What Cheese Goes With BBQ Chicken?

When it comes to BBQ chicken, the smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors open the door to endless pairing options.

One of the best ways to elevate your dish is with the right cheese. 

But what cheese goes with BBQ chicken?

The answer depends on whether you want creamy balance, sharp contrast, or melty richness.

Let’s break it down so your next BBQ spread has the perfect cheesy companion.

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Why Cheese Works So Well With BBQ Chicken

BBQ chicken has bold flavors — smoky from the grill, tangy from sauce, and juicy from the meat itself.

Cheese adds a layer of richness that balances out the sauce and enhances texture.

Whether it’s melted over a pizza, tucked into a sandwich, or layered on a baked potato, cheese can take BBQ chicken from good to unforgettable.

If you’re still working on perfecting your chicken, you might enjoy this guide on how to BBQ marinated chicken, which helps you achieve juicy results before adding cheese.

Best Cheeses to Pair With BBQ Chicken

Cheddar

Sharp cheddar is a classic.

Its bold flavor stands up to sweet or spicy BBQ sauces without getting lost.

Mild cheddar also works if you want a smoother taste that melts easily on sandwiches and quesadillas.

Mozzarella

If you’re making BBQ chicken pizza, mozzarella is the natural choice.

Its creamy, stretchy texture blends with BBQ sauce for a comforting bite.

Gouda

Smoked gouda is a standout.

Its smoky, nutty notes pair perfectly with grilled chicken and amplify the BBQ flavor.

It works well in sandwiches, mac and cheese, or stuffed into BBQ chicken breasts.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is mild and melty, making it ideal for quesadillas or nachos topped with BBQ chicken.

Pepper Jack, its spicier cousin, adds a nice kick for heat lovers.

Provolone

Provolone has a smooth melt and a subtle tang.

It’s great for BBQ chicken subs or wraps when you don’t want cheese to overpower the sauce.

Blue Cheese

For something bold, blue cheese delivers a punchy, salty flavor that contrasts with sweet BBQ sauce.

Crumble it over BBQ chicken wings or salads for balance.

How to Use Cheese With BBQ Chicken

You don’t have to stop at picking the right cheese — how you use it matters too.

Here are some delicious ideas:

• BBQ Chicken Pizza with mozzarella and cheddar blend

• Stuffed BBQ Chicken Breasts with smoked gouda

• BBQ Chicken Nachos with Monterey Jack and jalapeños

• BBQ Chicken Sandwiches layered with provolone and coleslaw

• BBQ Chicken Salads topped with crumbled blue cheese

Each method highlights the natural balance between smoky chicken and creamy cheese.

For even more inspiration, you can check out this step-by-step on how to BBQ marinated chicken, which lays the foundation for all these cheesy pairings.

Pro Tip: Prep Your Grill for the Best Results

Before pairing cheese with your BBQ chicken, make sure the chicken itself cooks cleanly and evenly.

A dirty grill can leave bitter residue that clashes with the flavors. 

Instead of wire brushes that can shed bristles, consider a safer alternative like the Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper.

It shapes naturally to your grates over time and keeps your grill safe and ready for your next BBQ session.

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Final Thoughts

So, what cheese goes with BBQ chicken?

The best choice depends on your dish and flavor preference. 

Cheddar and mozzarella are safe, versatile picks.

Gouda and provolone bring depth.

Blue cheese and pepper jack add bold twists.

No matter what you choose, the combination of smoky chicken and melty cheese is a winning one.

Ready to take your grilling game up a notch?

Click the image below to explore our full range of Easy Function BBQ tools designed to make every cookout smoother and tastier.