Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Looking for a bold, satisfying meal that wraps the spicy, savory comfort of buffalo chicken in the golden, melty embrace of grilled cheese? The Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich brings everything together: crisp bread, a creamy and tangy sauce, gooey cheese, and hearty chicken. There’s no need for a special occasion—serve these up for a fast lunch, easy dinner, or anytime that spicy craving hits.

Why Make a Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Buffalo chicken and grilled cheese each hold a beloved spot on comfort food menus. Merging the two creates a sandwich that packs flavor, satisfies hunger, and pleases crowds. There’s no advanced prep or complicated steps. With simple ingredients, you can enjoy a meal that feels both special and effortless.

Time Efficient: Prep and cooking both wrap up in under 20 minutes.
Crowd Pleaser: Kids and adults both love the combo of cheese, chicken, and spice.
Great for Leftovers: This recipe is ideal for using up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken from earlier in the week.
Customizable: You can switch up bread, cheese, sauce heat, and extras based on what you like or have available.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create this sandwich from scratch. Most ingredients can be found in an average grocery store or may already be waiting in your kitchen.

Ingredient	Why It Matters	Substitution Ideas
Cooked, shredded chicken	Core protein with a hearty chew	Rotisserie chicken, leftover roast
Buffalo wing sauce	Brings tang and spicy heat	Mild or hot, or homemade sauce
Sour cream	Adds creamy, cool contrast	Greek yogurt or ranch dressing
Garlic powder & dried parsley	Boosts the flavor depth	Onion powder, Italian herbs
Thick-cut bread	Holds up to fillings and crisping	Sourdough, brioche, Texas toast
Mayonnaise	Makes bread golden and crispy when toasting	Butter
Monterey Jack cheese	Mild, melts beautifully	Mozzarella, cheddar, gouda
Blue cheese (optional)	Lends bold flavor and creamy texture	Feta, gorgonzola, omit if desired

Extra add-ins: Jalapeños, sliced green onions, or diced celery (for crunch and freshness).

Preparing the Filling

A flavorful filling makes this sandwich shine. Pull out a medium mixing bowl. Start by combing shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, sour cream, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Crumble blue cheese into the mix for punchy flavor. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Tip: For extra-tender, pull-apart chicken, use two forks and shred while the meat is still warm. This creates better texture and lets the sauce cling to each bite.

Choosing and Preparing the Bread

A sturdy, thick-cut bread is key. Thin or soft breads risk becoming soggy beneath the sauce and cheese. Sourdough, Texas toast, or brioche stay crisp and golden. Before assembling, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over one side of each bread slice. Mayo helps achieve a deep golden color and delivers a subtle tang.

Example: If you prefer butter, it’s a classic option—just ensure an even, generous spread edge-to-edge.

Building and Cooking the Sandwich

Creating a structurally sound, perfectly toasted sandwich is easier than it may seem. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Assembly Steps

Spread: Mayo one side of each bread slice.
Layer: Place a slice, mayo-side down, on your skillet. Sprinkle with half of the Monterey Jack cheese.
Pile: Evenly spoon a generous portion of buffalo chicken filling over the cheese.
Top: Add the rest of the Monterey Jack (and blue cheese, if using). Cap it with the second bread slice, mayo-side up.

Cooking

Heat a skillet (nonstick or cast iron) over medium-low. This level of heat lets the bread crisp without burning while the cheese melts thoroughly.
Let each side toast for 3-4 minutes or until deep golden brown.
For optimal melt, press lightly with a spatula and cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute.
Flip carefully so the filling stays in place. Once both sides look crisp and cheese oozes at the edges, it’s ready.

Tip: Too much heat will brown bread before the cheese melts. Stay patient, and lower the flame if needed.

Making It Your Own: Customization and Serving Variations

No buffalo chicken grilled cheese is ever quite the same twice. Several options let you tune flavor and style.

Bread Choices

Multigrain or seeded loaves provide crunch and added flavor.
Sourdough brings tangy depth that stands out next to the spice.
Try a pretzel bun or ciabatta for something different.

Cheese Options

Mozzarella for extra stretch
Pepper jack for extra heat
Sharp cheddar for tang
Gouda or provolone for a mild, creamy note

Heat Level

Use mild or hot buffalo sauce depending on your taste.
Add extra sauce for punch, or drizzle more on top just before serving.
Stir a bit of chili sauce or cayenne into the filling if you want serious heat.

Flavorful Add-Ons

Jalapeño slices, banana peppers, or a dusting of ranch seasoning
A handful of chopped green onions or fresh parsley
Crunchy celery slivers finely diced

Dipping Sauces

Serve sandwiches with cooling dips like:
– Ranch dressing
– Blue cheese dressing
– Greek yogurt with herbs and lemon

Sides That Pair Well

Kettle chips or sweet potato fries for crunch
Classic carrot and celery sticks (just like at a wings joint)
Crisp coleslaw, pickles, or a light side salad

Tips For the Best Results

Cut sandwiches on the diagonal for easy handling and a tempting cross-section.
Rest the finished sandwich for 1-2 minutes before slicing. This lets cheese and filling meld.
If making for a crowd, keep finished sandwiches warm in a 200°F oven on a rack until serving.
For a crispier crust, sprinkle a touch of grated Parmesan on the mayo before toasting.
Amp up creaminess by adding a smear of cream cheese to the chicken filling.

Troubleshooting sogginess: If your sandwich turns out too wet, reduce the buffalo sauce or add extra shredded chicken to absorb moisture. Always opt for dense bread.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These sandwiches taste best straight off the skillet. However, preparing ahead is simple:

Filling: Mix the buffalo chicken filling up to 3 days ahead and keep in a covered container in the fridge.
Day-of Assembly: Layer, grill, and serve fresh for maximum crunch and gooey cheese.
Storing leftovers as whole sandwiches isn’t advised; bread will become soggy. Instead, store the filling and assemble as needed.

Reheating tip: If you do have leftovers, wrap the sandwich in foil and warm it in a skillet over low heat. The bread crisps back up, and cheese re-melts nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?

Yes. Use your preferred gluten-free bread. Check the buffalo sauce label, as some brands may add gluten-containing thickeners.

Is this recipe spicy?

It depends on your choice of buffalo sauce. Classic brands like Frank’s RedHot offer mild to very hot options. Taste and adjust for your comfort.

What’s the best cheese for maximum melt?

Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and gouda all deliver a luxurious melt. For extra pull, combine with a touch of cheddar or provolone.

Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are crave-worthy, fast, and adaptable. This meal suits busy weeknights, laid-back weekends, or as an easy game-day treat. Each bite balances savory, spicy, creamy, and crisp textures. Once you’ve tried your own twist on the original, you’ll find plenty of reasons to keep this recipe in regular rotation.

Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Jump to Recipe

Why Make a Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients

Preparing the Filling

Choosing and Preparing the Bread