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This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a decadent twist on a classic, combining the bold, smoky flavor of BBQ chicken with gooey Havarti cheese and crispy garlic butter bread. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and creamy in each bite. Quick enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough to serve at gatherings, this sandwich is pure comfort food with a gourmet edge.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2½ cups shredded roasted chicken
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup BBQ sauce
12 slices Havarti cheese
For the Garlic Butter Bread
¼ cup butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons parsley, minced
12 slices sourdough or sturdy white bread

Directions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions for about 2 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

In a bowl, melt the butter with garlic and parsley. Spread the garlic butter on one side of each bread slice. Place 6 slices butter-side down on your prep surface. Top with one slice of cheese each, then divide the BBQ chicken mixture over them. Add another slice of cheese and top with the remaining bread, butter-side up.

Place the sandwiches in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the bottoms are browned, about 3–5 minutes. Flip and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook another 3–5 minutes until golden and the cheese is fully melted.

Nutrients (Per Sandwich – Approximate)

Calories: 692
Protein: 35g
Fat: 38g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: High (due to cheese and BBQ sauce)

Why BBQ Chicken and Cheese Just Works

Barbecue chicken is a staple of Southern and Midwestern cooking. It’s sweet, tangy, smoky, and savory, often enhanced with spices, Worcestershire sauce, and caramelized onions. When paired with a mild, creamy cheese like Havarti, it creates a delightful contrast—bold meatiness against buttery smoothness.

Havarti cheese is an ideal choice for this sandwich because it melts beautifully and has a subtle nutty flavor that complements the BBQ sauce without overwhelming it. Its silky texture makes every bite feel luxurious, while its mildness allows the bold chicken to shine.

When nestled between two slices of golden, garlic-buttered sourdough, the magic really happens. The bread offers crunch and structure, soaking up just enough of the juicy chicken without getting soggy. It’s a multi-sensory experience: crispy edges, stretchy cheese pulls, and rich, smoky filling in every bite.

The Secret Is in the Garlic Butter Bread

One of the standout features of this recipe is the garlic butter bread. Rather than using plain butter, this mixture includes minced garlic and fresh parsley, which toast up beautifully as the sandwich grills. It adds aromatic depth to the crispy exterior and makes the entire sandwich taste like it came straight out of a bistro kitchen.

The use of sourdough or a hearty white bread gives the sandwich durability and chewiness. These breads hold up well to the gooey interior and offer a rustic, artisanal texture that plain sandwich bread can’t match.

Not only does this garlic butter elevate the flavor, but it also creates an inviting golden crust that’s visually appealing and irresistibly crisp.

Quick to Prepare, Rich in Flavor

Despite its gourmet appeal, this grilled cheese sandwich is surprisingly easy to make. It comes together in about 20–25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours cooking.

Using shredded rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flavor. Just a quick sauté with onion, garlic, paprika, and BBQ sauce transforms it into a bold filling that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

And because you can make the chicken mixture ahead of time, this sandwich is also a great option for meal prepping or quick lunches throughout the week. Just assemble and grill when you’re ready to eat.

Perfect for All Occasions

This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese isn’t just for casual dinners—it’s also great for entertaining. You can cut the sandwiches into quarters and serve them as sliders or appetizers at parties and game day gatherings. The bold flavor and gooey texture make them a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids.

You can also customize the heat and sweetness of the BBQ sauce depending on your guests’ preferences. Prefer it smoky and spicy? Add chipotle BBQ sauce. Want it sweeter? Choose a honey-based sauce or add a splash of maple syrup. This adaptability makes it a staple you can turn to again and again.

What to Serve With BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

To round out your meal, consider pairing this sandwich with side dishes that offer contrast and freshness:

Classic tomato soup or smoky roasted red pepper soup for dunking
Crispy sweet potato fries or baked potato wedges
Coleslaw or a tangy vinegar-based salad to cut through the richness
Grilled corn or a fresh corn salsa
Dill pickles or pickled jalapeños for a sharp counterpoint

And for drinks? A crisp cider, sweet tea, or a light beer pairs beautifully with the smoky, creamy flavors in the sandwich.

Nutrition and Indulgence in Balance

At approximately 692 calories per sandwich, this dish falls into the “treat yourself” category. It’s rich in protein (35g) and healthy fats (38g), with carbohydrates (45g) coming mostly from the bread and BBQ sauce.

If you’re looking to lighten it up, here are a few adjustments:

Use reduced-fat cheese or less cheese overall
Swap butter for olive oil in the garlic spread
Use whole grain bread for more fiber and nutrients
Add greens like arugula or spinach inside the sandwich for freshness
Opt for low-sugar BBQ sauce to reduce sugar content

Even with modifications, the essence of the dish remains comforting and indulgent—because that’s what a grilled cheese should be.

Tips for the Best Grilled Cheese Experience

To ensure melty perfection and crispy bread:

Use medium heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts
Cover the skillet briefly to help the cheese melt faster
Use room-temperature cheese for more even melting
Avoid overfilling the sandwich—balance is key
Let the sandwich rest for a minute after cooking before slicing to keep everything in place

These small tweaks can make a big difference in the final texture and taste.

Conclusion

This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a decadent twist on a beloved classic, marrying bold BBQ flavor with creamy, melty Havarti and a crispy garlic butter crust. It’s hearty enough to satisfy big appetites, yet refined enough to serve at your next casual dinner party. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, smoky, and creamy, this sandwich is more than just comfort food—it’s an experience.

Fast to prepare, easy to customize, and endlessly delicious, it deserves a regular spot in your dinner rotation. One bite and you’ll understand why grilled cheese will never be the same again. Whether you’re in the mood to indulge or impress, this sandwich delivers on every level.

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