Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
If you love bold flavors and melty cheese, the Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe is destined to become your new go-to comfort food. This sandwich takes everything you adore about classic Buffalo wings and tucks it between two golden, buttery slices of bread, oozing with cheese. It’s spicy, creamy, utterly satisfying, and comes together in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re craving an easy lunch, a weeknight dinner, or a party-worthy snack, this Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe delivers big taste with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe so irresistible is the perfect combination of simple, high-impact ingredients. Each one plays a special role in building layers of flavor and texture, ensuring every bite is a knockout.
- Shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken for a tender, juicy protein base that soaks up the Buffalo sauce beautifully.
- Bullalo wing sauce: The signature spicy kick, choose your favorite brand and heat level for a personalized punch of flavor.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Adds creaminess and tang, mellowing the heat and giving the filling that classic Buffalo flavor profile.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter is key for that irresistible crispy, golden crust on your bread.
- Sourdough or thick sandwich bread: Sturdy slices hold up to all the gooey fillings and get perfectly toasted.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy goodness, binding the chicken and bringing that essential cheesy pull.
- Crumbled blue cheese (optional): For blue cheese lovers, a sprinkle adds sharpness and classic Buffalo wing flair.
- Garlic powder: A dash on the buttered bread gives a subtle savory boost that takes things up a notch.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the Buffalo wing sauce and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Stir until every strand of chicken is coated in spicy, creamy goodness. This step is where all that signature flavor comes together, so taste and adjust the sauce or dressing to match your spice tolerance and tangy cravings.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Lay out your slices of sourdough or sandwich bread. Spread a generous layer of softened butter on one side of each slice. If you want extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of garlic powder directly onto the buttered sides. This not only helps the bread crisp up beautifully in the skillet, but also infuses each bite with subtle garlicky warmth.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
On the unbuttered side of four slices, scatter a layer of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese. Spoon a generous portion of the Buffalo chicken mixture on top, then add a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese if you’re a fan. Top with another handful of shredded cheese for maximum melt. Finish by placing the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing out.
Step 4: Grill to Golden Perfection
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s hot, gently place your sandwiches in the pan (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bread is deeply golden and crisp and the cheese inside is completely melted. This is where the magic happens—the aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the kitchen!
Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a minute before slicing. This brief pause allows the cheese to settle slightly, so you get that perfect gooey stretch without losing all the filling. Slice each sandwich in half or quarters and serve while piping hot.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Give your Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe a restaurant-worthy finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions. A few extra crumbles of blue cheese or a drizzle of ranch on top add both flavor and visual flair. If you want an extra pop of color, thinly sliced celery or even a few pickled jalapeños do wonders.
Side Dishes
This sandwich is a star on its own, but it’s even better with classic sides. Pair with crisp celery sticks for that authentic Buffalo wing experience, or serve alongside a steaming bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food combo. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette balances out the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe into strips or triangles for dunking into soup, or slice into bite-sized squares and skewer with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. For game day, serve with a trio of dipping sauces—extra Buffalo, ranch, and blue cheese—so everyone can customize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover sandwiches, let them cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, making them a delicious next-day lunch or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled (but ungrilled) Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwiches for up to one month. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then grill as directed.
Reheating
To restore that signature crispy crust, reheat leftover sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat, pressing gently until warmed through and the bread is crisp again. You can also use a toaster oven or air fryer for convenience. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and brings tender, flavorful meat to the filling. Just shred and mix—it works perfectly.
What’s the best bread to use for Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe?
Sourdough is ideal because it’s sturdy and adds a subtle tang, but any thick-cut sandwich bread will do the trick. Just avoid anything too flimsy that might get soggy.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Of course! Choose a mild Buffalo sauce or reduce the amount used. You can also add a bit more ranch or blue cheese dressing to mellow out the heat.
Is there a way to make this Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free bread and double-check that your Buffalo sauce is gluten-free. All the other ingredients should be naturally gluten-free.
Can I prep the filling ahead of time?
Definitely. Mix up the Buffalo chicken filling up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated. When you’re ready, assemble and grill the sandwiches for a quick, hot meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to spice up your sandwich routine, this Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe is the answer. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and packs a punch of flavor in every cheesy, crunchy bite. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself—you’re going to love it!
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Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously spicy and cheesy Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich combining tender shredded chicken tossed in buffalo wing sauce with melted mozzarella and optional blue cheese, all grilled between buttery sourdough bread. Perfect for a quick and flavorful lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing
Bread & Butter
- 8 slices sourdough or thick sandwich bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Buffalo Chicken Mix: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the cooked shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing until well combined to create the flavorful chicken filling.
- Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. For extra flavor, sprinkle garlic powder onto the buttered sides.
- Assemble Sandwiches: On the unbuttered side of four bread slices, layer shredded cheese first, then add a generous scoop of the buffalo chicken mixture, sprinkle optional crumbled blue cheese, and add a bit more shredded cheese on top.
- Close and Prepare for Cooking: Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered sides are facing outward for a crispy grilled finish.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan (work in batches if needed), and cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes. Press gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly and achieve golden brown, crispy bread.
- Serve: Remove sandwiches from heat, let them rest for a minute, then slice and serve warm. Enjoy with celery sticks or tomato soup for a complete meal.
Notes
- Sprinkle garlic powder on the buttered sides of the bread before grilling for added flavor.
- Use blue cheese dressing and crumbled blue cheese for a stronger tangy taste, or ranch dressing for a milder flavor.
- Works well with sourdough or any thick crusty sandwich bread for best texture.
- Pair with celery sticks or tomato soup to balance the spicy and creamy flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
