Bbq Melt Recipe

Shred or slice chicken

If your chicken is in large pieces, use two forks or your hands to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Place the shredded chicken in a medium mixing bowl.

Mix chicken with BBQ sauce

Add 1/2 cup of the BBQ sauce to the shredded chicken and toss until evenly coated. Reserve the remaining BBQ sauce for spreading and finishing.

Combine onions and pickles

Add the thinly sliced red onion and dill pickles to the chicken and toss lightly so the flavors distribute. Season with 1/4 tsp kosher salt and a pinch of black pepper if desired.

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, remaining 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce (if using), 1/4 tsp kosher salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. This spread will be used both inside the sandwich and brushed on the outside of the bread.

Lay out 4 bottom slices of bread on a work surface. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the BBQ mayo spread on each bottom slice.

Divide the BBQ-coated chicken evenly among the 4 sandwiches (about 3/4 cup per sandwich). Top the chicken with 2 slices of cheddar cheese each and 1/2 slice of smoked provolone or gouda per sandwich (or break slices to fit).

Scatter a few thin red onion slices and pickle slices over the cheese layer. Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices. Spread a thin layer (about 1/2 teaspoon) of the remaining BBQ mayo on the inside of each top slice if desired.

Combine the softened butter and olive oil. Spread about 3/4 tablespoon of the butter mixture over the outside of each top and bottom slice of bread. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low to medium heat.

Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Cook gently until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, about 3–4 minutes. Press down lightly with a spatula or use a heavy pan to press (for a melt effect).

Carefully flip each sandwich and cook the second side until golden and the cheese is fully melted, another 3–4 minutes. If the bread browns before the cheese melts, lower the heat and cover the skillet with a lid for 1–2 minutes to help the cheese melt through steam.

If desired, during the last 30 seconds brush the top of each sandwich with a little additional BBQ sauce for a glossy finish and extra flavor.

Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute. Slice each sandwich in half on the diagonal. Garnish with chopped parsley if using, and serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side.