Cheese And Bbq Chicken: A Match Made In Heaven

There are many types of cheese that go well with a BBQ chicken sandwich, depending on your taste preferences. For a simple option, a traditional Cheddar can be used, or you can switch it up with Havarti, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Smoked Gouda, Fontina, or Provolone. If you're looking for a more complex flavour, combining cheeses can be a great way to elevate your sandwich. For example, combining Monterey Jack with Cheddar or Mozzarella with a mild cheese like Gouda or Cheddar can add a nice twist.

Best bread for a BBQ chicken sandwich

When it comes to choosing the best bread for a BBQ chicken sandwich, there are several options that pair well with the flavours of barbecue chicken. Here are some ideas to consider:

Brioche Buns

Brioche buns are a popular choice for BBQ chicken sandwiches. They are similar to freshly baked rolls in terms of texture but have a richer taste due to the addition of extra eggs and butter. Brioche buns provide a nice balance of flavours and textures, making them a favourite among many.

Ciabatta

Ciabatta is another excellent option for BBQ chicken sandwiches. It has a slightly sour taste and a hearty crust, providing a firm texture that doesn't disintegrate easily. Ciabatta is made with basic ingredients like wheat flour, olive oil, and yeast, and it can be baked in various ways. It soaks up the flavours of the chicken without becoming soggy, making it a great choice for a tasty and mess-free sandwich experience.

Hamburger Buns

If you're looking for a classic option, freshly baked hamburger-style buns are always a good choice. These buns are made with simple ingredients such as yeast, sugar, eggs, and flour. They are soft and complement the flavours of BBQ chicken nicely. Toasting or browning the buns can add a bit of crunch and enhance the overall taste of your sandwich.

Whole Wheat Buns

For those who prefer a healthier option, whole wheat buns or rolls are a great choice. They provide a good balance of nutrients and a nutty flavour that pairs well with BBQ chicken. Like their white bread counterparts, whole wheat buns can also be toasted to add a bit of crunch and bring out their flavour.

Sourdough or Sturdy White Bread

If you want to add a tangy flavour to your BBQ chicken sandwich, consider using sourdough or sturdy white bread. These breads have a crisp texture and a distinctive sour taste that can complement the sweetness of BBQ chicken. They also hold up well to the weight of the fillings, ensuring your sandwich stays intact.

Wrap Bread

For those watching their carb intake, a wrap can be a suitable alternative to traditional sandwich bread. Opt for whole wheat wraps, which contain fibre and good carbs, and fill them with fresh chicken and veggies for a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

In conclusion, the best bread for a BBQ chicken sandwich ultimately depends on your personal preference and the specific flavours you want to highlight. Experiment with different types of bread and don't be afraid to get creative!

Best cheese for a BBQ chicken sandwich

There are many types of cheese that can complement the flavours of BBQ chicken in a sandwich. Here are some options to consider:

Cheddar

Cheddar is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its meltiness and "pull-apart goodness". It has a sharp flavour that can stand up to the other strong flavours in a BBQ chicken sandwich.

Smoked Gouda

Smoked gouda is another cheese that pairs well with BBQ chicken. Its smoky flavour can enhance the BBQ sauce, and it melts well, adding to the gooey, cheesy texture of the sandwich.

Havarti

Havarti is a mild, soft, and buttery cheese that goes well with BBQ chicken. It melts easily and can be paired with other cheeses to add a creamy texture to the sandwich.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack, is a good melting cheese that can add a spicy kick to your sandwich. It pairs well with other cheeses, such as cheddar, and can be a tasty addition to a BBQ chicken sandwich.

Cream Cheese

For a creamy, rich texture, cream cheese can be a good option. It is mild in flavour and can help balance out the stronger flavours in the sandwich.

Blue Cheese

If you're looking for a stronger, more pungent flavour, blue cheese can be a good choice. It adds a tangy, salty note to the sandwich and pairs well with other ingredients like arugula or caramelized onions.

In conclusion, the best cheese for a BBQ chicken sandwich depends on your personal preference and the specific flavours you want to highlight. Experiment with different cheeses and combinations to find your perfect match!

