Introduction: A Fusion of Flavors in Every Bite

If you’re a fan of creative and flavorful sandwiches, BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Grilled Cheese will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. This sandwich combines the smoky, tangy flavors of BBQ chicken, the sweetness of pineapple, and the rich, melty goodness of cheese all nestled between two slices of crispy, buttery sourdough bread. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a tropical twist, perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a fun snack for your next gathering.

The combination of tender shredded chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, sweet pineapple chunks, and gooey cheddar cheese will leave you craving more. The best part? It’s all brought together by the crispy, golden-brown sourdough bread, which provides the perfect crunch and flavor contrast to the savory filling.

Let’s dive into the recipe and make this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Grilled Cheese!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Grilled Cheese:

For the Chicken Filling:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (for a juicy, tender filling)
  • 1 cup sweet & spicy BBQ sauce (divided; half for cooking and half for topping)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained (for sweetness and texture)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (for seasoning)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the chicken)

For the Grilled Cheese:

  • 8 slices thick sourdough bread (for a hearty, flavorful base)
  • Butter (for spreading on the bread to achieve the golden, crispy crust)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (for a creamy, melty filling)

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken

  1. Cook the chicken breasts: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  2. Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the chicken into small pieces.
  3. Toss with BBQ sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and add ½ cup of sweet & spicy BBQ sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce and heat it for about 2 minutes. This will allow the chicken to absorb the smoky, tangy flavor of the BBQ sauce.
  4. Add the pineapple: Gently fold in the 1 cup of pineapple chunks, mixing them with the BBQ chicken. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes so the pineapple warms up and infuses its sweetness into the chicken.
  5. Remove from heat: Once the chicken and pineapple are well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Set the mixture aside for assembling the grilled cheese.

Step 2: Prepare the Grilled Cheese

  1. Butter the bread: Take 8 slices of thick sourdough bread and butter one side of each slice with butter. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a golden, crispy crust.
  2. Assemble the grilled cheese: Place 4 slices of buttered sourdough bread on a flat surface with the buttered side down. Divide the BBQ chicken and pineapple mixture evenly among these slices, spreading it out gently.
  3. Add the cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture, covering it generously. This will help melt into the chicken and pineapple, creating a gooey, cheesy filling.
  4. Top with the remaining bread: Take the remaining 4 slices of buttered sourdough bread and place them on top of the chicken mixture, buttered side up.

Step 3: Grill the Sandwiches

  1. Heat the skillet: Place a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. If you have a cast-iron skillet, it works wonderfully for achieving a crispy crust. Let the pan heat up for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Grill the sandwiches: Carefully place the sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside has melted completely. Use a spatula to press down gently on the sandwiches to ensure even grilling.
  3. Check for crispness: After grilling each side, check that the bread is crispy and golden brown. If not, flip the sandwiches back and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on each side.
  4. Serve hot: Once the sandwiches are perfectly grilled, remove them from the skillet and place them on a cutting board.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

  1. Slice the sandwiches: Let the sandwiches cool for a minute before cutting them in half. Use a sharp knife to cut each sandwich diagonally or into smaller pieces, depending on your preference.
  2. Garnish (optional): For an extra burst of flavor, garnish the grilled cheese with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
  3. Serve with dipping sauce: If desired, serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for each BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Grilled Cheese, assuming the recipe makes 4 sandwiches:

  • Calories: ~600-700 kcal per serving
  • Protein: ~30g
  • Carbohydrates: ~45g
  • Fat: ~35g
  • Fiber: ~4g
  • Sugar: ~15g (natural sugars from pineapple and BBQ sauce)
  • Sodium: ~900mg

The nutritional values will vary depending on the exact type of BBQ sauce, bread, and cheese used.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to make sure your BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Grilled Cheese turns out perfectly:

  1. Use fresh, quality chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to keep the filling lean and tender. You can also use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
  2. Grill with care: Be patient while grilling to ensure the bread gets crispy without burning. Adjust the heat if necessary.
  3. Customize with toppings: Add other delicious toppings like sliced red onions, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of honey for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
  4. Toast the bread first: For an extra crispy texture, you can lightly toast the sourdough bread in the toaster before assembling the sandwiches.

Variations

Here are some fun variations you can try for BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Grilled Cheese:

  • Spicy version: Add sliced jalapeños or sriracha sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Vegan version: Substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Use vegan cheese and vegan butter for the grilled cheese.
  • Add avocado: Top the sandwiches with sliced avocado before grilling for extra creaminess.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Leftover BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Grilled Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Freezing: If you have extra sandwiches, freeze them by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with fries: Pair this flavorful grilled cheese with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic combo.
  • Pair with a drink: Enjoy with a cold iced tea, lemonade, or a refreshing sparkling water.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Grilled Cheese is a delightful and creative take on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. The combination of tender BBQ chicken, sweet pineapple, and melted cheddar cheese makes this sandwich both savory and sweet, with layers of flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Perfect for any occasion, this dish will satisfy both your cravings for comfort food and your need for something new and exciting.

Enjoy making this fun, mouthwatering sandwich, and don’t forget to experiment with variations to make it even more personalized to your taste!