1. Home
  2. All Recipes
  3. BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Enjoy the bold fusion of juicy BBQ chicken and melted Havarti layered between slices of golden, garlicky sourdough. Sauté red onions and garlic for depth, then toss with tender roasted chicken, paprika, tangy Worcestershire, and generous BBQ sauce. Smear bread with parsley-garlic butter, stack it with chicken and cheese, and pan-grill until both sides are golden and the cheese bubbles. Each bite offers sweet, smoky, and creamy notes wrapped in crisp bread, making for a comforting dish that is perfect for sharing at any family table or game day gathering.

Save to Pinterest Share Recipe Send This Print Recipe Skip to Recipe
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 13:51:52 GMT
A sandwich with meat and cheese on a wooden table. Save
A sandwich with meat and cheese on a wooden table. | sarahmeal.com

When you crave something comforting with a bold twist, these BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches come through every time. The crispy garlicky bread and smoky tangy chicken create the ultimate bite, all wrapped up in oozy Havarti cheese. They earn cheers whenever I make them and have practically become a family tradition during busy weeknights.

The first time I made these was after a long school day when everyone was tired and hungry. My family devoured them and now they are my rainy day crave cure.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: ensures your onions sauté perfectly and carry flavor
  • Small red onion: gives a bit of sweetness and color
  • Fresh garlic: makes the filling deeply aromatic try to use plump cloves
  • Shredded roasted chicken: keeps things juicy leftover rotisserie works wonders
  • Paprika: adds gentle warmth use smoked paprika if you want a subtle smoky kick
  • Worcestershire sauce: deepens the savory edge
  • BBQ sauce: brings that sweet tang quality sauce makes all the difference
  • Havarti cheese: melts beautifully and gives a creamy pull choose slices from the deli section for best texture
  • Butter: is the base for your crisp sandwich exterior use real unsalted for the richest flavor
  • Parsley: fresh and finely chopped for a vibrant note
  • Sourdough bread: sturdy enough to hold fillings works well thickly sliced white bread also does the trick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Aromatics:
Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat and let it warm up. Toss in thinly sliced red onion and cook gently for about two minutes until they soften and start to caramelize. Sprinkle in minced garlic and cook for another thirty seconds just until fragrant. This layering of flavors sets up everything that follows.
Mix the Chicken Filling:
To the skillet with cooked aromatics add shredded chicken paprika Worcestershire sauce and a hearty cup of BBQ sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat everything. Cook two or three minutes just until the mixture is warmed through and deeply flavorful.
Prepare Garlic Butter:
In a medium bowl combine butter minced garlic and fresh parsley. Microwave until fully melted and then stir thoroughly so every bit of garlic and parsley is evenly distributed. This will become the powerhouse for crisping your bread.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Lay out all bread slices on your counter. Spread the garlic butter mixture over every piece making sure to cover edge to edge. Flip them over so the buttered side faces out and start building on the unbuttered side. Add a slice of Havarti to half of the bread pieces then heap the BBQ chicken mixture evenly. Cover with another slice of cheese and close with a second piece of bread buttered side exposed.
Grill to Golden Perfection:
Set a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and place as many sandwiches as fit without crowding. Cook three to five minutes until the first side is brown and crisp. Flip carefully reduce heat to medium low and cook an additional three to five minutes until the cheese melts and the other side is equally golden. Resist turning the heat up too high to avoid burning the bread before the center is gooey.
A sandwich with meat and sauce on it. Save
A sandwich with meat and sauce on it. | sarahmeal.com

I am absolutely hooked on Havarti cheese in this recipe. It just melts so smoothly and adds richness without overpowering the BBQ flavors. My favorite moments are watching everyone’s faces light up as the cheese stretches with every single bite.

Storage Tips

Let sandwiches cool completely before wrapping in foil or airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat place in a skillet over low heat until the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in mozzarella or sharp cheddar if Havarti is not available. Any sturdy bread works but sourdough delivers unbeatable flavor. Use leftover turkey or even pulled pork for a fun twist when you are out of chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Cut sandwiches in halves or quarters for party platters. Pair with crisp coleslaw a pickle spear or even spicy potato chips for a homestyle meal. They also partner beautifully with a tomato soup dip.

A sandwich with meat and cheese on a wooden table. Save
A sandwich with meat and cheese on a wooden table. | sarahmeal.com

Cultural and Recipe History

Grilled cheese has deep roots in American cuisine but this version leans into barbecue traditions making it a fusion classic. The garlic buttered bread takes inspiration from diner cooks who know a proper sandwich starts with a very crisp exterior.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of bread works best for grilling?

Sturdy breads like sourdough or thick white bread ensure the sandwich holds together and crisps well during grilling.

→ Can I substitute Havarti cheese?

Yes, other melty cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar also work well for a creamy texture.

→ Do I need to use roasted chicken?

Shredded roasted chicken offers tenderness and flavor, but rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken are great alternatives.

→ How do I keep the bread from burning?

Cook over medium or medium-low heat and monitor closely, flipping when deep golden brown to avoid burning.

→ Can I prepare the BBQ chicken mix in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare the BBQ chicken filling ahead for easy assembly and quick meals throughout the week.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Savory BBQ chicken and creamy cheese grilled on buttery garlic bread for a hearty, flavorful meal.

Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Duration
25 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 6 Portion Size (6 sandwiches)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ BBQ Chicken

Ingredient 01 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredient 02 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Ingredient 03 3 cloves garlic, minced
Ingredient 04 2.5 cups shredded roasted chicken
Ingredient 05 0.5 teaspoon paprika
Ingredient 06 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Ingredient 07 240 millilitres BBQ sauce
Ingredient 08 12 slices Havarti cheese

→ Garlic Butter Bread

Ingredient 09 60 grams unsalted butter
Ingredient 10 2 cloves garlic, minced
Ingredient 11 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, minced
Ingredient 12 12 slices sourdough or sturdy white bread

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté sliced red onion until soft, about 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.

Instruction 02

Add shredded roasted chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook until heated through, 2–3 minutes.

Instruction 03

Combine butter, minced garlic, and parsley in a medium bowl. Microwave until butter is melted and ingredients are well mixed.

Instruction 04

Arrange 12 slices of bread on a work surface. Spread garlic butter mixture evenly over each piece.

Instruction 05

Turn each slice over. On six slices, layer one Havarti cheese slice, an equal portion of BBQ chicken mixture, and another slice of cheese. Top with the remaining bread, buttered side facing outward.

Instruction 06

Place assembled sandwiches in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook until golden brown on the bottom, about 3–5 minutes. Flip, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking until both sides are browned and cheese is melted, 3–5 minutes more.

Additional Tips

  1. Allow sandwiches to rest briefly before slicing for cleaner cuts and optimal melted cheese texture.

Essential Tools

  • Large non-stick skillet
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Microwave
  • Spatula
  • Chef's knife

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten
  • Contains soy (Worcestershire sauce)

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 692
  • Fat Content: ~
  • Carbohydrate Content: ~
  • Protein Content: ~