Save This buffalo chicken grilled cheese transforms leftover chicken into an irresistible sandwich that combines the spicy kick of buffalo wings with the comforting appeal of melted cheese. The tangy buffalo sauce infuses shredded chicken while two types of cheese create that perfect pull-apart texture between crispy buttered bread.
I created this recipe during football season when I wanted something more substantial than regular wings but still with that classic buffalo flavor. Now it's our go-to gameday sandwich that even my picky nephew requests whenever he visits.
Ingredients
- Shredded cooked chicken breast: provides the protein foundation and soaks up all the buffalo flavor
- Buffalo wing sauce: delivers that signature tangy heat that makes this sandwich special
- Melted butter mixed with the sauce: helps coat the chicken evenly and adds richness
- Garlic powder and black pepper: enhance the savory profile without overwhelming
- Cheddar cheese: offers sharp flavor while mozzarella provides that coveted stretch factor
- Sourdough bread: stands up to the filling with its sturdy texture and slight tang
- Softened butter: creates that perfectly golden exterior crust
- Optional blue cheese crumbles: add authentic buffalo wing flavor complexity
- Optional green onions: provide fresh contrast and color
Instructions
- Prepare Buffalo Chicken:
- Combine your shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly until every piece of chicken is coated in that vibrant orange sauce. The melted butter helps temper the heat while adding richness. Take time to ensure even distribution so every bite has consistent flavor.
- Create Cheese Blend:
- Mix the shredded cheddar and mozzarella in a separate bowl until well combined. This dual-cheese approach is crucial. The cheddar provides sharp flavor while the mozzarella delivers that stretchy texture everyone loves in a grilled cheese. Pre-mixing ensures even distribution throughout each sandwich.
- Assemble Sandwiches:
- Lay out all eight bread slices and spread one side of each with softened butter. Place four slices butter-side down on your work surface. This butter will create direct contact with the pan for that golden crust. Layer each with cheese mixture first, then buffalo chicken, blue cheese and green onions if using, and another layer of cheese. The cheese on both sides helps seal in the filling.
- Complete Assembly:
- Cap each sandwich with remaining bread slices, positioning butter-side up. Press gently to compact the ingredients without squishing them. The top layer of butter will create the golden crust on the second side when flipped during cooking.
- Cook Sandwiches:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat until properly warmed. Place sandwiches in the pan without crowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, applying gentle pressure with a spatula to ensure even contact. The key is patience. Medium heat allows the cheese to melt while the bread turns golden without burning.
- Flip and Finish:
- Carefully flip each sandwich and cook the second side for another 3-4 minutes. The ideal grilled cheese has evenly browned bread and completely melted cheese. If bread is browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly to allow cheese more time to melt.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove finished sandwiches from the skillet and let rest for one minute. This brief rest allows the melted cheese to set slightly so it doesn't immediately ooze out when cut. Slice diagonally and serve while still warm for maximum enjoyment.
Save The buffalo sauce is really the heart of this recipe. I discovered that mixing the sauce with a bit of melted butter creates a silkier coating that clings perfectly to the chicken without making the bread soggy. My family has a running joke about the time I made these during a power outage using a camping stove. Despite the challenging circumstances, everyone still raves about those "blackout buffalo sandwiches."
Make-Ahead Options
These sandwiches can be fully assembled up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Simply wrap each uncooked sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to cook, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining. The buffalo chicken mixture alone can be prepared up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making assembly even quicker when you're ready to cook.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sandwiches with classic buffalo wing accompaniments for a complete meal experience. Celery and carrot sticks provide cooling crunch that balances the sandwich's richness. A small dish of ranch or blue cheese dressing makes an excellent dipping option both for the vegetables and the sandwich itself. For a more substantial meal, add a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or a cup of tomato soup. The acidity in both helps cut through the richness of the sandwich.
Heat Level Adjustments
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to different spice preferences. For a milder version suitable for children or those sensitive to heat, reduce the buffalo sauce to 1/4 cup and increase the butter slightly. Alternatively, mix in a tablespoon of ranch dressing to temper the heat while maintaining flavor. For heat seekers, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or incorporate thinly sliced jalapeños between the cheese layers. You can also brush the outside of the bread with a mixture of melted butter and hot sauce for an extra kick.
Save Slice diagonally and serve while still warm for maximum enjoyment.