If you’re craving a sandwich that combines comfort food with a zesty kick, this Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe is about to become your new favorite obsession. Picture this: crispy, buttery bread encasing gooey melted cheese and tender shredded chicken drenched in spicy Frank’s RedHot sauce, all perfectly balanced with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing. It’s the ideal marriage of bold flavors and satisfying textures that makes every bite addictive and utterly comforting. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a casual game-day snack, this sandwich is sure to bring warmth and excitement to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that deliver maximum flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the tender shredded chicken soaked in tangy sauce to the crispy, buttery slices of bread and the irresistible blend of sharp and melty cheeses.
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra juiciness.
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce: The signature spicy flavor that defines buffalo dishes.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the chicken mixture.
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened (optional): Creates extra creaminess and a lovely tang.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle savory note that deepens the flavor profile.
- Pinch of black pepper: Provides a gentle heat contrast to the hot sauce.
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread: Choose hearty bread to hold the fillings without falling apart.
- 4–6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for spreading): For the golden, crispy crust on the outside of the sandwich.
- 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese: This cheese’s sharpness perfectly balances the spicy chicken.
- 4 slices provolone cheese (optional): Adds a mild, smooth layer of melted goodness.
- 2–4 tablespoons ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (optional): For that cool, creamy counterpoint to the heat.
- Thinly sliced green onions or chives for garnish (optional): A fresh, oniony pop to brighten every bite.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
Start by ensuring your chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily. Rotisserie chicken works wonders here—pull it apart into bite-sized pieces so every mouthful is packed with juicy chicken. Then, mix the shredded chicken in a bowl with Frank’s RedHot sauce, melted butter, softened cream cheese if you’re using it, garlic powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir everything until the chicken is thoroughly coated in that spicy, creamy sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread and Cheese Base
Lay out your slices of thick-cut bread and lightly butter one side of each. This butter will give you that irresistible golden crust when grilled. On the unbuttered side of half the slices, place one slice of sharp cheddar cheese (and a slice of provolone if you’re including it). This creates a cheesy foundation that will melt perfectly as you grill.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Divide the spicy Buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the cheese-topped slices of bread. For an extra layer of cool creaminess, drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing on top if you like. Finish by adding another slice of cheese to seal in all those luscious flavors before topping with the remaining bread slices, buttered-side up.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat—this allows the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the bread. Place your sandwiches in the pan, grilling for about 3 to 5 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside is molten and bubbly. Press down gently with a spatula occasionally to ensure even grilling and melting.
Step 5: Slice and Garnish
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and slice them diagonally to reveal all the melty layers of cheesy buffalo chicken goodness inside. Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions or chives on top for a fresh burst of flavor and pretty presentation.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe with green onions or chives not only adds a vibrant color contrast but also lifts the sandwich with a subtle fresh tang. You can also sprinkle a bit of freshly cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for those who love an added kick.
Side Dishes
This sandwich is a satisfying main dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with refreshing celery and carrot sticks—classic accompaniments to any buffalo-style meal. These crunchy veggies provide a cool texture that balances the heat and richness perfectly. A small side salad or some crispy oven-baked fries also make excellent partners.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, slice the sandwiches into smaller triangles and serve them on a large platter alongside ramekins of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. You could also turn them into sliders by using smaller bread slices for a fun appetizer twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the bread from becoming soggy, try placing a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze these sandwiches for up to 1 month. Wrap each sandwich individually in aluminum foil or freezer-safe wrap, then place them all in a freezer bag. This is a great time saver for meal prep or busy nights when you just want to heat and eat.
Reheating
Reheat your refrigerated or frozen Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the bread is crispy again—around 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that glorious crunch and melty cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of hot sauce besides Frank’s RedHot?
Absolutely! While Frank’s RedHot is classic for buffalo flavor, any cayenne pepper-based hot sauce will work well. Just adjust the quantity based on how spicy you like your sandwich.
Is it necessary to use both cheddar and provolone cheese?
Not at all. Sharp cheddar adds a punchy flavor while provolone offers a smooth melt, but you can use just cheddar or even experiment with mozzarella or pepper jack for different tastes.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
For a vegetarian twist, try substituting the shredded chicken with shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative. Toss it in the buffalo sauce just the same for that signature flavor.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
The cream cheese is optional and adds extra creaminess, but leaving it out won’t drastically change the overall flavor. The butter and buffalo sauce combination still makes it wonderfully rich.
How can I make this sandwich less spicy?
To tame the heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce in the chicken mixture or add more cream cheese or ranch dressing. Balancing spicy and creamy is key to your perfect buffalo grilled cheese.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe is a joyous delight that brings together the best of spicy buffalo chicken and melty, golden grilled cheese. It’s easy to make, incredibly tasty, and perfect for sharing with friends or family on any casual occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it out and enjoy every comforting, flavor-packed bite!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A spicy and creamy twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese combines tender shredded chicken coated in tangy Frank’s RedHot sauce with melted cheddar and provolone cheeses, all grilled to golden perfection on buttery thick-cut bread. Served with optional ranch or blue cheese dressing and garnished with fresh green onions, this sandwich offers a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of black pepper
Bread and Cheese
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread
- 4–6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
- 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices provolone cheese (optional)
Additional Toppings and Garnishes
- 2–4 tablespoons ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (optional)
- Thinly sliced green onions or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cook your chicken until it’s no longer pink and easily shreds, using rotisserie chicken for convenience if desired.
- Mix the buffalo chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Frank’s RedHot sauce, melted butter, softened cream cheese (if using), garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly coated.
- Butter the bread: Lay out your 8 slices of bread and lightly butter one side of each slice evenly using softened butter.
- Assemble the base layer: Flip 4 bread slices over with the unbuttered side up, then place one slice of cheese (sharp cheddar) on each of these unbuttered sides.
- Add the buffalo chicken: Evenly divide the buffalo chicken mixture among the cheese-topped bread slices, spreading it in an even layer.
- Add dressing and cheese topping: Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the chicken mixture if desired, then top each with another slice of cheese (cheddar or provolone slices).
- Complete the sandwich: Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top, ensuring the buttered side is facing up to achieve a golden crust when grilled.
- Grill the sandwiches: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and place the sandwiches in the pan. Grill each side for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese has melted inside, pressing down occasionally with a spatula for even cooking.
- Serve: Remove sandwiches from the skillet, slice diagonally, garnish with thinly sliced green onions or chives if using, and serve immediately with extra dressing and celery or carrot sticks on the side.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor to the sandwich.
- The cream cheese is optional but adds extra creaminess and tanginess to the buffalo chicken mixture.
- You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of Frank’s RedHot sauce.
- For a crispier sandwich, cook on medium-low heat to allow cheese melting without burning the bread.
- Serving with celery and carrot sticks provides a refreshing crunch and balances the spicy sandwich.
