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BBQ Chicken Pineapple Grilled Cheese

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Savor the perfect balance of tangy BBQ chicken, juicy pineapple, and sharp cheddar melted between two slices of thick, buttery sourdough. Each sandwich is filled with luscious cheese, tender shredded chicken drenched in sweet and spicy BBQ sauce, and golden pineapple slices, all grilled to crisp perfection. Enjoy warm, gooey centers offset by the crunchy bread exterior—every bite delivers smoky, sweet, and savory notes that capture the spirit of Hawaiian-style comfort food. Ideal for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing lunch, these sandwiches delight both kids and adults alike.

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Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 30 Jun 2025 11:55:53 GMT
A sandwich with BBQ chicken and pineapple on top. Save
A sandwich with BBQ chicken and pineapple on top. | lilicooks.com

Tender chicken meets sweet tangy barbecue sauce and juicy pineapple in this cheesy grilled sandwich that always takes me back to carefree summer afternoons. It is everything I crave when I want comfort food that feels a little tropical and a lot indulgent.

I first tried this for a backyard movie night with friends and it disappeared so fast that now it is all I get asked to bring to summer potlucks.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh or high quality to guarantee tender juicy meat
  • Sweet and spicy BBQ sauce: Go for a well balanced sauce with real smoke flavor
  • Thick sliced bread: Sourdough brings structure and tangy notes that hold up to the fillings
  • Extra sharp cheddar cheese: Large shreds melt smoothly and add extra punch
  • Pineapple strips: Fresh is best for brightness but well drained canned works too
  • Butter: Opt for real butter for golden crisp results
  • Nonstick spray: Helps achieve the perfect crust without sticking

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare and Bake the Chicken:
Place chicken breasts in an oven safe dish and spoon half of the BBQ sauce evenly over each breast. Coat the chicken thoroughly and bake in a preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees F for twenty minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
Shred and Sauce the Chicken:
Take the cooked chicken out of the oven and use two forks to shred it finely. Transfer the shredded chicken to a bowl and toss with the rest of the BBQ sauce until completely coated. This ensures maximum flavor in every bite.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Butter one side of each slice of bread and lay them out butter side down. On four slices layer a mixture of grated cheddar cheese followed by a healthy scoop of the BBQ chicken. Arrange three thin pineapple slices on top of the chicken. Sprinkle additional cheese over the pineapple and finish by topping with the remaining bread slices buttered side up. Press down gently to flatten.
Grill the Sandwiches:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and spritz with nonstick spray. Working in batches grill the sandwiches butter side down for three to four minutes until the bread is a deep golden brown. Use a spatula to press for an even crust. Flip carefully and grill the other side for one to two minutes watching closely to prevent burning as the second side cooks fast.
Serve and Enjoy:
When both sides are crisp and the cheese is oozing cut the sandwiches in half and serve hot for the best gooey experience.
Three grilled cheese sandwiches with BBQ chicken and pineapple. Save
Three grilled cheese sandwiches with BBQ chicken and pineapple. | lilicooks.com

Cheddar is always my favorite ingredient here because the extra sharp version has enough flavor to cut through the sweet pineapple and smoky BBQ. The stretchiness of the cheese always makes the sandwich extra fun to eat. Once my nephew tried to add bacon and I have to admit it was a game changer for flavor and crunch.

Storage tips

Pack leftover sandwiches in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat simply pop in a skillet over low heat to restore the crispy crust or use a toaster oven if you like an even crunchier texture.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have cheddar try Monterey Jack or mozzarella for milder flavor. Pulled rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for busy nights. Swap the sourdough with whole grain or sandwich bread if you need to clear out the pantry.

Serving suggestions

Pair this sandwich with crunchy coleslaw or a bright green salad to balance the richness. A side of sweet potato fries or kettle chips always gets rave reviews in my family.

A sandwich with BBQ chicken and pineapple on top. Save
A sandwich with BBQ chicken and pineapple on top. | lilicooks.com

Cultural and historical context

Hawaiian pizza may have popularized the combo of pineapple and cheese but grilled cheese as a comfort food tradition goes back generations. Adding BBQ chicken gives this American classic a fun island inspired twist.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, leftover roasted or grilled chicken works well. Just shred and toss it with BBQ sauce before assembling.

→ What bread works best?

Thick-sliced sourdough or other sturdy bread holds the filling and crisps up nicely on the grill.

→ Can I swap cheddar cheese?

Certainly! Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for a different flavor and melt.

→ Fresh or canned pineapple?

Both are suitable. Thinly slice fresh rings or drain canned slices well to avoid excess moisture.

→ How to prevent soggy sandwiches?

Thoroughly drain pineapple and avoid over-saucing the chicken so the bread crisps instead of turning soggy.

→ Best way to reheat leftovers?

Use a skillet over medium heat or a toaster oven to regain the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible.

BBQ Chicken Pineapple Grilled Cheese

Melty cheddar and smoky chicken with pineapple nestled in crisp, buttery bread for a savory-sweet meal.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

01 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 1 cup sweet and spicy BBQ sauce, divided
03 8 slices thick sliced bread, such as sourdough
04 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated
05 12 thinly sliced pineapple strips, or canned pineapple sliced thinly
06 Butter
07 Nonstick spray

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken breasts into an oven-safe baking dish and spread ½ cup BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated. Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from the oven and shred the chicken using two forks. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the remaining ½ cup BBQ sauce and mix until evenly coated.

Step 02

Butter one side of each slice of bread (only one side). Lay the slices buttered side down. On 4 slices, spread ¼ cup grated cheese each. Add one fourth of the chicken mixture on top of the cheese, followed by 3 pineapple slices per sandwich. Top with another ¼ cup cheese per slice. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, buttered side facing out. Press down lightly with a spatula or hand.

Step 03

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and spray with nonstick spray. Place 2 sandwiches butter side down on the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Flip the sandwiches and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes or until browned. Repeat these steps for the remaining sandwiches.

Step 04

Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

Required Tools

  • Skillet or grill pan
  • Oven-safe baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Forks for shredding

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Dairy (cheese, butter)
  • Gluten (bread)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 480
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 29 g