Sophie Bennett
There are endless possibilities when it comes to food, and the same goes for combining different ingredients. While there are no rules, some combinations are more popular than others. One such combination is barbecue chicken and cheese. The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, chicken, red onion, and cilantro are a match made in heaven, but adding cheese takes it to another level. The addition of melted cheese, whether it's cheddar, gouda, or Havarti, creates a delightful contrast of flavours and textures that makes barbecue chicken even more mouthwatering. So, the next time you're firing up the grill or heating a skillet, consider adding some cheese to your barbecue chicken for a tasty treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, Havarti, pepper jack, mozzarella, gruyere, blue cheese |
| Type of bread | Thick, buttered bread, French bread, sourdough, Italian bread |
| Accompaniments | Red onion, cilantro, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, parsley, margarine, cabbage slaw, potato chips, coleslaw |
| Nutritional Information | 638-706kcal, 36-41.4g carbohydrates, 22-34.8g protein, 44.8-45g fat, 23g saturated fat, 5g polyunsaturated fat, 14g monounsaturated fat, 1g trans fat, 90-147mg cholesterol, 799-978.8mg sodium, 25-298mg potassium, 2g fiber, 25-28mg sugar, 790IU vitamin A, 2-28mg vitamin C, 334mg calcium, 2mg iron |
| Other | Can be served as a sandwich or with mac n cheese |
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What You'll Learn
BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich
The first step is to prepare the BBQ chicken. You can use cooked chicken, such as leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken, and shred it. Cook the chicken with onions, garlic, and spices like smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce. Add BBQ sauce—you can use a regular variety or something more unique like a Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce. For added spice and tang, include pickled jalapeños and red onions. If you want a more well-rounded flavour, add some cilantro.
Now, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Choose a sturdy bread, such as sourdough, French bread, or Italian bread, and thickly slice it. Butter the bread on one side and layer the sandwich as follows: bread (buttered side down), cheese, BBQ chicken, cheese, bread (buttered side up). You can use a variety of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, pepper jack, or Havarti.
Finally, cook the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet with the buttered side down and cook for 1-2 minutes or until the bread is toasted. Flip the sandwich and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Your BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich is now ready to be devoured!
You can serve these sandwiches alone, with a side of potato chips, or fresh coleslaw. They are a delicious and easy meal that can be customised to your taste and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
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Cheese types: cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, Havarti, etc
While there is no definitive answer to whether or not you should put cheese on barbecue chicken, it is a popular combination. The addition of cheese can enhance the flavour and texture of the dish, creating a mouthwatering experience. Here is a guide to some of the cheese types that pair well with barbecue chicken:
Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for barbecue chicken dishes. Its sharp and tangy flavour complements the sweetness of barbecue sauce. In a BBQ Cheddar Baked Chicken recipe, cheddar cheese is shredded and melted on top of the chicken, creating a juicy and flavourful dish. Some people also add a sprinkle of Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese along with the cheddar to enhance the flavour.
Gouda
Gouda cheese, especially when combined with smoked gouda, is a perfect melting cheese for barbecue chicken sandwiches. The sweetness and creaminess of gouda pair well with the smoky flavour of barbecue sauce. When topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and a drizzle of hot honey, the sandwich becomes incredibly delicious.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella cheese is versatile and can be used in various chicken dishes. It can be added to grilled chicken breasts to create a simple and healthy meal. Mozzarella-based dishes such as Chicken Caprese or Italian-style burrito bowls are easy to prepare and can be tailored to personal preferences.
Havarti
Havarti cheese is used in a Chicken with Havarti Dill Cheese Sauce recipe. The sauce is made by melting Havarti cheese with butter, flour, milk, garlic powder, and dill weed. The sauce is then poured over breaded chicken pieces, creating a flavoursome and indulgent dish.
The choice of cheese ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile of the dish. Experimenting with different cheeses can lead to unique and delectable barbecue chicken creations.
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Acidity and brightness: lemon, lime, pickles, vinegar
While there is no hard and fast rule about what you can and cannot eat, there are some interesting ways to incorporate acidity and brightness into your barbecue chicken recipes.
Lemon, lime, pickles, and vinegar can all be used to add a tangy, bright, and acidic kick to your chicken dishes. In many West Indian and Caribbean kitchens, chicken is rinsed with a mild acid like lemon, lime, or vinegar before cooking. This is said to freshen the smell, remove surface slime, and add a subtle tang. It can also be used to test the freshness of the meat. If the chicken still smells "off" after the rinse, it should be discarded. However, it is important to note that leaving acid on the surface of the chicken for too long will start to chemically cook the proteins, making the meat tough.
