Let’s face it – BBQ chicken is already delicious on its own but when you add the right cheese? It’s a whole new level of yum! As someone who’s experimented with countless cheese and BBQ chicken combos (sometimes with disastrous results) I’m here to share what actually works.
The best cheeses for BBQ chicken are Monterey Jack sharp Cheddar Pepper Jack, Provolone, Gouda, Colby Jack, Blue cheese (use sparingly), and even some milder options like mozzarella in certain dishes. The perfect choice depends on your BBQ sauce style and personal taste preferences.
Let’s dig into what makes these combinations so darn good!
Why Cheese and BBQ Chicken Are a Match Made in Heaven
BBQ chicken brings a complex mix of smoky, sweet, tangy, and sometimes spicy flavors to the table. The right cheese can either
- Complement these flavors by enhancing them
- Provide contrast that balances the boldness
- Add creaminess to balance the textures
Not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to BBQ chicken pairings. Some factors to consider:
- The BBQ sauce style: Is it sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy?
- How you’re cooking the chicken: Grilled, smoked, or baked?
- The dish you’re making: Pizza, sandwich, quesadilla, or eating it straight?
- Your desired texture: Melty, crumbly, or somewhere in between?
Top Cheese Options for BBQ Chicken
1. Monterey Jack: The Versatile Favorite
Why it works: Mild, buttery flavor with excellent meltability. It’s like the perfect supporting actor that makes the star (your BBQ chicken) shine even brighter.
Monterey Jack is often considered the #1 choice for BBQ chicken. Its mild creaminess doesn’t compete with the BBQ sauce, but instead creates a luxurious texture that elevates the whole dish.
Best for: BBQ chicken sandwiches, quesadillas, and baked dishes.
2. Sharp Cheddar: The Bold Classic
Why it works: That tangy bite cuts through the sweetness of most BBQ sauces perfectly.
I once made BBQ chicken sliders with sharp cheddar for a family cookout, and my uncle (who claims to hate “fancy food”) had four of them! The tanginess of sharp cheddar creates a perfect balance with sweeter BBQ sauces.
Best for: Burgers, sandwiches, and casseroles.
Pro tip: Stick with mild to medium cheddar. Super sharp varieties can overpower the chicken’s delicate flavor.
3. Pepper Jack: For Spice Lovers
Why it works: It’s basically Monterey Jack with jalapeño peppers mixed in, adding a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of BBQ sauce.
If you’re already using a spicy BBQ sauce, be careful – the heat can add up quickly! But with a sweet or smoky sauce, Pepper Jack brings a welcome complexity.
Best for: Southwest-inspired BBQ chicken wraps, pizzas, and nachos.
4. Provolone: The Italian Touch
Why it works: Mild provolone has a subtle sweetness and nutty flavor that plays nicely with BBQ chicken.
I love using provolone for BBQ chicken paninis – it melts beautifully and doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
Best for: Hot sandwiches, melts, and Italian-inspired BBQ chicken dishes.
5. Gouda: Sweet and Nutty Goodness
Why it works: Young Gouda offers a sweet and nutty profile that pairs surprisingly well with BBQ chicken.
Smoked Gouda deserves special mention – it amplifies the smokiness in your BBQ for an extra dimension of flavor. Just make sure to use young Gouda; aged varieties can be too intense.
Best for: BBQ chicken flatbreads, upscale grilled cheese, and charcuterie boards.
6. Colby Jack: The Best of Both Worlds
Why it works: This combo of Colby and Monterey Jack gives you a mild, versatile cheese with good meltability.
It’s like the Swiss Army knife of BBQ chicken cheeses – works with almost any sauce style and cooking method.
Best for: Family-friendly dishes where you need a crowd-pleaser.
7. Blue Cheese: The Adventurous Choice
Why it works: The pungent, salty flavor provides a sharp contrast to sweet BBQ sauces.
Blue cheese is definitely not for everyone, and a little goes a long way! But for BBQ chicken with a vinegar-based or tangy sauce, blue cheese can be amazing.
Best for: Buffalo-BBQ fusion dishes, salads with BBQ chicken, or crumbled as a garnish.
8. Mozzarella: The Understated Option
Why it works: While not the first choice for BBQ chicken, fresh mozzarella can work with lightly sauced BBQ chicken.
Its delicate flavor won’t compete with the BBQ, but it does need to be paired thoughtfully.
Best for: BBQ chicken pizza where other toppings help balance the flavors.
