– **Title**: BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 slices of bread (your choice, e.g., sourdough, whole wheat)
– 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
– 2 tbsp butter
– Optional: pickles or jalapeños for added toppings
– **Instructions**:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce until well coated.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and coat the pan.
3. Place one slice of bread in the skillet. Layer half of the shredded cheese on top of the bread.
4. Add the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese, spreading it evenly.
5. Top with the remaining cheese, then place the second slice of bread on top.
6. Cook until the bottom slice is golden brown, then carefully flip the sandwich over.
7. Add the other tablespoon of butter around the edges if desired and cook until the second side is also golden brown, and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. Remove from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before slicing.
9. Serve warm, optionally with pickles or jalapeños on the side for extra flavor. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: You can use sourdough for a tangy flavor or classic white bread for a soft texture. Whole grain is also a great choice! If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free bread variety.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this so easy! If you have leftovers from a cooked chicken, that works great too. You can also use canned chicken, but ensure it’s drained well.
BBQ Sauce: The sauce is key to flavor. Use your favorite brand, or make homemade BBQ sauce for a personal touch. If you want to cut down on sugar, look for a low-sugar option or try a tangy hot sauce instead.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives a nice melt, while cheddar adds a sharp flavor. You can mix different cheeses like pepper jack for a kick or use dairy-free cheese if you’re lactose intolerant.
Parsley: This is optional, but fresh parsley adds color and freshness to the dish. If you don’t have it, chives or green onions are also lovely garnishes.
How Do I Get a Crispy Grilled Cheese Without Burning It?
The perfect grilled cheese should have a golden, crispy exterior and melted cheese inside. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Use medium heat for even cooking. High heat may burn the outside before the cheese melts.
- Butter the bread generously for that crunchy texture. Don’t skimp!
- When cooking, keep an eye on the color. If it darkens too fast, lower the heat.
- Press down lightly with a spatula for even toasting but don’t smash it!
- Let it rest for a minute after cooking. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to cut.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice, such as sourdough or white)
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese will take about 10 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for lunch or a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. Feel free to add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This will give your chicken some extra flavor!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Place a skillet on the stove over medium heat. This will be your cooking surface for the sandwich. You want it hot enough to get a nice golden crust on the bread!
3. Butter the Bread:
Take the butter and spread it generously on one side of each slice of bread. This will help achieve that crispy, golden exterior when cooking.
4. Layer the Sandwich:
Carefully place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the heated skillet. On top of that slice, layer the BBQ chicken mixture evenly. Make sure to spread it out so every bite has that delicious flavor.
5. Add the Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken mixture. Don’t be shy, the more cheese the better! Once that’s done, place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
6. Cook the Sandwich:
Let the sandwich cook for about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the bottom bread to be nice and golden brown and crispy. Once it looks perfect, carefully flip the sandwich over using a spatula.
7. Finish Cooking:
Cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. Check to ensure the cheese is fully melted and the bread is golden brown all around.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for about a minute before cutting it in half. If you want to add a touch of color, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top. Now dig in and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that saves time. Just shred the chicken from the rotisserie and mix it with your BBQ sauce as directed. It adds a wonderful flavor and is perfect for this sandwich!
What Type of Cheese Works Best in This Grilled Cheese?
You can use any cheese you like, but mozzarella and cheddar are excellent choices due to their melting properties. If you want a bit of a kick, try pepper jack for some heat or a blend of cheeses for extra flavor!
How to Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, it’s best to use a skillet over medium heat for even warming and to keep the bread crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy!
Can I Make This Sandwich Vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the shredded chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, and mix them with BBQ sauce for added flavor. Use the same cheese and follow the same cooking instructions for a delicious veggie version!
