There’s something magical about a grilled cheese sandwich that makes it feel like a hug on a plate. The buttery, golden bread with melty cheese inside is nostalgic, familiar, and comforting. But what if we take that classic grilled cheese and give it a tropical twist? Enter the BBQ Chicken Pineapple Grilled Cheese – a sandwich that’s smoky, sweet, tangy, and cheesy all in one bite.

This recipe combines tender shredded chicken coated in rich BBQ sauce, sweet bursts of juicy pineapple, and gooey melted cheese tucked between two slices of crispy golden bread. It’s a flavor explosion that’s equal parts comfort food and gourmet indulgence.

Whether you’re whipping this up for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or even a fun party meal, this sandwich will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into how you can make this irresistible creation at home.

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (sweet and smoky preferred)
8 slices bread (sourdough, Texas toast, or rustic white)
8 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for butter spread)
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for spice lovers)

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
Lay out the bread slices and spread softened butter on one side of each slice. For extra flavor, mix butter with garlic powder.
Place 4 slices of bread, butter side down, on a cutting board.
Layer each slice with a piece of cheese, followed by a generous scoop of BBQ chicken.
Add pineapple chunks evenly over the chicken.
Top with another slice of cheese, then place the remaining bread slices on top, butter side facing out.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet, pressing lightly with a spatula. Cook for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
Flip carefully, cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes until the bread is crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
Remove from heat, let rest for 2 minutes, then slice in half and serve hot.

Tips & Tricks

Use smoked gouda or sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
If using canned pineapple, pat the chunks dry to avoid excess moisture.
To save time, use rotisserie chicken – it’s tender and flavorful.
For extra gooeyness, sprinkle some shredded cheese between layers.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
Hawaiian Style: Add a slice of ham for a Hawaiian pizza-inspired twist.
Veggie Option: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or jackfruit.

BBQ Chicken Pineapple Grilled Cheese

A gooey, golden grilled cheese stuffed with BBQ chicken, pineapple chunks, and melty cheese for the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 4 sandwiches

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American, Fusion

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie or homemade
1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned, drained
1/2 cup BBQ sauce sweet and smoky preferred
8 slices bread sourdough, Texas toast, or rustic white
8 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
1 tsp garlic powder optional
1/4 tsp chili flakes optional

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Skillet or griddle
Spatula
Knife

Method

Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Mix with garlic powder if desired.
Layer cheese, BBQ chicken, pineapple chunks, and more cheese between two bread slices, butter side out.
Heat skillet over medium-low. Cook sandwiches 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese melts.
Slice in half and serve hot.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh pineapple and a smoky BBQ sauce. Great with coleslaw or fries.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh coleslaw.
Serve with an extra ramekin of BBQ sauce for dipping.
Add a simple side salad for balance.

Storage Information

Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness – avoid the microwave.

FAQ

Can I use fresh pineapple? Yes! Fresh pineapple adds brightness and extra flavor.
Can I freeze these sandwiches? It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but you can freeze pre-assembled (uncooked) sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil. Toast directly from frozen.
What cheese works best? Melty cheeses like provolone, gouda, mozzarella, or even Monterey Jack are perfect.

History / Fun Facts
Grilled cheese has been around for centuries, but it became an American staple in the 1920s when sliced bread and processed cheese became widely available. The tropical pineapple pairing is inspired by the popularity of Hawaiian-style BBQ dishes, which balance sweet and savory flavors beautifully. Combining BBQ chicken with pineapple in a grilled cheese is a fun, modern take on comfort food.

BBQ Chicken Pineapple Grilled Cheese – A Sweet & Savory Comfort Classic