Matching Cheese to Your BBQ Sauce Style
The type of BBQ sauce you’re using should influence your cheese choice. Here’s a handy reference:
| BBQ Sauce Type | Best Cheese Options | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet & Tangy | Sharp Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack | Sharp cheddar cuts through sweetness, while Monterey and Colby Jacks add creaminess |
| Spicy | Monterey Jack, Provolone | These milder cheeses help tame the heat without competing |
| Smoky | Gouda, Smoked Gouda, Sharp Cheddar | Smoky cheeses enhance the existing smoky notes |
| Vinegar-Based | Provolone, Monterey Jack, Mild Cheddar | These balance the acidity without clashing |
| Mustard-Based | Sharp Cheddar, Gouda | Complements the tanginess and earthiness of mustard |
Creative Ways to Use Cheese with BBQ Chicken
Don’t just limit yourself to melting cheese on top of chicken! Try these tasty ideas:
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Top a pizza crust with BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, red onions, and your choice of cheese (Monterey Jack and Cheddar work great!)
- Loaded BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with BBQ chicken, cheese, black beans, and corn
- BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: Layer BBQ chicken between two slices of bread with your favorite melty cheese
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with BBQ chicken, rice, and cheese, then baked
- BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Add BBQ chicken to your favorite mac and cheese recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Is block cheese better than pre-shredded for BBQ chicken dishes?
Block cheese that you shred yourself melts better because it doesn’t have the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded varieties. But honestly, when I’m in a hurry (which is most weeknights), I use pre-shredded and it works fine for most dishes.
How do I prevent cheese from burning when grilling BBQ chicken?
Add the cheese during the last few minutes of cooking, and move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill. You can also try using a grill mat or placing everything in a foil packet to prevent direct heat from burning the cheese.
Can I use vegan cheese alternatives with BBQ chicken?
Absolutely! Look for vegan cheeses that melt well. Vegan Monterey Jack or cheddar alternatives typically work best with BBQ chicken flavors.
How much cheese should I use with BBQ chicken?
For richer, heavier BBQ sauces, use less cheese to avoid overwhelming the dish. For lighter sauces, you can be more generous. Balance is key! I usually go with about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese per chicken breast as a starting point.
What cheeses should I AVOID with BBQ chicken?
Super strong cheeses like aged Parmesan, Limburger, or very pungent washed-rind cheeses typically don’t work well. Their intense flavors fight with rather than complement the BBQ sauce.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of cooking is experimentation! While these cheeses are popular pairings with BBQ chicken, don’t be afraid to try something different. My sister accidentally used some leftover Havarti on BBQ chicken once, and now it’s her go-to cheese for it.
Remember that the best cheese for YOUR BBQ chicken is ultimately the one that makes your taste buds happy. There’s no cheese police coming to arrest you if you break the “rules”!
What’s your favorite cheese to pair with BBQ chicken? I’d love to hear about your own discoveries and experiments in the comments below!
Step 2: Time to grill up BBQ Chicken Sandwich
For the cook I used my Weber Slate griddle. No griddle, no problem! Replicate this BBQ Chicken Sandwich recipe in a cast iron skillet, on the stove top or in an air fryer.
Preheat the griddle to a medium high heat. Place the seasoned chicken on the flat top and continuously flip to get an even cook throughout. Next, add in your favorite BBQ sauce and continue mixing. I used a store bought sauce for convenience, but if you’re looking for a homemade recipe, check out my sweet and tangy BBQ sauce recipe.
Once the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees, place slices of colby jack cheese over the entire pile. Place a lid over the top to allow the cheese to melt.
Cheese options are endless in this recipe. For a creamy finish use a Mozzarella or Colby Jack. Want some sharpness go with a Cheddar or Provolone cheese. Or for some heat use Pepper Jack.
Toast up some mini french rolls and scoop up a generous serving of the BBQ chicken mixture into the roll. Enjoy!
Ingredient list for BBQ Chicken Sandwich
- Chicken: I went with chicken thighs for this recipe, however chicken breast is a great alternative.
- Cheese: any sliced cheese works with this recipe. I decided on Colby Jack for it’s mild flavor and great melting properties.
- Onion: sliced red onion add texture and sharpness.
- Bread: french mini rolls are my favorite sized buns for this recipe.
- BBQ Sauce: if I’m not making my own sauce, I always go with Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce. It’s sweet and my kids love it.