Grilled Mozzarella BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

When you’re craving something comforting, smoky, and irresistibly cheesy, these Grilled Mozzarella BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are your answer. With every bite, you get the tender juiciness of grilled chicken, the melty pull of mozzarella, and that sweet and tangy kiss of barbecue sauce. It’s the kind of sandwich that demands two hands and rewards you with full, happy silence at the table.

Behind the Recipe

This sandwich was born from a backyard summer night where the grill was still hot and the fridge had leftover grilled chicken. Add in a craving for something cheesy, a bottle of BBQ sauce, and a loaf of crusty bread and boom, this beauty came to life. It’s now a go-to favorite whenever I want to impress guests or just treat myself to a warm, melty lunch.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

The idea of grilled chicken and cheese in a sandwich isn’t new, but combining it with barbecue sauce brings in a uniquely American flair. It plays on the love for BBQ flavors, often found in Southern cuisine, and pairs it with the universal love for sandwiches and cheese. Mozzarella, often associated with Italian cooking, melts beautifully which makes it a favorite for fusion-style meals like this one.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Mozzarella BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Let’s be real, there’s a lot to love here:

Versatile: Works with leftover chicken or fresh off-the-grill, and even pairs well with rotisserie.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients and stretches across multiple servings.

Quick and Easy: Done in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.

Customizable: Add veggies, change the cheese, or use your favorite bread.

Crowd-Pleasing: Great for casual gatherings, game nights, or family dinners.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead and grill when you’re ready.

Great for Leftovers: Makes use of leftover grilled or roasted chicken beautifully.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want that perfectly melty, flavorful sandwich? Here’s how to get it just right:

• Use freshly shredded mozzarella for maximum meltiness. Pre-shredded often has anti-caking agents that affect texture.
• Butter the bread edges lightly to create a crispy, golden crust.
• Let the BBQ sauce soak into the chicken for a few minutes before grilling for deeper flavor.
• Press the sandwich slightly while grilling using a spatula for that beautiful crust and tight seal.
• Toast low and slow to melt the cheese fully without burning the bread.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Nothing too fancy here, just good ol’ kitchen basics:

Skillet or Grill Pan: To toast the sandwiches to golden perfection.

Spatula: For flipping and pressing down the sandwich while grilling.

Cutting Board: For assembling and slicing your sandwiches.

Sharp Knife: To cut through the gooey layers without squishing.

Mixing Bowl: For tossing the chicken in BBQ sauce.

Ingredients in Grilled Mozzarella BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Every layer brings something tasty to the table, literally. Let’s break it down:

1. Cooked Chicken Breast: 2 cups, shredded or chopped. This is your protein base, hearty and flavorful.
2. Mozzarella Cheese: 1 ½ cups, freshly shredded. Gives that stretchy, gooey melt.
3. BBQ Sauce: ½ cup. Adds sweetness, tang, and smoky depth.
4. Red Onion: ½ small, thinly sliced. Gives a sharp crunch and cuts through the richness.
5. Butter: 2 tablespoons, softened. Helps achieve a golden, crispy crust on the bread.
6. Sandwich Bread or Ciabatta Rolls: 4 slices or 2 rolls halved. Holds everything together with the right bite.
7. Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (optional): 2 tablespoons, chopped. Brightens up each bite.

Ingredient Substitutions

No worries if you’re missing something, here are some handy swaps:

Chicken Breast: Rotisserie chicken or turkey.

Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone, Monterey Jack, or a mozzarella-cheddar blend.

BBQ Sauce: Honey mustard or chipotle mayo for a twist.

Red Onion: Sweet onion or green onions.

Butter: Olive oil or mayo for grilling.

Bread: Sourdough, focaccia, or gluten-free bread.

Ingredient Spotlight

Mozzarella Cheese: Known for its incredible melt and mild flavor, mozzarella makes the sandwich irresistibly gooey and balances the bold BBQ sauce.

BBQ Sauce: This sauce isn’t just a condiment. It infuses the chicken with sweet, tangy, and smoky notes that define the sandwich’s flavor profile.

