Randy Chandler
There are many different opinions on what constitutes the perfect barbecue chicken dish. Some people enjoy the simplicity of barbecue sauce on chicken, while others argue that adding cheese takes the dish to the next level. BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, which include shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, and various types of cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, or havarti, are a popular choice for those who enjoy the combination of barbecue chicken and cheese. This sandwich is often served with a side of potato chips or coleslaw, and the chicken can be cooked in a variety of ways, including using a rotisserie chicken or boiling chicken breasts. Some people also choose to add additional ingredients such as red onions, jalapeños, or garlic butter to enhance the flavor. Ultimately, the decision to add cheese to barbecue chicken is a matter of personal preference, and there is no definitive right or wrong answer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commonality of pairing cheese with barbecue chicken | Very common |
| Ideal cheese for barbecue chicken | Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, Havarti, smoked gouda, gruyere, mozzarella |
| Ideal bread for barbecue chicken | Thick, crusty Italian, sourdough, tiger bread |
| Calories | 638-706 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 36-41.4 g |
| Protein | 22-34.8 g |
| Fat | 44.8-45 g |
| Cholesterol | 90-147 mg |
| Sodium | 799-978.8 mg |
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What You'll Learn
BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich
It's certainly not wrong to put cheese on barbecue chicken, and one of the best ways to do it is with a BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich. This mouthwatering combination of flavours is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and it's easy to make.
To make four sandwiches, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 slices crusty Italian bread or rustic bread
- 8 slices of cheese ( cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, or havarti all work well)
- 2 cups of shredded or diced chicken
- BBQ sauce
- Red onion
- Cilantro
- Smoked paprika
- Worcestershire sauce
- Olive oil
First, mix the shredded chicken with the smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Thinly slice the red onions and cook them in olive oil until soft. Add the chicken mixture to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Next, assemble the sandwiches. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Layer cheese, BBQ chicken, sliced red onion, and cilantro on four slices of bread, then top each with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
Place the sandwiches in a large skillet over medium heat and cook until the bottoms are browned. Flip the sandwiches, reduce the heat, and continue cooking until the other side is browned and the cheese is melted. Cut the sandwiches in half and serve with chips, sweet potato wedges, salad, or coleslaw.
This sandwich is a fun twist on a traditional grilled cheese, and the combination of sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, smoky cheese, and savoury chicken is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
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BBQ chicken pizza
While there is no harm in putting cheese on barbecue chicken, there is a right way to do it. A BBQ chicken pizza is a great way to combine these two ingredients.
To make a BBQ chicken pizza, you'll need to start with a pizza base. You can either make your own dough or buy a pre-made base. If you're making your own, a simple recipe involves mixing flour, yeast, salt, olive oil, and water, and letting it rise for a few hours. Once you have your dough, roll it out into a circle about 12 inches in diameter and place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
For the toppings, you'll need BBQ sauce, cooked chicken, red onion, cheese, and cilantro. Shred or dice the chicken and mix it with some of the BBQ sauce. You can use any type of BBQ sauce you like, but a tangy or spicy sauce works well with the other ingredients. Spread a thin layer of the sauce over the pizza base, then top with the chicken, red onion slices, and chopped cilantro. For the cheese, a mix of mozzarella and smoked gouda is a good option, but you can also use cheddar, Colby-Jack, or pepper jack. Sprinkle a layer of cheese over the toppings and add a little more on top.
Bake the pizza in an oven preheated to 350°F or 450°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want to get creative, you can add other toppings like spinach, jalapeños, or peppers.
There you have it—a delicious BBQ chicken pizza with the perfect combination of barbecue chicken and cheese.
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Best cheeses to pair with BBQ chicken
While there are no rules when it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with barbecue chicken, some options are better than others. Here are some of the best cheeses to consider:
Cheddar
A classic, versatile choice that can be found in most households. Cheddar ranges from young and creamy to aged and crumbly, with a tangy flavour. Medium cheddar, in particular, has a melty perfection and just the right pull-apart texture.
Smoked Gouda
A popular choice for BBQ chicken sandwiches, smoked gouda adds a distinct smoky flavour that pairs well with the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
Havarti
Havarti is a mild, soft, and buttery cheese that melts well and pairs nicely with other cheeses. It is an excellent choice for BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwiches.
Monterey or Sonoma Jack
These cheeses melt well and can add a creamy element to your BBQ chicken dish.
Blue Cheese
For something a little different, consider a creamy blue cheese dressing to contrast the sweet and tangy flavours of the BBQ chicken.
When choosing a cheese to pair with BBQ chicken, consider the type of BBQ sauce you are using. Sweet and tangy fruit-heavy sauces will pair well with cheeses that complement fruit, while tangy and spicy sauces may be better suited to creamier cheeses like brie or gouda. Ultimately, the best cheese to pair with BBQ chicken is the one that matches your personal taste preferences.
