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Ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese with Garlic Butter Bread

Make the Ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese! This amazing sandwich features savory BBQ shredded chicken and melty Havarti cheese between slices of homemade garlic butter bread, grilled to perfection.

Ingredients

(Based on 1x column, makes 6 sandwiches)

BBQ Chicken Filling:

  • â–¢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • â–¢ 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • â–¢ 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • â–¢ 2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
  • â–¢ ½ teaspoon paprika
  • â–¢ 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • â–¢ 1 cup BBQ sauce

Garlic Butter Bread & Cheese:

  • â–¢ ¼ cup (1/2 stick) butter (salted or unsalted)
  • â–¢ 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • â–¢ 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, minced
  • â–¢ 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread
  • â–¢ 12 slices Havarti cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the thinly sliced red onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the 3 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds more, stirring constantly.
  • Add the shredded roasted chicken, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce to the skillet.
  • Stir everything together well to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and the sauce has melded with the chicken, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Make the Garlic Butter and Prepare Bread:

  • In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the ¼ cup of butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 teaspoons of minced fresh parsley.
  • Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until the butter is completely melted and the garlic is fragrant.
  • Lay out the 12 slices of bread on your work surface.
  • Using a pastry brush, spread the melted garlic butter mixture evenly over one side of each slice of bread.

3. Assemble the Sandwiches:

  • Flip 6 of the bread slices over so the unbuttered side is facing up.
  • On each of these 6 unbuttered sides, place one slice of Havarti cheese.
  • Divide the prepared BBQ chicken mixture evenly among these 6 bread slices, spooning it on top of the cheese.
  • Place another slice of Havarti cheese over the top of the BBQ chicken mixture on each sandwich.
  • Top each sandwich with one of the remaining 6 slices of bread, ensuring the garlic-buttered side is facing outwards (both the top and bottom exterior of the sandwich should be buttered).

4. Grill the Sandwiches:

  • Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. (You can use the same skillet used for the chicken if wiped clean, or a separate one).
  • Carefully place 2-3 assembled sandwiches (or as many as fit comfortably without overcrowding) buttered-side down into the hot skillet.
  • Cook until the bottoms of the sandwiches are nicely golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Press down gently with a spatula occasionally for even browning.
  • Carefully flip the sandwiches over using a wide spatula. Reduce the heat slightly to medium-low.
  • Continue cooking on the second side until it is also golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is fully melted and gooey, about 3 to 5 minutes longer. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning while ensuring cheese melts.
  • Repeat with any remaining sandwiches.

5. Serve:

  • Remove the golden, crispy BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwiches from the skillet.
  • Let them rest for a minute or two before slicing (they will be very hot!).
  • Slice in half diagonally, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy the cheesy, BBQ goodness!