Instructions for Making Grilled Mozzarella BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Alright, let’s get into the real fun. Here’s how you build this melty masterpiece step by step:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. If you’re using a panini press, set it up now.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Lightly butter one side of each bread slice or roll.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   On the unbuttered side of the bread, layer BBQ chicken, mozzarella, red onion slices, and parsley if using. Top with the other slice, buttered side facing out.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Place sandwich in skillet and grill each side for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Press down slightly with a spatula for best results.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let it rest for a minute before slicing to allow everything to set.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Slice diagonally and serve hot with chips, slaw, or a pickle spear on the side.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

It’s all about contrasts. The crisp, toasted bread gives way to melty mozzarella and juicy BBQ chicken. The sweet and smoky sauce plays against the sharp crunch of red onions and the subtle herbal brightness from parsley. Every bite is a little crispy, a little gooey, and a whole lot delicious.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here’s how to level up your sandwich game:

• Use day-old bread for better structure and crunch.
• Don’t overload the fillings or the cheese won’t melt evenly.
• Cover the pan with a lid to trap heat and help the cheese melt faster.
• Add a little garlic powder or smoked paprika to the butter for an extra flavor boost.

What to Avoid

These are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Using pre-shredded cheese, which doesn’t melt as well.
• Skipping the butter on the bread, which leaves it pale and soggy.
• Rushing the grill time and ending up with unmelted cheese inside.
• Overloading the sandwich which can make it fall apart while flipping.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 520
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can absolutely prep these ahead. Just assemble the sandwiches, wrap them in foil or parchment, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. To reheat, grill on low until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy again. Leftovers can also be frozen and toasted later.

How to Serve Grilled Mozzarella BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Serve these hot with a side of sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a crisp garden salad. They pair beautifully with iced tea, lemonade, or a cold sparkling water with lemon. For a party spread, cut them into quarters and serve on a platter.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got extras? Lucky you. Try these:

• Chop up and stuff into a wrap with greens.
• Make a grilled sandwich quesadilla version with tortillas.
• Layer into a warm BBQ chicken melt with extra cheese in the oven.
• Dice and toss into a pasta salad.

Additional Tips

Keep these in your back pocket for next time:

• Let the grilled sandwich rest a minute before slicing to keep the filling in place.
• Add a thin layer of BBQ sauce inside both bread slices for extra punch.
• Use freshly cracked pepper and sea salt to finish before serving.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation is key, even for sandwiches. Slice diagonally and stack slightly for a deli-style look. Add fresh herbs on top or serve with a little dipping sauce on the side. Use parchment paper to wrap for that gourmet café vibe.

Variations to Try

Let your taste buds lead you:

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add sliced pickled jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
• Sweet Hawaiian Twist: Use Hawaiian rolls and pineapple slices.
• Veggie Version: Swap chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms.
• Caprese Fusion: Add tomato slices and basil leaves with mozzarella.
• Ranch BBQ Combo: Drizzle ranch dressing inside before grilling.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use a panini press instead of a skillet?
A1: Yes, a panini press works perfectly and gives great even pressure for melting the cheese.

Q2: What’s the best bread for this sandwich?
A2: Ciabatta, sourdough, or thick-cut country white work best for texture and flavor.

Q3: Can I make these sandwiches in advance?
A3: Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate them, then grill when ready to eat.

Q4: Is there a dairy-free option?
A4: You can use dairy-free mozzarella-style shreds that melt well.

Q5: How do I keep the sandwich from falling apart?
A5: Don’t overstuff it and press it gently while grilling to seal it together.

Q6: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
A6: Yes, it’s a great way to repurpose it.

Q7: Can I bake the sandwich instead of grilling?
A7: Yes, wrap in foil and bake at 375°F until cheese is melted, then unwrap and toast.

Q8: Does it work with BBQ tofu for vegetarians?
A8: Definitely. BBQ tofu makes a fantastic protein-packed swap.

Q9: Should I use sweet or spicy BBQ sauce?
A9: Use whichever suits your taste. Sweet adds comfort, spicy adds kick.

Q10: Can I add other cheeses too?
A10: Sure. Sharp cheddar, gouda, or even a hint of blue cheese adds fun layers.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that brings comfort, bold flavor, and just the right amount of indulgence, these Grilled Mozzarella BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a no-brainer. They’re quick to make, insanely satisfying, and flexible enough to make your own. Trust me, you’re going to love this one bite after cheesy, smoky bite.

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