Southwestern BBQ Chicken Melt
This mouthwatering Southwestern BBQ Chicken Melt is a delightful twist on a classic chicken sandwich, full of vibrant flavors and textures. Juicy, grilled chicken breast is stuffed with creamy Monterey Jack pepper cheese and infused with tangy barbecue sauce, nestled between toasted sourdough. For a fresh kick, it's topped with homemade guacamole, crisp lettuce, and ripe tomatoes. Perfect for lunch or a satisfying snack that brings a taste of the Southwest to your plate.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
white sourdough bread
2 slices (toasted)
skinless chicken breast half
6 ounces (cut a pocket in)
Monterey Jack pepper cheese
1 slice (inserted in chicken pocket)
barbecue sauce
1/4 cup (brushed on chicken)
guacamole
2-3 tablespoons (mixed with sour cream)
sour cream
1 teaspoon (mixed with guacamole)
tomatoes
to taste (sliced)
lettuce
to taste (washed and torn)
Instructions
1
Preheat the grill to medium heat. While the grill heats up, cut a horizontal pocket into the thickest part of the chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
2
Insert a slice of Monterey Jack pepper cheese into the pocket of the chicken, and secure the opening with metal skewers or soaked wooden skewers.
3
Brush the outside of the chicken breast with half of the barbecue sauce to enhance the flavor while grilling.
4
Place the stuffed chicken breast on the preheated grill. Cover and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5
Remove the skewers carefully after turning the chicken once, and let it rest for a few minutes.
6
While the chicken is resting, toast the sourdough bread slices until golden brown.
7
Mix the guacamole and sour cream in a small bowl until well blended.
8
Assemble the sandwich by layering sliced tomatoes and lettuce on one slice of the toasted bread.
9
Place the grilled stuffed chicken breast on top of the vegetables, then spread the guacamole and sour cream mixture on the second slice of toasted bread.
10
Top the sandwich with the prepared bread slice, cut in half if desired, and enjoy your Southwestern BBQ Chicken Melt.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Southwestern BBQ Chicken Melt?
It is a grilled chicken sandwich featuring a cheese-stuffed chicken breast, tangy barbecue sauce, guacamole, and fresh vegetables on toasted sourdough bread.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed for 1 serving.
What type of bread is recommended for this sandwich?
Two slices of white sourdough bread, toasted until golden brown, are used for this recipe.
How is the chicken prepared for stuffing?
A horizontal pocket is cut into the thickest part of a 6-ounce skinless chicken breast half, taking care not to cut all the way through.
What kind of cheese is used in the Southwestern BBQ Chicken Melt?
One slice of Monterey Jack pepper cheese is inserted into the chicken pocket.
How do you keep the cheese from falling out while grilling?
The opening of the chicken breast should be secured with metal skewers or soaked wooden skewers.
How much barbecue sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce, half of which is brushed on the chicken before grilling.
What is the recommended grilling temperature?
The grill should be preheated to medium heat.
How long should the chicken be cooked on the grill?
Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
When should the skewers be removed?
The skewers can be removed carefully after turning the chicken once.
What ingredients are mixed for the sandwich spread?
2-3 tablespoons of guacamole are blended with 1 teaspoon of sour cream.
What fresh vegetables are added to the melt?
Sliced tomatoes and washed, torn lettuce are added to the sandwich.
Is this recipe considered a lunch or a snack?
This recipe is versatile and tagged as both a lunch and a satisfying snack.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish features tangy BBQ sauce, creamy guacamole, and a spicy kick from the Monterey Jack pepper cheese.
Can I use wooden skewers?
Yes, but ensure they are soaked in water first to prevent them from burning on the grill.
How do you assemble the sandwich?
Layer tomatoes and lettuce on one toasted slice, add the grilled chicken, spread the guacamole mixture on the second slice, and top.
Is the chicken breast skinless?
Yes, the recipe specifies a 6-ounce skinless chicken breast half.
Is this a Southwestern style recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as Southwestern and Mexican-inspired due to ingredients like guacamole and pepper cheese.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the grill.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I add more tomatoes or lettuce?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding tomatoes and lettuce to your own taste.
Is the sourdough bread toasted before or after assembly?
The bread should be toasted until golden brown while the chicken is resting, before assembly.
What is the preparation for the lettuce?
The lettuce should be washed and torn before being added to the sandwich.
Is this a grilled sandwich?
The chicken is grilled and the bread is toasted, giving it a classic grilled melt quality.
What makes it a 'Melt'?
The cheese is stuffed inside the chicken and melts during the grilling process.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Monterey Jack pepper cheese is recommended for the Southwestern flavor, you could substitute it with another melting cheese.
How much sour cream is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of sour cream to mix with the guacamole.
What is the best way to serve the sandwich?
The recipe suggests cutting the assembled sandwich in half if desired before serving.
What is the total amount of guacamole used?
The recipe calls for 2-3 tablespoons of guacamole.