Lemon juice can also be used to add brightness to a chicken dish. A lemon-pepper chicken breast recipe uses store-bought lemon-pepper seasoning and fresh lemon for a fast weeknight flavor. The lemon pepper adds acidity, salt, and mild heat, while the fresh lemon juice adds brightness to the buttery, garlicky pan sauce.
Pickles and pickle brine can also add acidity and brightness to chicken dishes. A pickle brine chicken recipe calls for whisking together pickle juice, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. The chicken breasts are then placed in the brine and refrigerated for 1-2 hours before being grilled. The brine adds moisture and a tangy flavor to the chicken without being overpowering.
When it comes to barbecue chicken, adding acidity with lemon, lime, pickles, or vinegar can help to cut through the fat and protein of the dish, especially when paired with cheese. For example, melty mozzarella pairs well with tomato or spicy flavors, like those found in pizza or Butter Chicken Parmesan recipes.
In the case of barbecue chicken sandwiches, sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese can complement the creamy and sharp flavors of the Alabama barbecue sauce. Smoked gouda is another cheese option that pairs well with the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce.
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No rules: eat your favourite cheese
There are no rules when it comes to food—you can eat your favourite cheese with barbecue chicken! While there are some classic combinations, such as the humble grilled cheese sandwich, you can get creative and experiment with different cheeses to find your favourite.
A popular choice is a BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich, which features BBQ sauce, chicken, red onion, and cilantro, all smothered in melted cheese. This sandwich is a favourite for a reason: the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, the savoury chicken, and the sharp cheddar or smoked gouda create an explosion of flavours. The key to this sandwich is the contrast between the crisp bread and the gooey cheese.
However, you can break the mould and try something new! If you're a traditionalist, a medium cheddar is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try a pepper jack cheese, which adds a little kick to your sandwich. If you're a blue cheese fan, a creamy blue cheese dressing can be a perfect pairing with barbecue chicken, especially when served with a crunchy cabbage slaw.
Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different cheeses. After all, there are so many varieties and flavour profiles that the combinations are endless. You can even try putting the chicken over mac and cheese! So, go ahead and indulge in your favourite cheese with barbecue chicken—there are no rules when it comes to enjoying your food.
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Complementary flavours and textures: soft cheese with non-soft meat
While there are no rules when it comes to food pairings, some combinations of flavours and textures work better than others. When it comes to soft cheese and non-soft meat, the key is to create a contrast that will enhance the dining experience.
Soft cheeses, such as Havarti, brie, and mozzarella, have a creamy texture that can be paired with non-soft meats like chicken or steak. However, it is important to note that soft cheeses may not pair well with soft or buttery meats, as the combination can become overwhelming. Instead, opt for a cheese that can stand on its own, such as a nutty or earthy Gruyere or a sharp and crumbly aged cheddar. These cheeses provide a contrast to the texture of the meat, giving your taste buds a break from uniformity.
In the case of barbecue chicken, a popular pairing is to use sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese to complement the creamy and sharp flavours in the barbecue sauce. The crispness of the bread in a grilled cheese sandwich also adds a textural contrast to the soft cheese and meat. The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, combined with the savoury chicken, creates a flavour profile that is enhanced by the addition of melted cheese.
Another example of complementary flavours and textures is the combination of smoked chicken in a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce, served with a creamy blue cheese dressing. The creaminess of the cheese brings together the various flavours and textures of the dish, including the crunch of a cabbage slaw.
When pairing soft cheese with non-soft meat, consider the overall flavour profile of the dish. The acidity from ingredients like lemon, lime, pickles, or vinegar can cut through the richness of cheese and meat, adding a bright and lively contrast. Experiment with different cheeses and meat preparations to find the perfect balance of flavours and textures that suit your personal taste.
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Frequently asked questions
Some good cheeses to pair with barbecue chicken include Havarti, sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, pepper jack, and mozzarella.
While there are no fixed rules when it comes to food pairings, some soft cheeses like brie may not go well with barbecue chicken due to their similar textures.
Barbecue chicken with cheese can be prepared in various ways, including sandwiches, sliders, mac n cheese, and pizzas.
To make a barbecue chicken grilled cheese sandwich, cook the chicken with onions, garlic, and barbecue sauce. Spread butter on slices of bread and assemble the sandwich with cheese, chicken, and optional toppings like red onions and cilantro. Cook the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Adding cheese to barbecue chicken can enhance the flavour and texture of the dish, providing a creamy, salty, or tangy contrast to the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce.
