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This hearty BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich has transformed our weeknight dinner routine with its irresistible combination of savory BBQ chicken and melty Havarti cheese. The garlicky buttered sourdough bread creates a perfectly crispy exterior that complements the flavorful filling inside.
I first made these sandwiches when looking for ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken, and they've since become a requested favorite in our house. My kids who normally pick at their dinner practically inhale these sandwiches each time I make them.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics without burning and adds a subtle richness to the filling
- Red onion: Provides a slight sweetness and beautiful color contrast in the BBQ chicken mixture
- Fresh garlic cloves: Deliver aromatic flavor to both the filling and the butter spread; look for firm bulbs with tight skin
- Shredded roasted chicken: Creates the hearty base; use leftovers from a homemade roast or grab a rotisserie chicken for convenience
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that enhances the BBQ flavor; choose a fresh vibrant colored spice for best results
- Worcestershire sauce: Introduces umami and tanginess; a little goes a long way
- BBQ sauce: Brings the signature flavor; choose a high quality brand or homemade for best results
- Havarti cheese: Melts beautifully with a buttery texture that complements the chicken perfectly
- Butter: Creates the golden exterior crust; use unsalted for better control of flavor
- Fresh parsley: Adds a bright herbaceous note to the garlic butter; choose vibrant green bunches
- Sourdough bread: Stands up well to the filling with a slight tanginess; look for fresh bakery loaves with a good crust
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling:
- Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers slightly but doesn't smoke. Add your thinly sliced red onion and cook until they become translucent and soft, stirring occasionally for about 2 minutes. The onions should wilt without browning. Add the minced garlic and cook just until you can smell its fragrance, approximately 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter. Add your shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce, stirring thoroughly to ensure even coating. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together.
- Create the Garlic Butter Spread:
- Combine your butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals until just melted, being careful not to overheat. Stir well to evenly distribute the garlic and herbs throughout the butter. This aromatic butter will create the perfect golden crust on your sandwich while adding flavor to every bite.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Lay all 12 bread slices on your work surface and brush the melted garlic butter mixture over one side of each slice. Make sure to spread it evenly all the way to the edges. Flip each piece over so the buttered sides are facing down. On 6 of the slices, place a slice of Havarti cheese, followed by an even portion of the BBQ chicken mixture. Top the chicken with another slice of Havarti and crown with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered sides are facing outward.
- Cook to Golden Perfection:
- Place your assembled sandwiches in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Allow them to cook undisturbed until the bottom develops a beautiful golden brown color, about 3-5 minutes. Using a spatula, carefully flip each sandwich over, reduce the heat to medium-low, and continue cooking until the second side is equally golden and the cheese has melted completely, another 3-5 minutes. The lower heat for the second side prevents burning while giving the cheese time to melt properly.
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The Havarti cheese is truly the star ingredient here with its buttery smooth texture and exceptional melting quality. Our family tradition of Friday grilled cheese night got a serious upgrade when I introduced this version. Even my picky nephew who normally avoids anything with onions devoured every bite.
Perfect Pairings
These hearty sandwiches pair beautifully with lighter sides to balance the meal. Try serving with a crisp green salad dressed simply with vinaigrette or a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food combination. For a more substantial meal, sweet potato fries or a simple coleslaw provide complementary flavors and textures that enhance the BBQ profile.
Make It Your Own
This recipe welcomes customization based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Try different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack for interesting flavor variations. The BBQ sauce can be swapped for different styles from tangy Carolina to sweet Kansas City or spicy Texas varieties. For a lighter version, use rotisserie chicken breast only and reduce the cheese by half.
Storage and Reheating
These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, covered with a lid for 2-3 minutes per side. This method helps recrisp the bread while gently remelting the cheese without making the sandwich soggy. Avoid microwave reheating as it will result in a soft texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of bread works best?
Sturdy breads like sourdough or white sandwich bread are great choices as they hold up well during grilling.
- → Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Havarti with cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda for a similar melty texture.
- → How should I cook the chicken?
Use pre-roasted chicken or prepare fresh shredded chicken to mix with the BBQ sauce and seasonings.
- → What’s the best way to melt the butter mixture?
You can microwave the butter with garlic and parsley until melted, or melt it gently in a small saucepan on the stove.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture in advance and assemble the sandwiches just before grilling.