Open-Faced BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
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A Classic Grilled Cheese with some Jazz!
Ever since I began working from home, I’ve had the opportunity to get really creative with my lunches, and let me tell you that I’ve been loving it! Of course, I don’t want to put too much effort into making lunch, though, but having a tasty lunch is still mandatory for me! What’s delicious and easy to make? A grilled cheese sandwich of course!
I always love and appreciate a classic grilled cheese sandwich. Cheese and bread, the two just go so well together. But sometimes I like to take that classic sandwich up a notch! Here I have a super fun take on a grilled cheese sandwich! We’re going to add some BBQ shredded chicken on sourdough bread, top it with old cheddar and toss it in the oven until molten and grilled! We’re going to leave the sandwich open-faced because why not! The sandwiches look so lovely with the molten cheese and tender BBQ chicken, I didn’t find a need to close them. Plus, I find open-faced sandwiches lots of fun to eat!
BBQ chicken has been a major staple for my lunches in addition to grilled cheese sandwiches. Having some shredded chicken on hand is just so convenient for lunchtime. It’s extremely versatile and you can use it in so many combinations for sandwiches, wraps or even rice! Shredded chicken is a must-have for me for lunch. Of course you could batch cook a ton of shredded chicken and just take it out of the fridge when you’re ready, but because I have the convenience of making fresh shredded chicken every day, I just do that! Another easy option for lunch is to get some fresh rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store, and then shred it. So I would definitely recommend giving that a try!
If you have the shredded chicken already on hand then this can be prepared in about 10 minutes! If you’re poaching your chicken before preparing the sandwich, that will add about an extra 15 minutes, but those 15 minutes are effortless. Poaching chicken is so easy, and I’ll briefly go over what to do in this recipe!
I’m sure you’re going to love this BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich and it’ll become a lunchtime essential in your household!
What Cheese Goes Best For BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
You could use any cheese you like for this grilled cheese! We tend to associate grilled cheese sandwiches with cheddar cheese. As you can see in the photo, I used some old cheddar. But changing up the cheese can really make a difference in this simple sandwich. Below is a list of my favourite cheeses to use in a grilled cheese. You can get creative and try them all out, or even add two or more cheeses to make a really epic grilled cheese!
Old cheddar: You could use any cheddar you like, but I like the strong taste of old cheddar.
Applewood smoked cheddar: This is my new obsession. It’s so creamy and the taste is incredible. Not to mention it melts extremely well. This now hits the top of the list of my favourite cheeses!
Monterey Jack: I love the heat that comes from it! It also gets so nice and stringy when molten, perfect for a grilled cheese.
Provolone: A mild taste but the cheese pulls that are produced are crazy!
Havarti: One of my favourites! It’s so creamy and works wonders in sandwiches.
Easy Shredded BBQ Chicken Ingredients
To make this sandwich, here’s what you’ll need:
Sliced bread of choice (I recommend sourdough here!)
Chicken breast to make Simple Poached Chicken, or pre-cooked chicken, shredded
Cheddar cheese
Butter
Barbecue sauce
Green onions
Making the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
You’ll love how simple this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is! It’s a perfect sandwich to make when you need a fast lunch, and it’s beginner-friendly too! Here are the steps you’ll follow:
1. Shred the chicken with the help of two forks and add to a large bowl. Add barbecue sauce, green onions and salt to taste and mix well. Set aside for later.
2. Heat a non-stick pan or grill pan on medium heat. Spread butter across the pan and mop up a portion of the molten butter with each slice of bread.
3. Equally distribute spoonfuls of the prepared BBQ chicken and then top with your favourite cheese.
4. Once the bread is toasted at the butter and has grill lines, place the pan in the oven and set the oven to broil mode. Broil until the cheese is molten, about 5 minutes.
5. Carefully take the grill pan out of the oven. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Serve hot and enjoy!
What to Do With Extra BBQ Chicken
If you’ve got some extra BBQ chicken that couldn’t fit your bread, don’t worry! That’s happened to me too! There are plenty of ways you can use the leftovers:
Add it in tacos with some shredded lettuce, sour cream, and your favourite toppings
Add it to a salad with some cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, onions, and corn, lettuce, cheese, and a ranch dressing
Throw it in a one-pot creamy pasta with bacon
Use it for a quesadilla with chopped red peppers and onions
Eat it as a snack by itself!