Best Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich
DISCLAIMER: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read my policy page!
Best Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Get ready for the ultimate comfort food fusion! The Best Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines the rich, flavorful goodness of shredded birria chicken with the melty, crispy perfection of grilled cheese. Made with buttery, herby toasted bread, this sandwich is perfect for a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner. It’s guaranteed to hit the spot every time! Gluten-free + Dairy-free Option.
I've been obsessed with birria lately, especially after trying my fave birria tacos and meatless jackfruit birria taco recipes. Now, I've found a way to combine two of my current obsessions: Grilled cheese sandwich + birria tacos. Move over grilled cheese + tomato Soup—there's a new competitor in town ---- Birria Grilled Cheese!
Y'all ---- Let me tell you, this sandwich is OUT OF THIS WORLD! The shredded chicken is incredible (Plus it makes for great leftovers), and I opted for enchilada sauce for the 'birria consommé' because it's quick. Because let's be honest, one of the best parts of grilled cheese is that they're simple + easy to make. It’s a messy sandwich, but that's part of what makes it so delicious.
Imagine juicy chicken nestled between layers of gooey melted cheese, hugged by garlic herb buttery, toasted bread with a perfectly crispy exterior. If you love grilled cheese (who doesn't?), you've got to try my Oxtail Grilled Cheese, Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese, and Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese!
Jump to:
- What Is Birria?
- Why You Will LOVE This Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- How To Make The Best Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Ingredients
- What Is The Best Cheese for Grilled Cheese?
- Should I Cook Grilled Cheese Fast or Slow?
- How To Shred Chicken?
- Other Birria Grilled-Cheese Ingredient Ideas
- What Goes Well with This Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese
- Best Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich Q + A's
- More Delicious Handheld Recipes to Try Next!
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Best Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich
What Is Birria?
Birria is a traditional Mexican dish known for its savory stew made from marinated meat, typically beef or goat (And in this case, I've used chicken), slow-cooked until tender + bursting with flavor. It’s commonly enjoyed in tacos, served with a flavorful broth/consume.
Why You Will LOVE This Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Textural bliss--- Ultra crispy garlic butter outer with shredded tender chicken layered with a gooey cheesy inner.
- Versatile snack, appetizer, or main option!
- A messy yet delicious sandwich that’s comforting + satisfying.
- Enchilada sauce adds a burst of flavor with minimal effort.
- A crowd-pleasing combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
How To Make The Best Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich
There are THREE main parts to these birria grilled cheese sandwiches: shredded chicken mixed with enchilada sauce, herb butter, and, of course, cheese!
Begin by prepping your ingredients: shred your cooked chicken breasts and mix them with enchilada sauce. Next, prepare the softened herb butter in a bowl using a fork or spoon. Then, assemble and cook each sandwich to perfection! Voila!
Ingredients
SHREDDED CHICKEN:
- Shredded chicken. See my easy shredded chicken recipe HERE!
- Extra virgin olive oil. Feel free to use your favorite high-quality EVOO. My fave tried and trusted brand is California Olive Ranch.
- Enchilada sauce. I recommend using organic for the best flavor + quality!
- White onion. Diced.
- Organic chicken stock. Adds moisture and helps create the base for the sauce.
- Bay leaves. Adds a subtle, herbal flavor.
GRILLED CHEESE:
- Bread. I love using brioche bread or other rustic bread like sourdough, etc.
- Garlic herb butter. Make sure it's softened. See below on how to make!
- Oaxaca cheese. You can substitute with your fave meltable cheese like Quesadilla, Mozzarella, etc.
- Fresh cilantro. Chopped.
HOW TO MAKE HERB BUTTER
It's as easy as mixing all the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and soft consistency. This is truly my secret weapon when it comes to being a self-proclaimed grilled cheese queen Haha!
- Butter. Unsalted + softened. I use Organic Valley.
- Seasonings. Sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil + dried thyme.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS GRILLED CHEESE!
Here, I’ve curated a list of baking + cooking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with The Best Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Everything from my fave loaf pan, wooden spoons, parchment paper, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
What Is The Best Cheese for Grilled Cheese?
Even though this Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese is based on using Mozzarella + Oaxaca cheese, you can also switch things up and add a new flare to its flavor profile by adding any of the following cheeses:
- Havarti
- Mild Cheddar Cheese
- Gouda
- American cheese
- Goat cheese
- Swiss
- Provolone
- Pepper Jack
- Muenster
Should I Cook Grilled Cheese Fast or Slow?
So, when it comes to cooking grilled cheese much like things like pancakes, it's super important to cook things slowly. The main reason: it helps the cheese and other ingredients to warm through evenly without the outside of the bread getting burned because it's on high heat. Therefore, try keeping things on low or medium-low and allowing everything to cook slowly. Patience will be your best friend!
How To Shred Chicken?
Shredding chicken is a breeze! After you've cooked the chicken to tender perfection, you can use one of the methods below to shred it!
FORKS:
- For this method, you would need two forks. If using this method, place your cooked chicken breast onto a plate or cutting board and use both forks to separate the chicken meat and 'shred' as you separate. Continue doing this until all of your chicken is shredded.
STAND MIXER:
- If you're looking to avoid using arm strength, then the method of a stand mixer might be just for you. This is by far the fastest and easiest way to shred chicken, and you simply place all of your cooked chicken breasts in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the paddle attachment and mix on low. In just 15-20 seconds, you’ll have shredded chicken. That easy!
