BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Crispy sourdough filled with BBQ chicken and melted cheddar-mozzarella blend

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken & BBQ Mixture

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
02 - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)

→ Cheese

03 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

→ Bread & Butter

05 - 8 slices sourdough or country-style bread
06 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Optional Add-Ins

07 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

# Steps:

01 - In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.
02 - In a separate bowl, combine the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
03 - Lay out the bread slices. Spread one side of each slice with softened butter.
04 - Turn 4 slices butter-side down. Top each with 1/4 of the BBQ chicken mixture, a generous layer of mixed cheese, and optional onion and cilantro if desired. Place the remaining bread slices on top, butter-side up, to form sandwiches.
05 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
06 - Place sandwiches in the skillet (work in batches if needed). Cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and crispy and cheese is fully melted.
07 - Remove from skillet, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way the tangy BBQ sauce cuts through the rich melted cheese creates that perfect balance we all crave in comfort food
  • It transforms leftover chicken into something people actually get excited about eating
  • The crispy buttery bread holds everything together while the inside stays impossibly gooey
02 -
  • Medium heat is crucial here because high heat burns the bread before the cheese melts through
  • Pressing gently with your spatula helps the bread make contact with the skillet for even crisping
  • Letting the sandwiches rest for a minute after cooking keeps the cheese from running out when you slice them
03 -
  • Mayo instead of butter creates an even crispier crust and will not burn as easily
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one for the most even heat distribution

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