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This BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich turns basic items into a mouthwatering comfort food treat. When smoky BBQ chicken meets smooth Havarti cheese and garlicky butter, you get a sandwich that feels familiar yet totally new.
I whipped these up one night while trying to use up extra chicken, and now they're what my family begs for most. My teens actually ask for them specifically when we're running around on busy evenings and need something tasty without a ton of work.
Ingredients
- Shredded roasted chicken: Forms your protein base and cuts down prep time when you use leftovers or store-bought rotisserie
- BBQ sauce: Brings that sweet-tangy kick that makes this more than just your average cheese sandwich
- Havarti cheese: Gets super gooey with a buttery taste that works magic with BBQ chicken
- Sourdough bread: Gives you the strength and slight sourness to handle the rich filling
- Garlic butter mixture: Adds amazing smell and turns golden brown when cooked
How To Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
- Prepare the BBQ chicken filling:
- Get those red onion slices cooking in olive oil until they're soft and see-through, about 2 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook just until you can smell it, roughly 30 seconds. Mix in your chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce, stirring until everything's warm and well-mixed, taking about 2-3 minutes.
- Create the garlic butter spread:
- Mix your butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley in a bowl you can microwave. Heat it until it just melts so everything mixes smoothly. The garlic will work its magic in the butter, making what will turn plain bread into something amazing.
- Assemble the sandwiches:
- Grab all your bread slices and cover each one with the garlic butter mix. On six slices, put down one piece of Havarti, then some BBQ chicken mix, then another slice of Havarti. Top with the other bread slices, making sure the buttery sides face out on both top and bottom.
- Cook until golden and melty:
- Put your sandwiches in a warm nonstick pan over medium heat. Let them cook until the bottom turns gold brown, about 3-5 minutes. Flip them carefully, turn the heat down a bit, and cook the other side until it browns and all the cheese inside gets totally melty, another 3-5 minutes or so.
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What I love most about making these is how the Worcestershire sauce adds an extra layer of flavor to the BBQ chicken mix. I found this out when I spilled some in by mistake, and now I can't make them without it. That little umami boost is what makes people remember these sandwiches.
Make-Ahead Options
These work great for planning ahead. You can fix the BBQ chicken mix up to three days early and keep it in a sealed container in your fridge. When you're ready, just warm it up in the microwave or in a small pot before building your sandwiches. You can also make the garlic butter ahead and store it in the fridge for a week just let it soften before you try to spread it.
Serving Suggestions
These filling sandwiches go really well with lighter sides that cut through their richness. Try a fresh green salad with a tangy dressing for balance. Homemade slaw works great too, matching the BBQ theme. If you want something more filling, add some sweet potato fries or a cup of tomato soup for dunking. When I have friends over, I often cut the sandwiches into triangles and set up a casual spread with different sides.
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Ingredient Substitutions
What's great about this sandwich is how flexible it is. Can't find Havarti? Try monterey jack, gouda, or mix some mozzarella and cheddar to get that same melt and flavor. While sourdough works really well, you could go fancy with brioche or healthier with whole grain bread. Don't eat meat? Swap the chicken for cooked mushrooms or jackfruit mixed with the same BBQ sauce combo for a similar feel and taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which BBQ sauce is best?
Choose any BBQ sauce you prefer, but smoky or sweet ones taste amazing with Havarti cheese.
- → Can Havarti be swapped?
Totally! Try Gouda, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for similar creamy, meltable options.
- → Tips for crispier bread?
Heat the pan before cooking and keep the heat at medium to get even, golden crusts.
- → Is it good for meal prep?
Best eaten fresh, but you can prep the BBQ chicken earlier and assemble sandwiches when ready to fry.
- → What sides pair well?
Serve this up with coleslaw, a quick salad, or tomato soup for an awesome combo.