If you love the spicy kick of buffalo chicken and the comfort of grilled cheese, this Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese is the best of both worlds! It’s packed with juicy shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, melty cheese, and crispy, buttery bread. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack, this sandwich delivers big on flavor and is incredibly easy to make. Get ready for a spicy, cheesy bite that you’ll keep craving!
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
- Spicy and Cheesy: The buffalo chicken and melted cheese create an irresistible combo.
- Easy to Make: Quick to assemble with simple ingredients.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and toppings to your liking.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Crispy bread and gooey cheese make for the perfect bite.
- Great for Leftovers: Use leftover rotisserie chicken for an easy meal.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole grain)
- 2 cups (300g / 0.66 lb) cooked shredded chicken
- ⅓ cup (80ml) buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for spreading)
- 8 slices cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
- 2 tbsp butter (softened, for spreading)
- Optional: Green onions or chopped celery for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated. Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Lay out 4 slices of bread and spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each.
- Place the buttered side down on a plate or cutting board.
- Spread ranch or blue cheese dressing (if using) on the unbuttered side of the bread.
- Add a layer of cheese, followed by the buffalo chicken mixture. Top with another slice of cheese.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing up.
Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- If the cheese isn’t fully melted after flipping, cover the skillet with a lid to help it melt.
Step 4: Serve
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool slightly. Slice them in half and garnish with green onions or chopped celery, if desired. Enjoy hot with extra buffalo sauce or ranch for dipping!
Notes
- Adjust the Heat: Use mild buffalo sauce if you prefer less spice, or add extra hot sauce for more heat.
- Make It Extra Cheesy: Use a blend of cheeses for maximum melt—like mozzarella and cheddar.
- Use Leftovers: This is a great way to repurpose leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in a skillet to keep the bread crispy.
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 slices sourdough or sandwich bread
- 2 cups 0.5 lb shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
- ½ cup 0.12 lb buffalo wing sauce
- 1 ½ cups 0.37 lb shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons 0.2 lb softened butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ¼ cup blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until evenly coated.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. If using, sprinkle the buttered side with a pinch of garlic powder.
- Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface.
- Top each with a layer of shredded cheese, followed by a portion of the buffalo chicken.
- Add another layer of cheese on top of the chicken.
- Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top, buttered side up.
Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, pressing down lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the skillet, let cool slightly, and slice in half.
- Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Make It Spicier: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the buffalo chicken for extra heat.
- Cheese Options: Try it with Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a twist.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet or air fryer for crispiness.
- Serving Idea: Pair with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of bread?
Yes! Sourdough, ciabatta, or any sturdy bread works well for this sandwich.
What’s the best way to reheat this sandwich?
Reheat it in a skillet over low heat to keep the bread crispy and the cheese melty.
Can I make it ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can assemble the sandwiches in advance and cook them when ready to eat.
What dipping sauces work well?
Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or extra buffalo sauce are great for dipping.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Add thinly sliced celery or arugula for some extra crunch.
Tips and Notes
- My Tip: Use a cast-iron skillet for even browning and crispy bread.
- Pro Trick: Place a small lid or plate over the sandwich while cooking to press it slightly and ensure the cheese melts evenly.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a side of fries or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Variations
- BBQ Buffalo Grilled Cheese: Swap the buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Melt: Add crispy bacon and drizzle with ranch for an extra indulgent sandwich.
- Spicy Jalapeño Grilled Cheese: Add sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Buffalo Melt: Use buffalo cauliflower instead of chicken for a meatless version.
- Buffalo Turkey Grilled Cheese: Swap the chicken with turkey for a post-holiday sandwich idea.