Smoky BBQ Chicken Meltdown
A delightful dish combining tender, shredded chicken smothered in BBQ sauce and melted Havarti cheese between crispy buttered bread, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Adds richness and assists in cooking the onions.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced Provides a sweet and savory base for the mixture.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the aroma and flavor profile of the dish.
- 2.5 cups shredded roast chicken The heart of this dish, offering tenderness and smoky flavor.
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika Adds a mild warmth and depth to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Introduces a savory umami kick.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce The star component that makes everything shine.
For the Sandwich Assembly
- 12 slices Havarti cheese Melts to creamy perfection, complementing the BBQ chicken.
- 0.25 cup butter Adds richness and helps crisp the bread.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the bread with irresistible flavor.
- 2 teaspoons parsley, minced For a fresh, fragrant garnish in the butter mixture.
- 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread Provides the perfect vessel for all the scrumptious fillings.
Instructions
BBQ Chicken Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and cook until soft, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, roughly 30 seconds.
- Add the shredded chicken to the skillet along with paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Stir to combine, cooking until heated through, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Garlic Butter Bread
- In a medium bowl, melt together the butter, minced garlic, and parsley in the microwave.
- Lay 12 slices of bread on a flat surface, and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each slice, then flip them over so the buttered side is facing down.
Assembling the Sandwiches
- On 6 slices of bread, layer one slice of Havarti cheese, followed by a portion of the BBQ chicken mixture, and top with another slice of cheese.
- Finish by capping them with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered sides are outward.
Grilling the Sandwiches
- In a large non-stick skillet, cook the sandwiches over medium heat until the bottoms are golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
- Carefully flip the sandwiches and continue cooking on medium-low until the other side is browned and the cheese has melted, about another 3-5 minutes.
Notes
For added texture, include crispy bacon bits or sautéed bell peppers. To add spice, incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce into the BBQ mix. Rest sandwiches before cutting for best results. Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep. Experiment with cheese varieties for unique flavors.