Cheese And Bbq Chicken: The Perfect Pairing

Barbecue chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a sandwich. But what kind of cheese goes well with barbecue chicken?

There are several types of cheese that pair well with barbecue chicken, adding flavour and texture to the dish. These include:

- Cheddar

- Mozzarella

- Parmesan

- Havarti

- Swiss cheese

- Brie

- Camembert

- Feta

- Smoked gouda

Whether shredded, melted, or mixed into the barbecue sauce, these cheeses can enhance the flavour of barbecue chicken and take the dish to the next level.

BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwiches

Ingredients:

• BBQ sauce
• Bread (Italian white bread, sourdough, or Texas toast)
• Cheese (sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, Havarti, or pepper jack)
• Cilantro
• Red onions
• Chicken (shredded or grilled and ready)
• Butter or margarine
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Paprika
• Worcestershire sauce

Method:

• Heat a skillet over medium heat.
• Spread butter or margarine on two slices of bread.
• Layer the sandwich as follows: bread, sharp cheddar, chicken, red onion, cilantro, BBQ sauce, smoked gouda, bread.
• Place the sandwich (butter side down) onto the hot skillet and use a spatula to press it down gently.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the bread is toasted.
• Carefully flip the sandwich over and toast for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Cut in half and serve.

Tips:

• For extra flavour, add garlic and parsley to the butter before spreading it on the bread.
• If you like your onions softer, cook them briefly in oil before adding them to the sandwich.
• For a more indulgent sandwich, use thick-cut bread and extra butter.

BBQ chicken with Havarti cheese

One way to create a BBQ chicken and Havarti sandwich is to use garlic butter on sturdy white bread, such as sourdough. This adds a crispy texture and a savoury kick to the sandwich. To make the filling, shredded chicken is mixed with paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Thinly sliced red onions are then cooked in oil until softened, and this is added to the chicken mixture. For the cheese, Havarti slices are placed on the bread, with the BBQ chicken mixture on top, and then another slice of cheese to create a gooey, indulgent sandwich. The sandwich is then cooked in a skillet until the bread is browned and the cheese is melted.

Another way to enjoy BBQ chicken with Havarti cheese is to bake the chicken in the oven. This recipe calls for chicken breasts marinated in Italian dressing and Greek seasoning, which are then baked and topped with Havarti cheese, green chilli peppers, and sautéed mushrooms. This dish is best served with long-grain rice and steamed vegetables.

A third option is to create a chicken katsu-style dish with a Havarti cheese sauce. This recipe uses thin chicken cutlets, which are breaded and fried, and then served with a creamy Havarti sauce flavoured with dill. This dish can be served on a bed of spinach or with the sauce on the side.

BBQ chicken with mozzarella

Mozzarella is a great cheese to pair with barbecue chicken. It has a mild, creamy flavour and is softer and stays softer for longer when melting compared to regular mozzarella.

Grilled Mozzarella-Stuffed BBQ Chicken

One way to prepare BBQ chicken with mozzarella is to stuff the cheese into the chicken breast. To do this, cut a wide pocket into a boneless, skinless chicken breast, taking care not to cut through the back or sides. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper for 30 minutes. Then, stuff each pocket with a slice of mozzarella and some roasted red peppers. Grill the chicken over medium heat for 7-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.

Another option is to top your BBQ chicken with mozzarella and avocado. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper for 30 minutes. Grill the chicken for about 6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Top with a thick slice of mozzarella, diced avocado, diced tomato, and fresh basil.

A third option is to top your BBQ chicken with mozzarella and basil. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil, and pepper for 30 minutes. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Top with a slice of mozzarella and shredded basil.

Finally, you could top your BBQ chicken with mozzarella and tomatoes. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil, and pepper for 30 minutes. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Top with a slice of mozzarella and grilled tomato slices.

