BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Sweet smoky BBQ chicken layered with gooey Havarti and crispy golden garlic buttered bread makes this grilled cheese sandwich one of my most-requested comfort meals. It is perfect when you crave something hearty but do not want complicated prep and cleanup.

I still remember the first time I cooked these sandwiches for friends during a game night and nobody could stop talking about the buttery crunch or the creamy Havarti cheese. It instantly became my number one grilled cheese variation

Ingredients

• Olive oil: gives a silky base for sautéing and helps the onions caramelize gently choose a good quality extra virgin for best results
• Small red onion: thinly sliced makes things sweet and aromatic look for firm unblemished onions
• Garlic: adds savory depth and punch use fresh cloves for that real flavor payoff
• Shredded roasted chicken: saves time but still makes the filling rich and protein packed opt for rotisserie chicken from your deli or make your own
• Paprika: brings subtle smokiness you can use smoked paprika for deeper BBQ vibes
• Worcestershire sauce: delivers umami and complexity taste the sauce before adding so you can adjust for saltiness
• BBQ sauce: ties everything together with a sweet tangy kick pick your favorite brand or homemade
• Havarti cheese: melts into a creamy blanket over the chicken look for smooth firm slices without cracks
• Butter: is key for rich bread flavor and crispy edges real butter is best for the ultimate sandwich
• Fresh minced parsley: gives a little herby lift brightening up the garlic butter
• Sourdough or another sturdy bread: stands up to the filling and crisps up beautifully choose slices that feel dense and hefty

Step by Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Start with heating oil in a large skillet over medium heat then add the red onion slices. Let them cook slowly for about two minutes until softened and beginning to get sweet. Stir in the garlic and cook just until you smell the aroma which should take only about thirty seconds.

Build the Chicken Filling:

Mix in the shredded chicken with the softened onion and garlic. Add the paprika Worcestershire sauce and BBQ sauce. Stir well and let everything heat through for about two to three minutes so that the chicken is coated evenly and the flavors meld.

Make the Garlic Butter:

Combine butter minced garlic and parsley in a medium bowl. Place it in the microwave until the butter is melted and everything is fragrant.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

Lay out your twelve slices of bread on the counter. Spread the garlic butter mixture over each slice. Next flip them over so the buttered side faces down.

Layer the Ingredients:

Place six slices of cheese on six pieces of buttered bread then top with the warm BBQ chicken filling spreading it evenly. Add the remaining cheese slices on top of the chicken and cap each sandwich with the other buttered bread slices butter facing outward on both top and bottom.

Grill the Sandwiches:

Set the sandwiches into a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches until the bottom sides are deeply golden and crisp which will take about three to five minutes. Flip carefully reduce the heat to medium low and continue cooking for another three to five minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and the other side is golden.

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I find the Havarti cheese makes this recipe particularly special. My family gets excited when I bring home a big block of it just for grilled cheese and everyone ends up around the stovetop waiting to eat. It is amazing with the sweet tang of the BBQ chicken and the parsley garlic butter

Storage Tips

These sandwiches are best freshly made but can be reheated in a skillet over low heat the next day to crisp them up again. If you need to store them keep them wrapped in foil in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid microwaving which can make the bread soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

No Havarti Just use Monterey Jack Mozzarella or even sharp Cheddar for a different flavor

If you prefer another protein try shredded turkey or pulled pork in place of chicken

To make it vegetarian swap in drained canned chickpeas roughly mashed for a plant based twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sandwiches hot with a side of tangy coleslaw crisp dill pickles or your favorite tomato soup. They also pair beautifully with a simple green salad lightly dressed to balance the richness.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Grilled cheese has long been a beloved classic comfort food in many countries. The addition of barbecue sauce and tender shredded chicken brings a regional twist inspired by cookout season and backyard gatherings. Melty cheese sandwiches have been bridging generations as a way to bring family and friends around the table for decades.

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of bread works best?

Sturdy white or sourdough bread provides the structure and holds up well to the fillings and buttery coating when pan-grilled.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Havarti melts beautifully for a creamy texture, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar can also be used for similar melt and flavor.

→ Is leftover chicken suitable?

Yes, leftover rotisserie or roasted chicken can be shredded and works perfectly for this hearty sandwich.

→ How do I prevent the bread from burning?

Cook the sandwich over medium to medium-low heat, allowing the cheese to melt inside before the bread gets too crisp.

→ Can the sandwiches be made ahead?

You can prep the chicken and buttered bread ahead, but assemble and grill just before serving for best texture.