There’s something magical about the combination of buffalo chicken and melty cheese, isn’t there? It’s like taking two classic comfort foods—buffalo chicken wings and a grilled cheese sandwich—and fusing them together into the ultimate, irresistible meal. This Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese has everything you want: tender shredded chicken drenched in spicy buffalo sauce, gooey cheese, and crispy golden-brown bread. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something quick and comforting, but with a little kick to it. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch, this sandwich hits all the right notes. I first discovered this recipe during a football game with friends, and ever since, it’s been a staple in my house. The best part? It’s insanely easy to make and can be customized to suit your spice level or cheese preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: First, it’s super easy. You can make this with leftover rotisserie chicken or cook up some chicken breasts quickly. It’s family-friendly—both kids and adults will love the crispy bread and cheesy filling, even if you need to tone down the buffalo sauce for the little ones. The flavors are out of this world: the spicy tang of the buffalo sauce paired with creamy cheese and the crunch of perfectly toasted bread is just divine. And let’s not forget the melty cheese that holds everything together. This is one of those recipes you can whip up in under 20 minutes and still feel like you’re indulging in something special.
Preparation Time and Servings
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Calories per serving: 470
Protein: 29g, Carbs: 32g, Fat: 25g
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (use mild or hot depending on your preference)
- 8 slices of bread (sourdough or any sturdy bread works best)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling or dipping
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by preparing the chicken. If you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken, simply shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re cooking fresh chicken, season it lightly with salt and pepper and cook it on the stovetop or in the oven until done. Once cooked, shred it with two forks.
- In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce. Make sure all the chicken is coated evenly—if you like extra sauce, feel free to add more!
- Lay out the slices of bread. On one side of each slice, spread a thin layer of softened butter. This is going to help your bread get golden and crispy when it’s grilled.
- On the unbuttered side of half the bread slices, spread a layer of softened cream cheese. This adds an extra layer of creaminess and helps balance the heat from the buffalo sauce.
- Now, it’s time to build the sandwiches! On top of the cream cheese layer, evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the chicken. I recommend using a combination of mozzarella and cheddar for the best meltiness and flavor.
- Place the remaining slices of bread on top, buttered side facing out.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan (you may need to work in batches depending on the size of your pan).
- Cook the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted. You might want to press down gently with a spatula to make sure everything cooks evenly.
- Once the sandwiches are grilled to perfection, remove them from the pan and let them cool for a minute before slicing in half. This helps the cheese set a little, so it doesn’t ooze out immediately when you cut into them.
- Optional: Drizzle the sandwiches with ranch or blue cheese dressing for an extra hit of flavor, and sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch.
How to Serve
- Pair this Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese with a simple side salad or coleslaw for a light, crunchy contrast.
- Serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup for a fun twist on the classic grilled cheese and soup combo.
- For dipping, ranch dressing or extra buffalo sauce is perfect if you want to kick up the heat.
- You can also serve it with some crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a more indulgent meal.
Additional Tips
- Use leftover chicken: This is a great way to use up any cooked chicken you have from previous meals. If you’re in a pinch, rotisserie chicken works wonders.
- Control the heat: If you’re serving this to kids or anyone who doesn’t love spicy food, opt for a milder buffalo sauce or mix it with a little more cream cheese to tone down the heat.
- Get the cheese nice and gooey: For the best grilled cheese experience, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese, which can sometimes have additives that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- Press your sandwich: If you have a sandwich press or panini maker, this is the perfect recipe to use it. It’ll give you a perfectly crispy, evenly cooked sandwich.
- Don’t rush it: Grill your sandwich on medium heat to make sure the bread doesn’t burn before the cheese has time to melt fully. It’s all about finding that perfect balance of crispy exterior and melty interior.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for buffalo cauliflower bites! Simply roast cauliflower florets and toss them in buffalo sauce before assembling the sandwiches.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread to make this sandwich gluten-free without sacrificing any of the flavor.
- Extra Crunch: Add a layer of crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions to the sandwich before grilling for an extra crunchy bite.
- Spicy Kick: If you’re all about the heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños into the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Cheese Swap: Try using pepper jack cheese for a little extra spice or gouda for a smoky twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: A side of celery sticks and carrot sticks with ranch dressing keeps that classic buffalo chicken feel alive.
- Kid-Friendly: Serve this sandwich with a side of applesauce or carrot sticks for a balanced and easy family meal.
- Salad: A crisp, refreshing cucumber or green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the sandwich.
- Beverage: Pair with lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water for a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
Freezing and Storage
If you want to store leftovers, wrap the sandwiches individually in foil or plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They’ll last in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese melts and the bread crisps up again. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy. If you want to freeze them, let the sandwiches cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Special Equipment
- Skillet or Griddle: A large non-stick skillet or griddle works best to cook multiple sandwiches at once.
- Spatula: A good spatula will help you flip the sandwiches without losing any of the delicious filling.
- Sandwich Press: If you have a panini press, use it to get that perfect crispy, even cook.
FAQ Section
- Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce? Absolutely! Store-bought buffalo sauce works great, but if you want to make your own, you can mix melted butter with hot sauce to your liking.
- Can I make this sandwich ahead of time? You can prep the buffalo chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, just assemble and grill the sandwiches.
- Can I freeze buffalo chicken grilled cheese sandwiches? Yes, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F.
- How do I make this less spicy? Mix a little more cream cheese or even a bit of ranch into the buffalo chicken mixture to cut the heat.
- Can I use a different cheese? Of course! Try using any melty cheese you like, such as gouda, pepper jack, or a sharp cheddar.
- Can I grill this on a barbecue? Absolutely! Just be sure to cook it over medium heat and watch it carefully to avoid burning the bread.
- How can I make it healthier? You can use whole wheat bread, low-fat cheese, or grilled chicken breasts to cut down on fat and calories.
- Is there a dairy-free option? Use dairy-free cheese and a vegan butter substitute to make this sandwich completely dairy-free.
- What can I serve this with? A side salad, fries, or even some chips and guacamole would be great with this sandwich.
- Can I make this with different hot sauces? Yes! Feel free to experiment with different hot sauces to change up the flavor profile.
I can’t wait for you to try this Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese! It’s the perfect blend of spicy, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch. When you make it, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how yours turns out! Enjoy every melty, buffalo-sauce-coated bite!
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Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
Buffalo chicken anything is a favorite in my house, and when I decided to combine it with grilled cheese, it was an absolute game-changer! The crispy, buttery bread pairs beautifully with the spicy, tangy buffalo chicken, and the gooey melted cheese takes it to the next level. Every time I make this, my family rushes to the kitchen because they know it’s going to be a hit. It’s comfort food at its finest, with just the right amount of kick!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (your favorite brand)
- ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 8 slices of bread (sourdough or white bread works great)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (a mix of mozzarella and cheddar works best)
- Butter (softened, for spreading on the bread)
- Optional: Chopped green onions or extra blue cheese crumbles for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Mix until the chicken is well coated and the sauce is evenly distributed. - Assemble the Sandwiches:
Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Add about ¼ cup of shredded cheese on the bread, then top it with a generous portion of the buffalo chicken mixture. Sprinkle another layer of cheese on top and cover with a second slice of bread, buttered side up. - Cook the Grilled Cheese:
Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted. Press down gently with a spatula to help the cheese and filling bind together. - Serve:
Slice the sandwiches in half and serve hot! Garnish with extra blue cheese crumbles or chopped green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