Best sauce for a BBQ chicken sandwich

BBQ chicken sandwiches are a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for the best sauces to use:

BBQ Sauce

The most common sauce for BBQ chicken sandwiches is, of course, BBQ sauce! You can opt for a store-bought variety or make your own. Some recipes suggest adding extra ingredients to your sauce, such as apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, or liquid smoke. You can also try mixing in other condiments like salsa or ketchup for added flavour and texture.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a popular condiment for sandwiches and can be spread on the bun or mixed with other ingredients to create a creamy sauce.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw can be used as a topping or mixed into the sauce for a crunchy texture and a tangy flavour. You can make your own coleslaw by shredding cabbage and carrots, or buy a pre-made mix.

Garlic Butter

For a savoury and aromatic option, try spreading garlic butter on your sandwich. Simply mix butter with garlic and parsley, and maybe some additional spices, then spread it on your bread before toasting.

Mustard

For a tangy twist, add some prepared mustard to your BBQ sauce or spread it directly on your bun.

Other Ideas

You can also experiment with other sauces and condiments like ranch dressing, hot sauce, or even honey. For a more indulgent option, try mixing in some melted cheese like cheddar or gouda.

Best sides for a BBQ chicken sandwich

A BBQ chicken sandwich is a hearty meal, and there are several side dishes that can complement it. Here are some ideas for the best sides to accompany your BBQ chicken sandwich:

Crisps/Chips

A tangy salt and vinegar crisp/chip can be a great side to a BBQ chicken sandwich. The sharpness of the vinegar can cut through the richness of the sandwich, providing a refreshing contrast.

Nachos

Individual nachos can also be a tasty side dish for this sandwich. You can customise your nachos with various toppings, such as cheese, jalapeños, beans, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, to add extra flavour and texture to your meal.

Sweet Potato Wedges

For a heartier side, sweet potato wedges are an excellent option. They provide a sweet and earthy flavour, and you can even wrap them in bacon for an extra indulgent treat.

Coleslaw

A refreshing and crunchy coleslaw can be the perfect side to your BBQ chicken sandwich. The crisp texture and tangy dressing of the coleslaw can balance out the richness of the sandwich.

Potato Salad

Another classic side dish for a BBQ-style meal is potato salad. With a variety of recipes available, from creamy to tangy, potato salad can be a delicious and satisfying addition to your sandwich.

Pasta Salad

A refreshing pasta salad can also be a great side for your BBQ chicken sandwich. You can experiment with different ingredients, such as vegetables, cheeses, or herbs, to create a unique and tasty dish.

These sides provide a range of flavours and textures that can complement the flavours of a BBQ chicken sandwich. Whether you're looking for something crispy, refreshing, or indulgent, these options are sure to enhance your dining experience.

How to make a BBQ chicken sandwich

Ingredients

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. For a BBQ chicken sandwich, you will need:

• Chicken
• Bread
• Cheese
• BBQ Sauce
• Butter
• Red Onion
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Paprika
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Olive Oil
• Cilantro
• Salt and Pepper

You may also want to add some salad to your sandwich, such as lettuce, tomato, or coleslaw.

Method

Once you have your ingredients, you can start making your sandwich. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Start by preparing your chicken. You can either cook the chicken specifically for your sandwich or use leftovers. If you're cooking it from scratch, cut and season the chicken to your liking and cook it in a pan with butter or olive oil until it's browned.
• While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare your other ingredients. Slice or shred your cheese, and thinly slice the red onion. You can also make your BBQ sauce by combining ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, garlic, honey, steak sauce, lemon juice, and liquid smoke in a saucepan.
• Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it into small pieces using two forks. You can also use a mixer to shred the chicken quickly.
• In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce, making sure all the pieces are coated evenly. You can also add in other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, paprika, or garlic to enhance the flavour.
• Next, prepare your bread by spreading butter on the slices. You can also toast the bread for a crispier texture.
• Assemble your sandwich by layering the bread, cheese, chicken, onion, and any other desired ingredients.
• Finally, cook your sandwich in a pan or skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. You can also grill the sandwich for a more crispy texture.

Cheese Selection

When it comes to selecting the cheese for your BBQ chicken sandwich, there are a few options that pair well with the flavours:

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tanginess to the sandwich and melts well.
• Smoked Gouda: Smoked gouda has a smoky flavour that complements the BBQ sauce.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: This variety adds a little kick and is perfect if you want a spicier sandwich.
• Havarti Cheese: Havarti is a mild, buttery cheese that melts well and pairs nicely with BBQ chicken.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and find the combination that suits your taste preferences!

Frequently asked questions