Name: BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large or 8 small thick slices of Sourdough, Tiger, or Giraffe Bread; 2 packed cups / 250g-300g cooked shredded chicken; 2/3 cup / 160g BBQ sauce (or to preference); 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, finely diced (or to spice preference); 1/4 - 1/3 cup finely diced red onion; 4 square slices of Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese; 4 square slices of Cheddar cheese (or second cheese of choice); Butter, as needed

I absolutely adore a sandwich that brings together comfort food and bold flavor, and this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe does just that. It's one of my go-to dishes when I crave something hearty, cheesy, and packed with a smoky, tangy punch. The mix of tender shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce, coupled with melty cheeses nestled between thick slices of artisan bread, creates a flavor explosion that's impossible to resist. Every bite is warm, gooey, and just a little bit spicy, making it my perfect quick meal or casual dinner idea.

Why You'll Love This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

What really gets me excited about this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe is the beautiful marriage of flavors and textures. The smoky BBQ sauce clings to juicy shredded chicken, while the combination of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses provides creamy richness balanced by just a touch of sharpness. The red onion and pickled jalapeños add those little bursts of freshness and heat that elevate the whole sandwich beyond your average grilled cheese.

I also appreciate how straightforward it is to make. You only need a handful of ingredients, and most importantly, the method is quick—perfect for when I want a satisfying meal on the table without fuss. It doesn’t require fancy equipment or complicated steps, yet it shines with an impressive depth of flavor and gooey meltiness that feels so indulgent.

For me, this recipe is ideal for a casual lunch, a late-night snack, or even as a crowd-pleaser at game days and casual gatherings. The rustic bread toasts to a crisp golden brown, creating a perfect crunchy exterior that holds that melty, gooey, spicy filling inside. Every time I make it, I’m reminded why it stands out as one of my favorite grilled cheese variations.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a four-step process of making a sandwich on a white marbled surface. The first layer is a slice of bread being brushed with a shiny, light yellow spread with sprinkles of green herbs by a red brush. The second layer adds two slices of white cheese with small holes laid flat on the bread. The third layer has a heap of dark brown cooked mushrooms with a glossy texture placed over the cheese. The final step shows the sandwich closed with another slice of bread, also brushed with the yellow spread and herb bits, resting on top of the cheese and mushroom filling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, lending the perfect balance of texture, taste, and color to the finished sandwich. From the thick, crusty bread that crisps up wonderfully, to the cheeses that melt into cheesy decadence, every element is straightforward but crucial.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Bread: I like sourdough or tiger bread because their sturdy texture holds up well to the filling and toasting.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken works best for even distribution of BBQ flavor throughout the sandwich.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade version to control the smokiness and sweetness.
Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that balances the spice.
Cheddar Cheese: A sharper cheddar adds depth and a nice contrast to the Monterey Jack.
Red Onion: Finely diced to add crunch and a hint of sharpness.
Pickled Jalapeños: These bring a zesty kick and just the right amount of heat.
Butter: Essential for creating a golden, crispy crust on the bread.

Directions

Step 1: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, BBQ sauce, finely diced red onion, and pickled jalapeños. Mix everything evenly so that the chicken is thoroughly coated and set aside while you prepare the bread.

Step 2: Turn your stove burner off and place two slices of your chosen bread in a large pan. Butter one side of each slice, then carefully flip them so the buttered sides are down against the pan. This ensures the bread crisps up nicely later.

Step 3: Layer two slices of Monterey Jack cheese on one slice of bread in the pan. On top of that, pile half of the BBQ chicken mixture, making sure it’s spread evenly but not spilling over.

Step 4: Add two slices of Cheddar cheese over the chicken, then cover with another slice of bread, buttering the top side as well. Now turn your stove heat to medium.

Step 5: Cook the sandwich until the bottom bread is golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula, press lightly to help the filling meld together, and cook the other side until it’s also golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted through the center.

Step 6: Remove your sandwich from the pan, slice it in half, and serve immediately while still warm and melty. The aroma alone will have you diving right in!

Servings and Timing

This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe makes 2 generous servings, perfect for sharing or enjoying a hearty meal by yourself. The prep time is about 5 minutes, with cooking taking around 13 minutes, for a total time of approximately 18 minutes. There’s no need for resting or cooling—this sandwich is best enjoyed hot off the pan to experience all the gooey, melty goodness at its peak.

