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Baked BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy these BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, featuring tender shredded chicken in zesty BBQ sauce, layered with gooey cheese, and grilled to crispy perfection. Ideal for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or white)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup pickles, sliced (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, boil or bake chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (about 20-30 minutes depending on thickness). Let it cool for a few minutes.
  2. Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Mix with BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
  4. Choose Your Bread: Select your favorite bread, such as sourdough for its crusty exterior.
  5. Butter the Bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
  6. Prepare the Cheese: If using block cheese, shred it now.
  7. Layer the Ingredients: On the unbuttered side of two slices of bread, add a generous layer of the BBQ chicken mixture, followed by a layer of shredded cheese. Add red onions or pickles if desired.
  8. Top with More Cheese: Add another layer of cheese on top of the toppings.
  9. Close the Sandwich: Place the other two slices of bread on top, buttered side facing out. Press down gently.
  10. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. Grill the Sandwiches: In a large skillet or griddle over medium heat, cook the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
  12. Transfer to the Oven: Once both sides are golden, transfer the sandwiches to a baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  13. Remove from Oven: Carefully take the sandwiches out of the oven and let them cool for a minute.
  14. Slice and Serve: Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and serve.
  15. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the chicken mixture for added nutrition.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.
  • For a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes