These BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are crispy, cheesy, and absolutely loaded with flavor. Imagine golden, garlicky sourdough bread pan-fried to perfection, stuffed with smoky BBQ chicken and layers of creamy Havarti cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest—and your next favorite weeknight dinner or party sandwich.
If you love these sandwiches, be sure to check out my Cheeseburger Sliders and Classic Chicken Salad Sandwiches—they’re just as crowd-pleasing and easy to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Family Favorite: Crispy, cheesy, savory—kids and adults devour them.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Great use for leftover or rotisserie chicken.
- Freezer-Friendly Chicken: Make extra BBQ chicken and freeze for future meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2½ cups shredded cooked chicken (roasted or rotisserie)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 12 slices Havarti cheese
For the Garlic Butter Bread:
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh parsley, minced
- 12 slices sourdough or hearty white bread
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Make Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, microwave the butter, garlic, and parsley together until melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the sliced onions until soft (about 2 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Mix well and heat through for about 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay out all 12 bread slices. Brush one side of each slice with the garlic butter mixture. Flip them over, buttered side down.
On 6 slices, layer with Havarti cheese, then add a generous scoop of the BBQ chicken mixture. Top with another slice of cheese and finish with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook sandwiches in batches (or use a griddle) until the bottom is golden brown, about 3–5 minutes. Flip, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook another 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is perfectly crisp.
Serving Suggestions
These sandwiches pair perfectly with:
- Classic coleslaw
- Potato chips or fries
- A fresh green salad
- Pickles or jalapeño slices for a kick
Tips & Variations
- Make Ahead: The BBQ chicken mixture can be made up to 3 days in advance.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Different Cheeses: Swap Havarti with cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
- Vegetarian Version: Use a BBQ jackfruit or plant-based chicken substitute.
Storage
Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispiness. These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep components in advance.
More Easy Sandwich Recipes
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Servings: 6 sandwiches
Ingredients
BBQ Chicken:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2½ cups shredded cooked chicken
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 12 slices Havarti cheese
Garlic Butter Bread:
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp parsley, minced
- 12 slices sturdy sourdough or white bread
Instructions
- Make the Garlic Butter: Microwave butter, garlic, and parsley until melted. Set aside.
- Cook the BBQ Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet. Cook onion until soft. Add garlic, chicken, paprika, Worcestershire, and BBQ sauce. Stir and cook 2–3 minutes.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Brush one side of each bread slice with garlic butter. Place buttered side down. Layer cheese, BBQ chicken, and more cheese. Top with remaining bread, buttered side out.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 3–5 minutes per side. Lower heat if needed to fully melt cheese without burning the bread.
- Serve Hot: Slice and enjoy warm with your favorite sides.