Store-bought rotisserie chicken costs about eight dollars at my local market, and it stretches into two full family meals if you play your cards right. Last Tuesday, I had half a chicken left in the fridge and four buttery croissants sitting on the counter that needed to be used before turning stale.
Tossing shredded chicken with sweet BBQ sauce and sandwiching it inside split croissants with melted provolone cheese created an instant hit. The real trick is adding a spoon of onion jam and a couple of parmesan crisps inside each sandwich before toasting them in a buttery skillet for three minutes on each side.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Toss together the chicken and BBQ sauce until fully coated. Set aside.
2. Place 1 provolone cheese slice on the bottom half of each croissant. Pile on a generous portion of the BBQ chicken, then top with another slice of provolone and 1–2 Parmesan crisps for crunch.
3. Spread the onion jam evenly over the top halves of the croissants.
4. In a pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add 1 sandwich, and press down gently. Cook until the croissant is golden and crisp, the cheese is melty, and everything is warmed through, 2–3 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining butter and sandwiches.
5. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Work in batches so you do not crowd the skillet while pressing the sandwiches.
- Use a food thermometer to check that the chicken center warms through to 165°F.
Pro Tips
Variations
**Base Recipe**
Follow the standard instructions above using rotisserie chicken and provolone cheese.
**Variations**
Swap the provolone for sharp cheddar cheese and use caramelized onions if you do not have onion jam on hand.
How to Store BBQ Chicken Croissant Sandwiches
Refrigerator
Store leftover assembled ingredients or whole un-toasted sandwiches in an airtight container for up to three days.
Freezer
Shredded chicken mixed with BBQ sauce can be frozen in a sealed bag for up to two months. Assemble fresh croissants when ready to cook.
Reheating
**Leftovers**: Reheat assembled sandwiches in a skillet over low heat with a small knob of butter, turning once until warm through the middle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
You can mix the BBQ chicken and shred the meat ahead of time, but build and toast the sandwiches right before serving so the bread remains flaky.
Q: What can I use instead of onion jam?
Caramelized onions or a dollop of sweet pepper jelly make great substitutes for onion jam.
BBQ Chicken Croissant Sandwiches – Easy Lunch
Crispy toasted BBQ chicken croissant sandwiches layered with melty provolone, sweet onion jam, and crunchy parmesan crisps for a quick 30-minute meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Toss together the chicken and BBQ sauce until fully coated. Set aside.
- 2Place 1 provolone cheese slice on the bottom half of each croissant. Pile on a generous portion of the BBQ chicken, then top with another slice of provolone and 1–2 Parmesan crisps for crunch.
- 3Spread the onion jam evenly over the top halves of the croissants.
- 4In a pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add 1 sandwich, and press down gently. Cook until the croissant is golden and crisp, the cheese is melty, and everything is warmed through, 2–3 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining butter and sandwiches.
- 5Enjoy!
Food safety: Check the thickest part with a food thermometer. Poultry must reach 165°F (74°C); color alone is not reliable.
Priya writes about eggs and breakfast casseroles, cookies and bars, and slow cook breakfasts that feed a crowd without fuss. Her angle is flexible, budget-minded cooking: one base recipe that scales for two or for a holiday table, with clear notes on freezing and reheating. She keeps the writing light and story-first, then lands on a tight recipe card.
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