The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a next-level comfort food masterpiece. With buttery, garlicky sourdough toasted to golden perfection and filled with tangy BBQ chicken, sautéed onions, and a double layer of creamy Havarti cheese, this sandwich hits every flavor and texture note perfectly.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving something indulgent and soul-satisfying, this recipe is as easy as it is irresistible. Pair it with a crisp side salad, fries, or even a cup of tomato soup for the ultimate cozy meal. Once you make it, it’s bound to become a repeat favorite.
Full Recipe:
For the BBQ Chicken:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup BBQ sauce
For the Garlic Butter Bread:
¼ cup butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons parsley, minced
12 slices sourdough or sturdy white bread
12 slices Havarti cheese
Directions:
In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté red onions until softened, about 2 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, garlic, and parsley. Microwave until melted and mix well.
Lay out 12 slices of bread. Brush one side of each with the garlic butter mixture. Flip all slices over (so buttered side is down).
Top 6 of the slices with 1 slice of Havarti cheese, followed by equal portions of the chicken mixture, then another slice of cheese.
Close the sandwiches with the remaining 6 slices of bread, buttered side up.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sandwiches and cook for 3–5 minutes per side, reducing heat to medium-low after flipping, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 692 kcal | Servings: 6 sandwiches
The Ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A Comfort Food Classic with a Smoky Twist
When it comes to comfort food, few things compete with the nostalgic and satisfying experience of biting into a grilled cheese sandwich. The crispy golden crust, the gooey melted cheese, and the warm, buttery richness combine to create a universally adored dish. Now imagine elevating that classic with the bold, smoky flavor of BBQ chicken, creamy Havarti cheese, and garlic-infused buttered bread. The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the ultimate upgrade—a hearty, flavor-packed twist that’s guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Why This Sandwich Works So Well
This sandwich is all about balance and boldness. The smoky BBQ sauce perfectly complements the savory chicken, while the cheese brings creaminess and richness. Havarti, a semi-soft Danish cheese, is particularly well-suited to grilled cheese sandwiches because of its buttery texture and excellent meltability. It doesn’t overpower the other components, but instead blends beautifully with the BBQ flavor.
The garlic buttered bread adds another level of flavor and texture. It’s crisped to golden-brown perfection, with just enough richness to make every bite indulgent. The garlic and parsley bring freshness and a savory depth that offsets the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, tying the whole sandwich together.
Perfect for All Occasions
One of the greatest things about this recipe is its versatility. It’s simple enough for a quick weekday lunch or dinner, but it also feels special enough to serve guests. Whether you’re planning a backyard get-together, feeding a hungry family, or just looking to elevate your sandwich game, this dish checks all the boxes.
This sandwich also adapts easily to various dietary preferences and tastes. Want a spicier version? Use a smoky chipotle BBQ sauce. Craving some crunch? Add a few slices of crispy bacon or even thin-cut pickles for an extra layer of flavor. The core concept is flexible and forgiving, encouraging creativity in the kitchen.
A Kid-Friendly Favorite (That Adults Love, Too!)
This recipe has the rare ability to bridge the taste gap between kids and adults. Kids love the cheesy, familiar texture of grilled cheese, while the BBQ chicken provides enough flavor to satisfy more mature palates. It’s a great way to introduce kids to new flavors without straying too far from the tried-and-true.
It also makes for an excellent packed lunch option. You can prep the chicken mixture in advance and even toast the sandwiches in the morning—they reheat surprisingly well, especially in an air fryer or toaster oven.
Easy Meal Planning with Leftovers in Mind
Another huge bonus? This sandwich is a fantastic way to use up leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken. With just a few additional pantry staples—BBQ sauce, onions, garlic, and cheese—you can transform last night’s dinner into something totally new and exciting. That makes this recipe an economical and efficient option, especially for meal preppers or busy parents.
You can even make the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Then, when you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches, all you have to do is butter the bread, layer your ingredients, and toast to perfection. Dinner in under 20 minutes? Yes, please.
Choosing the Right Bread
The bread choice in this sandwich plays a starring role, not just as a vessel but as a texture and flavor contributor. Sourdough is a popular favorite because of its sturdy structure and tangy taste, but any rustic white bread with a firm crust will work well. Avoid overly soft sandwich bread—it tends to get soggy under the weight of the fillings.
The garlic butter brushed on the outside is a game changer. Unlike plain butter, the added garlic and parsley elevate the bread with a subtle yet unmistakable savory flair. It crisps up beautifully in the skillet, creating the kind of crunchy, golden exterior that dreams are made of.
Why Havarti Cheese Is the Best Choice
While cheddar and American cheese are often go-to choices for grilled cheese, Havarti offers a rich and creamy experience that stands out. It melts quickly and evenly, has a mild flavor that doesn’t compete with the BBQ sauce, and provides the ideal stringy pull that makes grilled cheese sandwiches so satisfying.
If you can’t find Havarti, other great alternatives include mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky Gouda for extra depth. Cheese lovers might even consider blending two types for a custom melt.
Pro Tips for Grilling Sandwiches to Perfection
Even with a great recipe, the magic lies in the execution. Here are a few tried-and-true tips to ensure sandwich success every time:
Use medium heat: Too high, and your bread will burn before the cheese melts. Too low, and it won’t get that crispy texture.
Press gently while cooking: This helps compact the sandwich slightly, making sure everything sticks together and heats evenly.
Use a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan: These distribute heat evenly and create a perfect sear.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re cooking multiple sandwiches, give them space or cook in batches.
Great Pairings and Sides
This sandwich is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider a crisp coleslaw to balance the richness, or a tangy dill pickle to add bite. A bowl of creamy tomato soup brings a nostalgic vibe, while seasoned fries or potato chips keep things classic.
Want to go a little lighter? A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette can cut through the heaviness while still complementing the bold flavors of the sandwich.
Entertaining with BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
If you’re hosting a party or game day gathering, consider making a platter of these sandwiches sliced into halves or quarters. They make for irresistible finger food and are guaranteed to disappear fast. You can keep them warm in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F) until ready to serve.
You can also prep the sandwiches ahead of time, wrap them in foil, and heat them on a grill or in the oven for easy entertaining. It’s an efficient and delicious option for feeding a crowd.
Conclusion: A Sandwich Worth Savoring
The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is more than just a sandwich—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, gooey textures, and homemade comfort. It hits that sweet spot between indulgence and ease, making it perfect for both special occasions and weeknight meals.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner, a college student in need of a comforting bite, or just a foodie who loves trying creative spins on classics, this sandwich delivers on every front. It’s versatile, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Add it to your kitchen rotation, and it won’t be long before it becomes a go-to favorite in your home too.
Let the crispy, melty, smoky goodness speak for itself—just one bite, and you’ll understand why this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese stands in a league of its own.