Get ready to take your taste buds on a delightful journey with these Cheesy Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwiches! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe combines tender, shredded chicken drenched in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese—all nestled in a warm, toasty roll. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Trust us, once you try this easy and irresistible dish, it will become a staple in your recipe collection!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 4 sandwich rolls
- Pickles for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for sandwich assembly and warming.
- If using leftover or pre-cooked chicken, shred the chicken using two forks or chop into small pieces to ensure even sauce coating.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, stirring thoroughly to ensure each piece is well-coated and saturated with sauce.
- Split the sandwich rolls horizontally and lightly toast them in the oven for 2-3 minutes to create a crisp base for the sandwiches.
- Spoon the saucy shredded chicken evenly onto the bottom halves of the toasted rolls.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the warm chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
- Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes to prevent burning.
- Optional: Garnish with pickle slices on top or serve pickles on the side for added crunch and tanginess.
- Slice sandwiches diagonally and serve immediately while hot and cheese is still melted.
Tips
- Use Leftover Chicken: For a quicker prep time, utilize leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken you have on hand. This will save you time and enhance the flavor!
- Choose Your Cheese Wisely: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Toasting Step: Lightly toasting the sandwich rolls not only adds a delightful crunch but also helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy from the BBQ sauce.
- Customize Your BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauces—whether sweet, tangy, or spicy—to find the perfect flavor profile that suits your taste.
- Add Extra Toppings: For an added burst of flavor, consider topping your sandwiches with sliced jalapeños, coleslaw, or even crispy bacon!
- Serve with Sides: Pair your sandwiches with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or crunchy pickles to elevate your meal and satisfy your cravings.
- Keep an Eye on the Cheese: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your sandwiches as they bake to ensure the cheese doesn’t over-melt or burn. You want that perfect gooey texture!
- Make It a Meal Prep: These sandwiches can be prepped ahead of time. Assemble them without baking and store in the fridge for up to a day. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
