There’s something magical about grilled chicken, melted mozzarella, and smoky BBQ sauce coming together on a toasted sandwich roll. Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout, a casual family dinner, or simply looking for a mouthwatering weeknight meal, these Grilled Mozzarella BBQ Chicken Sandwiches deliver on flavor, texture, and pure comfort.
Inspired by late-summer evenings spent around the grill, this recipe brings together the best of BBQ and melty cheese in a way that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between a burger and a gourmet sandwich—perfect with a side of chips, coleslaw, or even a cold beer.
This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also simple to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable. So, fire up your grill (or stovetop) and get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from prep to plate.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different sauces, cheeses, or buns.
- Family-Friendly: Mildly smoky and cheesy, perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Grilling Season: Ideal for BBQ parties, summer dinners, or casual weekend lunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you dive into the kitchen, here’s everything you’ll need to make these sandwiches shine:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own)
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 4 sandwich rolls or hoagie buns (brioche or pretzel rolls also work wonderfully)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: dried parsley
How to Make Grilled Mozzarella BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a sandwich that’s juicy, cheesy, and absolutely unforgettable.
1. Prep the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts lengthwise. This creates thinner cutlets that cook quickly and evenly—perfect for sandwiches.
Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This seasoning blend adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
💡 Pro Tip: Let the seasoned chicken rest for 10–15 minutes before grilling to allow the spices to infuse the meat.
2. Grill or Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken cutlets in the pan and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred.
During the last minute of cooking, brush each side with BBQ sauce and let it caramelize slightly. This not only adds flavor but also creates a sticky, flavorful coating.
🔥 Outdoor Grill Option: Fire up the outdoor grill for an extra smoky, char-grilled flavor. Just make sure to oil the grates to prevent sticking.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches
Preheat your broiler or toaster oven. Lay the bottom half of each roll on a baking tray and top with the grilled BBQ chicken.
Add an extra spoonful of BBQ sauce over the chicken, then place a slice of mozzarella on top.
Broil the open-faced sandwiches for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Keep a close eye—cheese can go from melty to burnt quickly!
4. Finish and Serve
Remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle a little dried parsley over the cheese for color and added flavor.
Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately while everything is hot, gooey, and irresistible.
🧂 Serving Suggestion: Pair these sandwiches with kettle-cooked chips, a fresh cucumber salad, or sweet potato fries for a well-rounded meal.
Customization Tips & Variations
Looking to add your own twist? Here are some ideas to personalize your Grilled Mozzarella BBQ Chicken Sandwiches:
Swap the Cheese
- Pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Provolone for a smoky melt.
- Cheddar for a sharp, creamy bite.
Change the Sauce
- Use honey BBQ for sweetness.
- Try chipotle BBQ for extra heat.
- Go gourmet with a balsamic glaze drizzle.
Add Some Crunch
- Top with fried onions, coleslaw, or pickles.
- Add a slice of bacon for extra texture and flavor.
Make It Healthier
- Use whole grain buns.
- Swap BBQ sauce for a low-sugar alternative.
- Grill with skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Meal Prep Friendly
You can grill the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or under the broiler before assembling the sandwiches.
Freezing Instructions
Cooked chicken cutlets can be frozen (without cheese or buns) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
🧊 Freezer Hack: Flash-freeze cooked chicken on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together.
Pairings & Side Dish Ideas
Wondering what to serve with these sandwiches? Here are some crave-worthy options:
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter
- Creamy Coleslaw
- Classic Potato Salad
- Grilled Vegetables
- Iced Tea or Lemonade
🍺 Drink Pairing: A light lager or smoky amber ale makes a great adult beverage match.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, just shred or slice it thin, heat it with BBQ sauce in a pan, and proceed with assembling the sandwich and melting the cheese.
What if I don’t have a broiler?
You can melt the cheese in a toaster oven, conventional oven, or even cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure! Substitute chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or store-bought meat alternatives like BBQ jackfruit or tofu.
Serving This at a Party? Make It Mini!
Turn this recipe into a party-pleaser by using slider buns instead of full-size sandwich rolls. Cut the chicken into smaller pieces, and you’ve got yourself a platter of BBQ chicken sliders that will disappear in minutes.
Perfect for:
- Game Day
- Potlucks
- Summer BBQs
- Birthday parties
Nutrition (Per Sandwich)
Estimated values:
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
Note: Nutrition will vary depending on your choice of buns, BBQ sauce, and cheese.
Why This Sandwich Is So Shareable
This recipe hits all the right notes: it’s easy, it’s satisfying, and it looks as good as it tastes. That makes it a great candidate for sharing on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and beyond.
Try this tip: Snap a photo of the sandwich oozing with cheese right out of the broiler—tag it with #BBQChickenSandwich or #GrilledCheeseLovers for max visibility!
Final Thoughts: Bring on the BBQ Bliss
These Grilled Mozzarella BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are everything you want in a meal: bold flavor, melty cheese, a hint of smokiness, and a soft, toasty bun to hold it all together. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny weekend on the patio or need a hearty pick-me-up dinner, this sandwich is guaranteed to satisfy.
So, gather your ingredients, heat up the grill, and treat yourself to a sandwich that feels like a mini summer celebration—no matter what time of year it is.