The Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a perfect mix of spicy, cheesy, and crispy all in one bite. It’s got tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, melted gooey cheese, and golden grilled bread that’s just crunchy enough to hold it all together. It’s a great way to bring a little kick to your regular grilled cheese game.
I love making this sandwich when I want something quick but exciting. The buffalo sauce adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the creamy melted cheese, and the chicken gives it some nice protein to keep you full. I usually add a little ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side because it cools down the spice and makes each bite even better.
This sandwich is one of those easy meals that always gets eaten fast whenever I bring it out. It’s great for a casual lunch or dinner, and if you want to be a little fancy, pair it with some crunchy celery sticks or a simple salad. Making this at home beats takeout any day because you control how spicy you want it! I think once you try it, it’ll become a favorite in your house too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick slices like Texas toast or sourdough work best. They hold the sandwich well and toast nicely. If you want a healthier option, whole grain bread is a good choice but may toast faster, so watch closely.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast shredded or sliced makes the sandwich hearty. Rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut. For a softer bite, you can use shredded cooked turkey.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This is where the spice and tang come from. Frank’s RedHot is classic, but any buffalo sauce will do. If you want less heat, cut it with a little melted butter or try a mild wing sauce.
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, and mozzarella brings that stretchy melt. Provolone is a tasty substitute for mozzarella. For extra creaminess, you could add a little cream cheese inside.
Butter: Use unsalted, softened butter on the bread for the perfect crispy, golden crust. If you want to skip butter, mayo can be spread on the bread before grilling for a similar effect.
How Do You Get the Perfect Melted Cheese Without Burning the Bread?
Balancing crispy bread and melted cheese is key for grilled cheese sandwiches. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use medium heat—too high burns the bread before the cheese melts.
- Butter the bread evenly; it helps toast properly and adds flavor.
- Press gently with a spatula to keep even contact and help the cheese melt.
- Cover the pan with a lid for a minute if the cheese is slow to melt—this traps heat.
- Flip carefully once the bottom is golden brown, then cook the other side similarly.
I like to keep my heat controlled and patient. This method guarantees gooey cheese inside with crispy outside bread every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet or griddle – heats evenly and helps toast the bread without sticking.
- Spatula – essential for flipping the sandwich gently without breaking it apart.
- Knife – for slicing the finished sandwich cleanly and easily.
- Mixing bowl – to toss the cooked chicken with buffalo sauce quickly and evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shredded rotisserie turkey for a different but tasty twist, especially great after holidays.
- Add sliced red onions or pickles for extra crunch and tang that balance the spice well.
- Mix blue cheese crumbles into the buffalo chicken for a richer, creamier flavor.
- Try pepper jack cheese in place of mozzarella for a little extra heat and flavor complexity.
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 slices thick white bread (Texas toast or sourdough)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot or preferred brand)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for bread)
- 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 slices mozzarella cheese (or provolone as an alternative)
- Optional: Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes from start to finish. Tossing the chicken with the buffalo sauce takes just a couple of minutes, and the grilled cheese sandwiches cook quickly in about 3-4 minutes per side. Overall, this is a fast and satisfying meal you can whip up anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
In a medium bowl, gently toss your shredded or sliced cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until the chicken is well coated. Set this mixture aside for a moment.
2. Butter the Bread and Preheat the Skillet:
Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat to get it ready for grilling.
3. Assemble and Cook the Sandwich:
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, onto the skillet. Layer one slice of sharp cheddar cheese on the bread, then add half of the buffalo chicken mixture on top. Next, add the mozzarella cheese, and then the second slice of cheddar cheese. Cover with the other slice of bread, buttered side up.
4. Grill Until Golden and Melted:
Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula to help it along. When the bottom slice is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, carefully flip the sandwich. Cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. Cut it in half and serve immediately. For an extra tasty touch, offer ranch or blue cheese dressing and some crisp celery sticks on the side.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Sandwich?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before shredding and tossing it in buffalo sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for faster thawing.
Can I Make This Sandwich Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the buffalo chicken in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Assemble and grill the sandwich fresh when you’re ready to eat for the best texture and melty cheese.
What’s the Best Bread to Use?
Thick slices like Texas toast or sourdough hold up well to the saucy chicken and melt. If you use thinner bread, watch carefully while grilling to avoid burning.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the bread crispy and cheese melty.
