Easy BBQ Crispy Chicken Melt: A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite
Introduction
Looking for a quick and delicious meal that will satisfy the whole family? Look no further than our Easy BBQ Crispy Chicken Melt. This recipe combines the irresistible crunch of crispy chicken tenders with the tangy sweetness of BBQ sauce, all topped with melted cheese and nestled on thick, toasted bread. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this melt is sure to become a go-to in your recipe repertoire.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Kid-Friendly: Simple, delicious flavors that kids love.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite toppings.
- Comfort Food: The ultimate combination of crispy, cheesy, and tangy.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Easy BBQ Crispy Chicken Melts:
- 8 crispy chicken tenders (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 pieces of white bread, texas toast, sourdough, or rye
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken Tenders
Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Bake according to package instructions or until they are heated through and crispy.
3. Heat the BBQ Sauce
While the chicken tenders are baking, heat the BBQ sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until warm.
4. Toast the Bread
Spread the softened butter on the insides of the bread. Place them on a separate baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
5. Assemble the Melts
Once the chicken tenders are done, brush them generously with the warm BBQ sauce. Place two chicken tenders on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
6. Add the Toppings
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the BBQ-coated chicken tenders. Add a few slices of red onion and pickles to each sandwich.
7. Melt the Cheese
Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve
Remove from the oven, top with the other half of the bun, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How Kids Can Help
Involving kids in the kitchen is a great way to teach them about cooking and spend quality time together. Here’s how your little chefs can assist with this recipe:
- Measuring Ingredients: Let them measure out the BBQ sauce and cheese.
- Spreading Butter: Kids can help spread the butter on the buns before toasting.
- Assembling the Sandwiches: They can add the chicken tenders, cheese, onions, and pickles to the buns.
- Garnishing: Older kids can help garnish the sandwiches with fresh cilantro or parsley.
A Personal Story From a Reader: Making Easy BBQ Crispy Chicken Melts with the Kids
A Sunny Afternoon in the Kitchen
Last weekend, the weather was perfect for a fun afternoon of cooking with the kids. With the sun shining through the kitchen windows, my children, Emma and Jack, were excited to join me in making one of our favorite easy meals – BBQ Crispy Chicken Melts. This recipe is a hit in our household, combining crispy chicken tenders, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all nestled in toasted buns. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for getting the kids involved in the kitchen.
Gathering Our Ingredients
We started by gathering all the ingredients from the fridge and pantry. Emma, who is nine and loves to help, took charge of measuring out the BBQ sauce and shredded cheddar cheese. Jack, who is seven, was in charge of finding the crispy chicken tenders and the sandwich buns.
“Mom, I found the pickles!” Jack exclaimed, holding the jar up proudly. Emma giggled as she placed the cheese and BBQ sauce on the counter. The kitchen buzzed with their excitement, and I couldn’t help but smile at their enthusiasm.
Preparing the Chicken Tenders
With everything ready, we got down to business. I preheated the oven to 400°F (200°C), and we arranged the crispy chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Emma helped me place them in the oven, and we set the timer.
“Can I heat the BBQ sauce?” Jack asked eagerly. I supervised as he carefully poured the BBQ sauce into a small saucepan and stirred it over low heat. The kitchen quickly filled with the sweet, tangy aroma of the sauce.
Toasting the Bread
While the chicken tenders baked and the BBQ sauce warmed, Emma spread softened butter on the insides of the bread. Jack helped place them on a separate baking sheet, and we toasted them in the oven until they were golden brown and slightly crispy.
“Mom, they look perfect!” Emma said, peeking into the oven. The buns were indeed perfectly toasted, ready to cradle our delicious chicken and toppings.
Assembling the Melts
Once the chicken tenders were done, we took them out of the oven and brushed them generously with the warm BBQ sauce. The kids loved this part, watching the sauce glisten on the crispy chicken.
“Now for the fun part!” I said, handing them each a pair of tongs. Emma and Jack placed two chicken tenders on the bottom half of each toasted bun, then sprinkled shredded cheddar cheese over the top. They added a few slices of red onion and pickles to each sandwich, their faces lighting up with anticipation.
Melting the Cheese
We returned the assembled sandwiches to the oven for about 5 minutes, just enough time for the cheese to melt and become bubbly. The kids watched through the oven door, excitedly pointing out as the cheese began to ooze over the chicken tenders.
“Look, it’s melting perfectly!” Jack said, his eyes wide with excitement. Emma nodded, equally enthralled by the sight.
Serving and Enjoying
Finally, it was time to serve our Easy BBQ Crispy Chicken Melts. We carefully removed the sandwiches from the oven and topped them with the other half of the buns. I garnished them with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, adding a pop of color.
“Let’s eat!” Emma cheered, and we sat down together to enjoy our creation. The first bite was pure bliss – crispy, tangy, cheesy perfection.
“This is the best dinner ever,” Jack declared, his mouth full of deliciousness. Emma agreed, too busy enjoying her melt to say much. I couldn’t have been happier seeing their joy and satisfaction.
Reflections on Our Cooking Adventure
Making Easy BBQ Crispy Chicken Melts with Emma and Jack was not just about preparing a meal; it was about creating memories and spending quality time together. The kids were proud of their contribution, and I loved seeing their excitement and curiosity in the kitchen.
As we cleaned up, they were already talking about what we could cook next time. Our sunny afternoon cooking adventure was filled with laughter, learning, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal. Here’s to many more fun and tasty cooking adventures with my little chefs!
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave for a quicker option, but the buns might lose their crispiness.
Substitutions and Additions
This recipe is highly versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences:
- Homemade Chicken Tenders: For a homemade version, coat chicken strips in seasoned breadcrumbs and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- BBQ Sauce Options: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own for a personalized touch.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute crispy chicken tenders with crispy tofu or air-fried broccoli.
- Extra Toppings: Add bacon, avocado, or jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time? A: While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
Q: What type of buns work best for this recipe? A: Ciabatta rolls or sandwich buns work great. You can also use brioche buns for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Q: How can I make the chicken tenders extra crispy? A: If making homemade tenders, try double breading them (dip in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs twice) for extra crunch.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of BBQ sauce, crispy chicken, and melted cheese is unbeatable.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these delicious melts.
- Quick and Convenient: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Conclusion
Easy BBQ Crispy Chicken Melt is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted cheese, it’s sure to be a hit with your family. Try this recipe today and enjoy a quick, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Happy cooking!
Easy BBQ Crispy Chicken Melt
Equipment
Equipment and Ingredient sections may contain affiliate links to items we use and love.
Ingredients
- 8 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Crispy Chicken Tenders, homemade or store-bought
- 4 bread, white, sourdough, rye, or texas toast
- 1 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Shredded Cheese
- 1/2 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Red Onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Pickles, sliced
- 2 tablespoons This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Butter, softened
- This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Bake according to package instructions or until they are heated through and crispy.
- Heat the BBQ Sauce: While the chicken tenders are baking, heat the BBQ sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until warm.
- Toast the Bread: Spread the softened butter on the insides of the bread or. Place them on a separate baking sheet and toast in the oven (or toaster) for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Assemble the Melts: Once the chicken tenders are done, brush them generously with the warm BBQ sauce. Place two chicken tenders on the bottom half of each toasted bread.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the BBQ-coated chicken tenders. Add a few slices of red onion and pickles to each sandwich.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, top with the other half of the bun, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
BBQ Sauce Options: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own for a personalized touch.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute crispy chicken tenders with crispy tofu or plant-based chicken tenders.
Storage: Leftover melts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Nutrition
Kitchen Gear and Equipment We Use and Love
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