BBQ chicken with cheddar

Barbecue chicken is a classic dish that can be enjoyed year-round, and cheese is always a great accompaniment. Cheese adds flavour and texture to the chicken, and it helps bind the chicken together, making it easier to eat. Cheddar is the perfect partner for barbecue chicken, with its sharp, tangy, pungent flavour pairing well with the smoky, rich flavour of the barbecued chicken.

Recipes

There are several ways to incorporate cheddar cheese into your barbecued chicken dish. Here are two recipes to try:

BBQ Cheddar Chicken

This recipe is quick and easy, requiring only five ingredients and taking only 10 minutes to prepare. It is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
• 4 teaspoons plain breadcrumbs

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cut each chicken breast lengthwise and place each half on the prepared baking sheet.
• In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and BBQ sauce.
• Spread the mixture over the chicken.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

BBQ Chicken with Bacon and Cheddar

This recipe is perfect for a summer weeknight or weekend meal. The combination of chicken, smoky bacon, spicy peach BBQ sauce, and creamy, earthy cheddar cheese is pure magic!

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken breasts
• 1 10-ounce package sliced cheddar cheese (about 18-24 slices)
• 1 recipe Peach BBQ sauce
• Bacon

Instructions:

• Preheat your grill to 350º F degrees.
• Wrap each chicken breast with a slice of bacon, stretching it to ensure it is wrapped tightly. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
• Place the chicken on the grill and grill until cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165º F).
• Spoon peach BBQ sauce onto the chicken and spread to cover.
• Place three to four slices of cheddar cheese on top of the BBQ sauce.
• Drizzle more BBQ sauce on top of the cheddar cheese.
• Cook on the grill for about 3-5 minutes more, or until the cheese begins to melt.
• Remove from the grill and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations

• For a more creative way to use cheddar cheese with your barbecued chicken, try making a cheesy barbecue chicken pizza. Spread some barbecue sauce on a pre-made pizza crust, top with shredded chicken and cheddar cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted.
• If you want to add some extra ingredients to your BBQ chicken with cheddar, consider adding bacon, diced onion, or green bell pepper. These ingredients will add a smoky flavour and a bit of sweetness and crunch to the dish.
• For a side dish, serve your BBQ chicken with cheddar alongside mashed potatoes, roasted or steamed vegetables, potato salad, or a green salad.

BBQ chicken with Parmesan

If you're looking for a delicious and indulgent meal, look no further than BBQ chicken with Parmesan. This dish combines the smoky flavours of BBQ chicken with the salty, nutty taste of Parmesan cheese. It's a perfect comfort food for any time of the year and can be served with a variety of sides.

Ingredients

To make BBQ chicken with Parmesan, you will need the following ingredients:

• BBQ chicken
• Parmesan cheese
• Bread
• Butter
• Marinade (optional)
• Tomato
• Basil
• Mozzarella cheese

Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by grilling or pan-frying your chicken. You can marinate the chicken beforehand to add extra flavour. If you're using an outdoor grill, preheat it to a high setting and place the chicken directly on the grill. Grill for 5 minutes, then flip and grill for 3 more minutes. If you're pan-frying, heat a skillet to medium heat and cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side.

Step 2: Add the Toppings

Once the chicken is cooked, it's time to add the toppings. Place a slice of tomato on each chicken breast, followed by a slice of fresh mozzarella. Put the chicken back on the grill or skillet and cook until the cheese is melted. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella for an extra flavour boost.

Step 3: Serve with Bread and Sauce

To serve, place the chicken on a bed of warm tomato sauce and sprinkle with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices.

Tips and Variations

• If you want to get creative, you can mix things up by using different types of bread, cheeses, or sauces.
• For a lighter option, serve the BBQ chicken and Parmesan with a salad or grilled vegetables on the side.
• To add a touch of sweetness, try using a smoked Parmesan cheese or adding dried cranberries as a garnish.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own.
• For an extra indulgent dish, serve the BBQ chicken and Parmesan on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions