Smoky BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese – This Smoky BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese. Is the ultimate comfort sandwich. Tender shredded chicken. Tossed in barbecue sauce, creamy mashed avocado, and melted Pepper Jack cheese. Come together between two slices of perfectly toasted bread. For a flavor-packed bite. Whether you’re looking. For a quick lunch or a cozy dinner. This sandwich hits the spot!
The first time I made this Smoky BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese. I knew I was onto something special. My husband, a BBQ lover. Couldn’t stop raving. About the combination of the smoky chicken. And gooey cheese. Our child, usually picky about sandwiches. Devoured the entire thing. And asked for more! It quickly became. A family favorite. Perfect for grilling season. Or any time you need a satisfying meal. In under 30 minutes.
What makes this Smoky BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese truly special?
This sandwich takes grilled cheese. To the next level. With tender, smoky chicken. And a touch of creamy avocado. The Pepper Jack cheese. Adds a slight kick. Balancing beautifully. With the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. It’s a simple yet hearty meal. That feels indulgent. But is easy to whip up. Plus, it’s customizable—swap the cheese. Or add extra toppings. Like pickles or onions. To make it your own.
What You Need To Make This Smoky BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe?
Chicken Thigh: I love using chicken thighs. For its juicy and tender texture. But feel free to use chicken breast. If that’s what you have on hand.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite barbecue sauce for this recipe. Whether you like it smoky, sweet, or tangy. It’s all about your personal preference.
Pepper Jack Cheese: The spiciness of Pepper Jack. Really elevates the flavor. But you can use any cheese you love. Like cheddar or mozzarella.
Avocado: The mashed avocado adds a creamy element. That complements the bold BBQ chicken. And melted cheese.
Steps To Make Smoky BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese:
Step 1: Prep and Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill. Or grill pan. To medium-high heat. Season the chicken thigh with salt. Lightly oil the grill rack. Or brush the grill pan. With oil to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken. For about 8 to 12 minutes. Turning once. Until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest. For 5 minutes. Before shredding it. With two forks. Toss the shredded chicken. With barbecue sauce. In a small bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Sandwiches: Lay the bread slices. On a clean surface. Spread softened butter. On one side of each slice. Flip the bread over. And evenly divide. The shredded BBQ chicken. Between two slices. Top with shredded Pepper Jack cheese. On the other two slices. Spread mashed avocado. Close the sandwiches. By placing the avocado-spread slices. On top of the chicken-cheese slices.
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Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a large non-stick skillet. Over medium heat. Place the sandwiches. In the skillet. And cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Or until the bottom. Is golden brown. Flip the sandwiches. Reduce the heat. To medium-low. And cook. For another 3 to 5 minutes. Until the cheese is melted. And the bread. Is perfectly toasted.
Tip:
To elevate the flavors. In this Smoky BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese. Try marinating the chicken thighs. In the BBQ sauce. For at least 30 minutes before grilling. This allows the smoky, tangy sauce. To really infuse the meat. Also, opt for thick, bakery-style bread. To hold up to the gooey cheese. And chicken. Without becoming too soggy. For an extra crunch. Grill the sandwich slowly. On low heat. To achieve the perfect golden crust. While ensuring the cheese inside. Melts to gooey perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thigh?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works just as well. In this recipe. If you prefer a leaner cut. Just be mindful of the cooking time. Since chicken breast. Tends to cook faster than thighs. You want to ensure the chicken stays juicy. And doesn’t dry out.
What other cheeses can I use if I don’t have Pepper Jack?
If you’re not a fan of spicy cheeses. Or don’t have Pepper Jack. You can substitute it. With cheddar, mozzarella, or even gouda. Each cheese adds a different flavor profile. So feel free to experiment. Based on your taste preference.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
You can prep the BBQ chicken in advance. And store it in the fridge. For up to 3 days. When you’re ready to make the sandwiches. Just assemble them. And cook fresh. This ensures the bread remains crispy. And the cheese melts perfectly. Without the sandwich becoming soggy.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Smoky BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 boneless skinless chicken thigh
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 c BBQ sauce
- 4 slices of sturdy white sandwich bread
- 4 tsp unsalted butter softened
- 2 oz. Pepper Jack cheese shredded (about 1/2 c)
- 1/2 avocado mashed
Instructions
- Preheat your grill. Or grill pan. To medium-high heat. Season the chicken thigh. With salt. And lightly oil. The grill rack. Or brush the grill pan. With oil.
- Grill the chicken. Turning once. Until it's fully cooked. About 8 to 12 minutes. Allow the chicken. To rest for 5 minutes. Then shred it. With two forks. In a small bowl. Toss the shredded chicken. With barbecue sauce.
- On a clean surface. Lay out the bread slices. Spread softened butter. On one side of each slice. Flip the bread over. And evenly distribute the shredded chicken. On two of the slices. Sprinkle the shredded cheese. Over the chicken. Spread the mashed avocado. On the remaining slices of bread. Then close the sandwiches.
- In a large non-stick skillet. Over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches. Until the bottom. Is golden brown. About 3 to 5 minutes. Flip them over. Reduce the heat. To medium-low. And cook. For an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Until the cheese is fully melted. And both sides are crispy.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