How to Serve This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

A grilled sandwich is shown with three visible layers: the top and bottom layers are golden-brown toasted bread with a crispy texture, sprinkled with small green herbs. The middle layer is full of shredded, dark brown cooked meat mixed with melted, creamy white cheese that is softly oozing out, creating a glossy texture. The sandwich sits on a white marbled surface with scattered bits of herbs and crumbs around it. In the background, a blurred second sandwich appears with the same layers and colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this sandwich with some crisp, fresh sides that complement its rich flavors. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works beautifully to cut through the richness. Alternatively, some crunchy coleslaw or a handful of potato chips adds a nice texture contrast. For a heartier option, roasted vegetables or baked beans turn this into a satisfying comfort meal.

For presentation, I’ve found that slicing the sandwich diagonally enhances that classic grilled cheese look and makes it easier to handle. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra jalapeño slices on the side adds a pop of color that always impresses guests.

When it comes to drinks, a crisp pale ale or a fruity rosé pairs perfectly with the smoky BBQ flavors. If you’re sticking to non-alcoholic options, I love a cold lemonade or iced tea with a splash of lemon to brighten things up. This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe is wonderful served piping hot, straight from the pan, but it’s also delicious warm after a few minutes resting.

Variations

I’m always up for tweaking this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe to suit different moods or dietary needs. For example, swapping out the bread for a gluten-free variety works well if you’re avoiding gluten, though you’ll want to be gentle to prevent it from crumbling. For a vegan twist, I like using plant-based chicken alternatives and dairy-free cheese slices, along with vegan butter. The key is choosing a cheese that melts nicely for that gooey texture.

Flavor-wise, you can easily customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of pickled jalapeños or swapping them for other spicy peppers like banana or serrano. For a smoky twist, a chipotle BBQ sauce adds incredible depth. You can also try mixing different cheeses—adding mozzarella for stretchiness or pepper jack for extra spice is a fun way to experiment.

For cooking methods, while I usually pan-fry this sandwich, I’ve had great results grilling it on a panini press, which gives a crisp, even crust. Baking it in the oven on a sheet tray until golden is another hands-off option, especially when making multiple sandwiches at once.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese, store the sandwiches in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. I find that refrigeration for up to 2 days works best to keep the bread from getting too soggy.

Freezing

Freezing grilled cheese sandwiches can be a bit tricky because the texture of the bread changes. However, I’ve had success freezing them individually wrapped in foil or plastic wrap, then placed inside a freezer bag. They keep well for about 1 month. To thaw, I recommend transferring to the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, avoid microwaving if possible, as this makes the bread rubbery and soggy. I prefer reheating in a skillet over medium-low heat, pressing lightly with a spatula to revive the crispiness, and covering the pan briefly to help the cheese melt again. Alternatively, reheating in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes is great for restoring that fresh-cooked bite.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken from a rotisserie or cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or any well-cooked chicken breast shredded finely works perfectly in this recipe. Just toss the chicken with BBQ sauce and other ingredients as directed to make this grilled cheese super flavorful.

What type of BBQ sauce is best for this recipe?

I often choose a smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce to complement the cheese without overpowering it. You can use store-bought or homemade sauces depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that thicker sauces hold up better inside the sandwich.

Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Yes! The pickled jalapeños provide a nice spicy kick, but you can adjust the amount or substitute with milder peppers if you prefer. Adding hot sauce to the chicken mixture is another way to up the heat.

Is there a recommended cheese combination for the best melt?

Monterey Jack combined with Cheddar is ideal because Monterey Jack melts smoothly while Cheddar adds sharpness and flavor complexity. You can swap in mozzarella or pepper jack if you want to experiment with textures and heat level.

Can this sandwich be made in advance for meal prep?

While you can prepare the filling ahead of time, I recommend assembling and cooking the sandwiches fresh for the best texture. If you make them in advance, storing the bread and filling separately is your best bet to avoid sogginess.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe as I am every time I make it. There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into that melty, smoky, slightly spicy sandwich that just hits the comfort food spot every time. It’s simple to prepare but packed with flavor, making it perfect for countless meals. Give it a go and let it become a new favorite in your recipe rotation—I promise, you won’t regret it!