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Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
#### Step 2: Toast the Bread
While the chicken is resting, prepare your bread. Heat another tablespoon of butter or olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Place your bread slices into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You can also toast the bread in a toaster or under the broiler for an even faster option.
#### Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Once the bread is toasted, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Place each slice of toasted bread onto a plate. Next, drizzle a generous amount of **BBQ sauce** over the sliced chicken pieces, tossing to coat them evenly.
Place the BBQ-coated chicken on top of the toasted bread, making sure to distribute it evenly across the surface. Top with a slice of your preferred **cheese**, allowing it to melt over the warm chicken. You can either melt the cheese by placing the sandwich under a broiler for 2-3 minutes or use the skillet to melt it by covering the pan and allowing the cheese to melt from the heat.
#### Step 4: Add the Toppings
Once the cheese has melted, it’s time to add your fresh toppings. Layer on **thinly sliced red onion**, **pickles**, and a few sprigs of **cilantro** for freshness. If you’re adding **jalapeños** for heat, this is the time to do it. You can also toss on a few leaves of fresh **lettuce** for added crunch.
#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
After assembling your open-faced sandwich with all the toppings, serve it immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey. You can cut it in half for easier eating or serve it as is for a more rustic, hearty meal.
### Tips for Perfecting Your Open-Faced BBQ Chicken Sandwich
– **Use grilled chicken**: If you have a grill, you can opt for grilled chicken breasts instead of pan-searing them for a smokier flavor that complements the BBQ sauce.
– **Customize the toppings**: Feel free to adjust the toppings based on your preferences. Add crispy **bacon**, sautéed **mushrooms**, or even a drizzle of **ranch dressing** for an extra layer of flavor.
– **Choose your bread wisely**: A sturdy, hearty bread is essential for an open-faced sandwich. Avoid using soft white bread, as it may become soggy under the toppings.
– **Make your own BBQ sauce**: If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade BBQ sauce can take this sandwich to the next level. You can control the sweetness, tanginess, and spice level to your liking.
– **Serve with sides**: This sandwich is fantastic on its own, but you can serve it with crispy **fries**, **coleslaw**, or a **side salad** for a more filling meal.
### Variations to Try
– **Buffalo Chicken Version**: Instead of BBQ sauce, toss the chicken in **Buffalo sauce** for a spicy, tangy twist. Add a dollop of **blue cheese dressing** and some celery for a unique take on this open-faced sandwich.
– **Grilled Veggie BBQ Chicken Sandwich**: Add grilled veggies like **bell peppers**, **zucchini**, or **mushrooms** to the sandwich for a more earthy, vegetarian-friendly twist.
– **BBQ Chicken and Bacon**: For an extra layer of flavor, add crispy **bacon strips** to your sandwich.
### Conclusion
The **Open-Faced BBQ Chicken Sandwich** is a perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and versatility. With tender, BBQ-coated chicken, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, it’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re making it for a casual lunch or dinner, this dish offers a fun and tasty way to enjoy your favorite BBQ flavors in sandwich form. So grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and create a sandwich that’s as delicious as it is satisfying!