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How to make BBQ chicken with cheese
There are many ways to make BBQ chicken with cheese. Here are some recipes you can try:
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights as it only takes a few ingredients and one pan. It is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser and can be served alone, with a bag of potato chips, or with a side of fresh coleslaw.
Ingredients:
- Shredded chicken
- Paprika
- Worcestershire sauce
- BBQ sauce of your choice
- Red onions
- Bread (thick slices of sturdy white bread like sourdough or crusty Italian bread)
- Butter
- Cheese (Havarti, sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or Colby jack)
Instructions:
- Mix the shredded chicken with paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce.
- Slice the red onions thinly and cook them briefly in oil until soft.
- Add the chicken mixture to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is cooked through.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Layer the sandwich as follows: bread (buttered side down), cheese, chicken, red onion, BBQ sauce, cheese, bread (buttered side up).
- Place the sandwich in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes until the bottom is browned.
- Flip the sandwich, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the bottom is browned and the cheese is melted.
Cheesy Baked BBQ Chicken
This recipe is perfect for those who want a quick and easy weeknight dinner with minimal dishes. It is a baked version of BBQ chicken pizza without the bread.
Ingredients:
- BBQ sauce
- Garlic powder
- Chicken breasts
- Shredded cheese (mozzarella, Colby-jack, or Mexican)
- Red onions
- Jalapeños
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
- In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce and garlic powder.
- Add chicken breasts to the bowl and stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Place the chicken breasts side by side in a baking dish and pour any remaining BBQ sauce over them.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and add shredded cheese, red onions, and jalapeños on top of the chicken breasts.
- Bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese melts and the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165ºF).
Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken
This recipe adds crispy crumbled bacon to the BBQ chicken and cheese combination. It is a classic dish that is perfect for busy weeknights and can be made in just one pan.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs/tenders
- BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Rays or any brand of your choice)
- Cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar, Colby jack, mild cheddar, or Mexican blend)
- Bacon (fresh slices or high-quality store-bought pre-cooked bacon/bacon bits)
- Green onions (optional)
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for seasoning
Instructions:
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Bake the chicken in the oven at 400˚F for 35-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165˚F).
- Add the BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and crispy crumbled bacon on top of the chicken.
- Bake uncovered for a crispy cheese topping or covered for a more tender and gooey cheese topping.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and serving styles to create your own unique BBQ chicken and cheese dish!
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Sides to serve with BBQ chicken and cheese
While there may be differing opinions on whether it is wrong to put cheese on barbecue chicken, there are indeed several side dishes that can be served with BBQ chicken and cheese. Here are some options:
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic side dish for barbecue chicken. They can be cooked on the stovetop or in a crockpot, but it is recommended to make them from scratch using navy beans, bacon, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce for a more cost-effective and flavorful option.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is another traditional barbecue side dish that can be made with either a mayonnaise or vinegar base. The main ingredients include cabbage, onions, carrots, and spices, and it can be easily customized with additional ingredients or by purchasing pre-packaged coleslaw and adding your own twist.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a beloved dish that can be elevated by adding a smoky flavor or spices like jalapeño to create a spicy mac and cheese. For an extra cheesy experience, consider serving it with BBQ chicken on top, as suggested by i am baker.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a barbecue staple that can be made from scratch using simple ingredients like flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, eggs, milk, and baking powder. It typically takes 20-25 minutes to cook and can be served with warm honey butter. For an extra cheesy twist, try the jalapeno cheddar cornbread variation.
Corn on the Cob
Nothing says barbecue like fresh corn on the cob! You can grill them directly on the barbecue, and they're best served after being partially shucked. In about 10 minutes, you'll have sweet and charred corn on the cob. For an extra kick, add a spicy bacon butter.
Salads
Salads are a refreshing option to balance out the hearty BBQ chicken and cheese. Try a simple avocado corn salad or get creative with a cowboy caviar, which is a colorful mix between a salad and salsa, featuring veggies, beans, and a zesty dressing.
These sides offer a range of flavors, textures, and temperatures to complement BBQ chicken and cheese, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not wrong to put cheese on barbecue chicken. In fact, BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a popular dish where barbecue chicken is paired with cheese.
There are a variety of cheeses that go well with barbecue chicken, including sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, Havarti, Monterey Jack, and Colby-Jack.
Some other common ingredients used in BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches include red onion, jalapeños, cilantro, and garlic.
It is recommended to use thick slices of sturdy bread, such as sourdough or tiger bread (UK).
No, it is recommended to use cooked chicken for this dish. You can use leftover chicken, buy a cooked rotisserie chicken, or cook chicken specifically for shredding.
