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.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
- 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.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 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
- Melt the Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Microwave until melted, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- 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
- 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
- Pan-Fry the Sandwiches: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet.
- Brown the Bottoms: Cook until the bottom of the sandwiches is golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- 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.
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 15minutes