Other Birria Grilled-Cheese Ingredient Ideas
If you’re looking for more grilled cheese ingredient inspiration or want to just make this Oxtail Grilled Cheese recipe even more delicious, here are some more ideas of what ingredients to add:
- Pickled onions
- Jalapeños
- Lime zest
- Pico de Gallo
- Candied bacon
- Caramelized onions
- Avocado
- Roasted garlic
- Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce
- Sundried tomatoes or Herb-roasted tomatoes
- Kimichi
- Pickles
What Goes Well with This Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese
I like to enjoy my Birria Grilled Cheese on its own most days or at least with a very simple side, however, sometimes you can always spruce things up for a more hearty meal. Other food option ideas to enjoy this grilled cheese with----include:
- Guacamole + tortilla chips are normally my go-to!
- Salad ----If you want to add a little freshness on the side try a Spicy Chipotle Sweet Potato Chopped Salad or a Loaded Corn Salad
- Fries-- Like these, Crispy Cajun Sweet Potato Fries, Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries, Crispiest Jumbo Garlic Herb Fries, or Spicy Honey Sweet Potato Wedges
- Other appetizers-- Like wings or cauliflower bites! Try these Classic Oven Baked Buffalo Wings, Sticky Peach Chicken Wings, Orange Chicken Wings, Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings/Bites, or BBQ Cauliflower Wings
Best Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich Q + A's
Leftovers can be tightly wrapped in foil paper or an air-tight container and refrigerated for 1-2 days. To reheat, add leftovers to a baking sheet with parchment paper and warm in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.
Absolutely! To make these grilled cheese sandwiches entirely GF, simply ensure that the bread is GF-friendly.
To make these grilled cheese sandwiches entirely dairy-free, simply sub the butter with vegan butter as well as ensure that the bread is vegan and sub the cheese with high-quality dairy-free cheese shreds.
Yes! The general method for grilled cheese is to butter the outsides of the bread before placing it in the pan which creates more flavor and ensures that they are perfectly golden brown.
General rule of thumb: cook each grilled cheese butter-side-down letting it brown for 3 to 4 minutes before flipping to the other side. Then cook the other side for 3 to 4 minutes more, or until golden brown.
It's so important to use shredded or freshly grated cheeses for the "gooey" results in your grilled cheese. For even better results, I always recommend having your cheese at room temperature for an easier melt.
More Delicious Handheld Recipes to Try Next!
If you are a fan of the Best Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich, you will also love these other delicious options!
- Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
- Vegan 'Tuna' Melt Sandwich
- Vegan Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
- Crispy Seasoned French Fries
- Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
- Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos
- Jerk Salmon Tacos
- Cheesy Kale Garlic Bread
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried the Best Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
Best Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
SHREDDED CHICKEN:
- 3 cups Easy Shredded Chicken
- 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 (28 oz) jar organic enchilada sauce
- ½ onion, diced (You can use red, yellow, or white if desired)
- ½ cup organic chicken stock
- 2 bay leaves
GRILLED CHEESE:
- 8 slices bread (I love using brioche bread or other rustic bread like sourdough, etc. )
- 6 Tbsps garlic herb butter, softened
- 3 cups grated Oaxaca (You can substitute with your fave meltable cheese like Quesadilla, Mozzarella, etc.)
- 2 tsps chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
TO MAKE THE SHREDDED CHICKEN:
- To make the shredded chicken for these sandwiches, see my Easy Shredded Chicken recipe!
TO MAKE THE BIRRIA SHREDDED CHICKEN:
- In a medium deep skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped onions and let sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 1-2 minutes. Add the shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, chicken stock, and bay leaves, mixing everything together until combined and the chicken is fully submerged in sauce. Let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes or until chicken becomes tender and sauce thickens a bit. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat. NOTE: You want enough gravy to be present so that you can use it for the outsides of sandwiches during frying + as a dip, if desired.
ASSEMBLE + COOK:
- On the outsides of each bread slice, spread a bit of the garlic herb butter so that they become nicely crisp and golden.
- On one side of 2 slices of bread, add a spoonful or two of the shredded birria chicken filling and then top with shredded cheese followed by a bit of chopped cilantro. Place together the other slice of bread with the other slice that has the meat filling, pressing them gently together to make a sandwich. Repeat until all sandwiches are made.
- In a large skillet (12-inch) over medium-low heat, add two sandwiches (one side down), spooning 1-2 Tbsps of birria sauce from the chicken mixture leftover, cooking until golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 4-5 minutes. Flip sandwich unto opposite side, spoon another 1-2 Tbsps of birria sauce, and cook for another 4-5 minutes. NOTE: I love using a burger or grill press tool to help flatten my grilled cheeses a bit, which also helps the cheese to melt.
BAKE IN THE OVEN [FOR EXTRA CRISP]:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the grilled cheeses atop baking sheet and bake for 5-6 minutes or until the edges and tops are crispy. Remove from oven and let cool slightly until safe enough to handle.
- Once done, cut in halves (if desired), plate the sandwiches with your favorite side or chips, and side of birria sauce as a dip and enjoy.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: To make these grilled cheese sandwiches entirely GF, simply ensure that the bread is GF-Friendly.
- DAIRY-FREE OPTION: To make these grilled cheese sandwiches entirely dairy-free, simply sub the butter with vegan butter as well as ensure that the bread is vegan and sub the cheese with high-quality dairy-free cheese shreds.
- HOMEMADE BIRRIA SAUCE: You can make your own homemade version of the chili paste + consomme sauce by following steps in my Birria Taco recipe!
Nutrition
DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?
Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea
LOVE THIS RECIPE?
LET US KNOW!
I need your cookbook like NOWWWW!
Hi Alberta! Awwww, I truly appreciate the love + support! 🙂