Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: The fusion of smoky barbecue chicken with rich, melted Havarti cheese creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible even for novice cooks.
- Versatile Meal: Ideal for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack, these sandwiches can be paired with various sides like coleslaw or potato chips.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2½ cups shredded roasted chicken
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 12 slices Havarti cheese
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons parsley, minced
- 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine ¼ cup melted butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 teaspoons minced parsley. Set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced red onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.
- Add Chicken and Sauce: To the skillet, add 2½ cups shredded roasted chicken, ½ teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup barbecue sauce. Stir to combine and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Lay 12 slices of bread on a work surface. Spread the prepared garlic butter on one side of each slice. Place 6 slices of Havarti cheese on 6 of the bread slices (on the unbuttered side). Evenly distribute the chicken mixture over the cheese, then top with the remaining 6 slices of Havarti cheese. Cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
- Grill Sandwiches: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bottoms are golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Flip the sandwiches, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking until the other side is browned and the cheese is melted, another 3-5 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from skillet, slice in half if desired, and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 6 sandwiches.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: About 15 minutes.
- Total Time: Around 25 minutes.
Variations
- Cheese Options: Substitute Havarti with cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Bread Choices: Use ciabatta, French bread, or whole-grain bread to vary the texture and taste.
- Add-Ins: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers, jalapeños, or pineapple slices for additional flavors.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap leftover sandwiches in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese melts and the bread is crispy.
FAQs
What type of barbecue sauce works best for this recipe?
A tangy, slightly sweet barbecue sauce complements the flavors well, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option for this recipe.
Is there a substitute for Havarti cheese?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack can be used as alternatives to Havarti cheese.
How can I make this sandwich spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for extra heat.
Can I prepare the chicken mixture in advance?
Yes, the chicken mixture can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat before assembling the sandwiches.
What sides pair well with this sandwich?
Coleslaw, potato chips, or a fresh green salad are excellent accompaniments.
Can I grill these sandwiches instead of using a skillet?
Yes, grilling adds a smoky flavor. Use a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Ensure the skillet is adequately heated before adding the sandwiches, and avoid overfilling with sauce.
Is it possible to make this sandwich gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread and verify that all other ingredients, including the barbecue sauce, are gluten-free.
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful twist on a classic grilled cheese, this recipe combines shredded barbecue chicken, creamy Havarti cheese, and garlicky sourdough bread for a satisfying, easy-to-make meal. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2½ cups shredded roasted chicken
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 12 slices Havarti cheese
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp parsley, minced
- 12 slices sourdough or sturdy white bread
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley in a bowl. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Add shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and barbecue sauce to the skillet. Heat through and set aside.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice. Layer Havarti cheese, chicken mixture, and another cheese slice between two slices of bread, buttered side out.
- Grill Sandwiches: Cook sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat until golden and cheese is melted, about 3–5 minutes per side.
- Serve: Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- For spicier sandwiches, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
