This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese combines crispy, garlicky bread with tender, flavorful BBQ chicken and smooth, melted Havarti cheese. The garlic butter gives the bread a rich, savory base, while the BBQ chicken adds a smoky and tangy twist. The sweetness of the BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the mild and creamy Havarti, creating an irresistible contrast of flavors. Whether served alone or with a side of chips or slaw, this sandwich is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. You can customize it by choosing your favorite BBQ sauce, and if you prefer, substitute the Havarti cheese for another variety like cheddar or gouda.
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 small red onion, thinly sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
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½ teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 cup BBQ sauce
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12 slices Havarti cheese
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¼ cup butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 teaspoons parsley, minced
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12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread
Directions:
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Stir in the shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is heated through.
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In a separate bowl, mix together butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Microwave until the butter is melted.
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Lay 12 slices of bread on a work surface. Spread the melted garlic butter mixture over each slice.
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Turn the slices over and layer 6 slices of bread with 6 slices of Havarti cheese. Top the cheese with an equal portion of the BBQ chicken mixture. Add the remaining cheese over the top of the chicken and top with the remaining bread slices, ensuring both sides are buttered.
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Place the sandwiches in a large non-stick skillet. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until the bottoms are browned. Flip the sandwiches, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bottoms are browned.
Nutritional Value (Per Sandwich):
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Calories: 692 kcal
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Total Fat: 39g
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Saturated Fat: 18g
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Cholesterol: 87mg
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Sodium: 991mg
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Total Carbohydrates: 44g
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Dietary Fiber: 2g
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Sugars: 13g
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Protein: 34g
The Magic of BBQ Chicken in Grilled Cheese
The combination of BBQ chicken and grilled cheese may seem unusual at first, but it’s a pairing that works beautifully. BBQ chicken brings a savory, smoky element to the sandwich that cuts through the richness of the cheese, while the sweetness of the barbecue sauce balances out the savory notes. This sandwich is not just another grilled cheese; it is a hearty, flavorful meal that will leave you craving more.
One of the most appealing aspects of BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is its versatility. You can use any type of BBQ sauce you prefer—whether it’s tangy, sweet, spicy, or smoky. This makes the recipe highly customizable, allowing you to create a grilled cheese that suits your personal taste preferences. Additionally, you can swap out the Havarti cheese for other cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or gouda, depending on your desired flavor profile.
The Flavor Profile: A Savory Symphony of Ingredients
What makes the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese so special is the interplay of flavors between the ingredients. The garlic butter spread, which is smeared generously on the bread before grilling, provides a rich, savory base that perfectly complements the boldness of the BBQ chicken. The garlic gives the bread an extra depth of flavor, elevating the entire sandwich and making each bite even more satisfying.
The BBQ chicken itself is the star of the show. When cooked in a mixture of paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and your choice of BBQ sauce, the chicken takes on a smoky, tangy flavor that is both robust and comforting. The shredded roasted chicken adds a tender, juicy texture to the sandwich, making it feel heartier and more substantial than a standard grilled cheese.
The choice of Havarti cheese is crucial to the success of this sandwich. Havarti, with its smooth, mild, and creamy texture, melts beautifully, creating a gooey, satisfying layer of cheese that binds all the ingredients together. Its mild flavor allows the BBQ chicken to shine while still adding that signature cheesy goodness to each bite.
The bread also plays a pivotal role in the texture and overall experience of the sandwich. Sourdough bread is a popular choice for this recipe because of its firm texture and slightly tangy flavor. The bread holds up well to the hearty filling and gives the sandwich a perfect crunch when grilled. However, if you’re not a fan of sourdough, you can substitute it with other types of sturdy bread, such as a thick white bread or even a ciabatta roll.
Ideal for Quick Meals and Casual Gatherings
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner when you’re craving something easy but delicious. It’s also a fantastic choice for casual gatherings, like a weekend lunch with friends or a family dinner. The sandwiches are easy to make in large batches, and their bold flavors are sure to please a crowd.
If you’re hosting a casual event or barbecue, these sandwiches can be served as a fun twist on the classic grilled cheese that will leave your guests impressed. Whether served on their own or with a side of chips, coleslaw, or a light salad, BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy hungry appetites.
For a more elevated experience, you could pair this sandwich with a cold craft beer, a light white wine, or even a sweet iced tea to complement the flavors. The smoky BBQ chicken and creamy Havarti cheese are both bold enough to stand up to a variety of beverages, making this sandwich a flexible option for a variety of occasions.
Customizing Your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. You can experiment with different types of BBQ sauce to give the sandwich a unique twist. If you enjoy spicy food, opt for a spicy BBQ sauce or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can go with a honey or maple BBQ sauce to add sweetness and richness.
Another way to customize the sandwich is by adding additional ingredients. For example, you could throw in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor or some fresh spinach or arugula for a burst of greenery. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste, from sharp cheddar to gouda or even pepper jack for a little extra heat.
If you’re looking to make the sandwich a bit lighter, you could use grilled chicken breast instead of roasted chicken, or opt for a low-fat version of Havarti cheese. You could also use whole-grain or gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sandwich.
Nutritional Considerations
While this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is undeniably delicious, it’s also important to consider its nutritional profile. The sandwich is rich in protein from the chicken and cheese, providing a satisfying meal that keeps you full for longer. The bread provides carbohydrates for energy, while the garlic butter adds a boost of healthy fats. However, due to the richness of the cheese and butter, this sandwich is on the higher end of the calorie spectrum, so it may be best enjoyed as an occasional treat or balanced with a lighter side dish.
If you’re mindful of calories or fat intake, consider making some simple modifications, such as using less butter or opting for a lighter cheese variety. These small changes can reduce the calorie count without sacrificing too much of the sandwich’s incredible flavor.
Conclusion
The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a perfect blend of savory, smoky, and creamy flavors that bring a modern twist to a beloved classic. Whether you’re craving something quick and satisfying for dinner or looking for a standout dish for a casual gathering, this sandwich delivers. With its versatility and bold flavors, it’s easy to see why the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese has earned its place in the spotlight.
With just the right balance of textures, from the crispy grilled bread to the melted cheese and tender BBQ chicken, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you stick to the original recipe or make your own variations, the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone and is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.