option

For a meatless version, substitute the shredded chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also use chickpeas for added protein.

3. Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla

For a different take, use flour tortillas instead of bread and make a quesadilla with the BBQ chicken filling and cheese. Cook on a skillet until crispy and melted.

4. Add Some Greens

Incorporate fresh spinach or arugula into the filling for added nutrition and a pop of color.

Serving Suggestions

To complement your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, consider serving them with the following sides:

1. Tomato Soup

A classic pairing, a warm bowl of tomato soup is perfect for dipping your grilled cheese sandwich.

2. Coleslaw

The crunch of a refreshing coleslaw balances the richness of the sandwich, adding a light and tangy element.

3. Potato Chips

Serve with a side of crispy potato chips or homemade sweet potato fries for a satisfying crunch.

4. Pickles

Tangy pickles add a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the sandwich.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

If you find yourself with leftover sandwiches, here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigeration

• Place the sandwiches in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing

• For longer storage, you can freeze the sandwiches. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat, cover with a lid, and cook until warmed through and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven or microwave, though the skillet will yield the best results.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a delightful twist on the classic comfort food that brings together rich flavors and textures in a simple and satisfying meal. Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick dinner, serving them at a gathering, or enjoying them as a cozy weekend treat, these sandwiches are sure to impress.

With their ease of preparation, crowd-pleasing taste, and customization options, BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches deserve a spot in your recipe repertoire. So gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and indulge in this delicious creation that’s perfect for any occasion!