Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese: Your Ultimate Guide to a Spicy, Cheesy Melt!

Kick your grilled cheese up a notch and transform it into a truly satisfying meal with our incredible Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese! This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a flavor explosion, combining tender, spicy shredded chicken with rich smoked cheddar and tangy blue cheese, all embraced by two slices of perfectly buttered, golden-brown bread. Get ready to experience comfort food elevated to gourmet status.

There’s a special place in everyone’s heart for a classic grilled cheese sandwich. It’s the ultimate comfort food – simple, satisfying, and incredibly easy to whip up, especially on those days when life gets a little hectic. Often, I keep it straightforward for lunch, just a slice of cheese, a couple of bread slices, and a generous side of pickles. It’s fantastic paired with a warm bowl of homemade tomato soup, creating that quintessential cozy meal.

However, when dinner calls for something more substantial, something truly memorable, I love to take my grilled cheese to the next level. That’s precisely what inspired this mouth-watering Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese. Imagine: two golden, buttery slices of bread, not just with cheese, but generously stuffed with spicy shredded chicken, smoky cheddar, and a delicate hint of blue cheese. It’s a game-changer!

This recipe builds upon the beloved concept of my salsa grilled cheese, but with a vibrant and zesty twist, drawing inspiration from the irresistible flavors of buffalo chicken dip. My obsession with buffalo chicken is well-documented – from crispy buffalo chicken wings and creamy buffalo chicken mac and cheese to hearty buffalo chicken chili, the list of my favorite buffalo-infused dishes goes on and on. Now, it’s time to officially add the grilled cheese to that esteemed collection!

Many buffalo chicken grilled cheese recipes assume you have pre-cooked chicken on hand. However, in my kitchen, leftover chicken is a rare luxury, with a 99% chance it simply doesn’t exist! That’s why this recipe thoughtfully includes instructions for cooking the chicken from scratch. Don’t worry, it’s a quick and simple process, ensuring you can still enjoy a spicy, cheesy, and utterly delicious buffalo chicken melt for dinner without any extra planning. And if you happen to be one of the lucky few with leftover shredded chicken, fantastic! Just skip that initial step and head straight to assembling your phenomenal grilled cheese. This adaptability makes it perfect for any weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese

Beyond being incredibly delicious, there are several reasons why this Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese will become a new favorite in your recipe rotation:

• Explosion of Flavor: It combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce, the savory depth of chicken, the smokiness of cheddar, and the tangy creaminess of blue cheese for a truly complex and satisfying taste experience.
• Perfect Texture Contrast: Enjoy the crispy, buttery exterior of the bread, the gooey, melted cheese, and the tender, succulent shredded chicken filling in every bite.
• Surprisingly Easy: Despite its gourmet feel, this sandwich is straightforward to make, even with cooking the chicken from scratch. It’s perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Comfort Food Elevated: Takes a classic comfort dish and infuses it with exciting, bold flavors, making it suitable for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, cheese types, and even add extra vegetables to suit your personal preferences.

Ingredients For Your Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

To craft your perfect buffalo chicken sandwich, you’ll need a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients:

• Chicken: I personally lean towards boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. Dark meat tends to be juicier and more flavorful, holding up wonderfully against the bold buffalo sauce. However, boneless, skinless chicken breast is also a perfectly acceptable alternative if you prefer white meat. The key is to shred it finely after cooking for easy sandwich assembly.
• Olive oil: A staple for cooking the chicken until it’s beautifully browned and tender. You can also use another high-heat cooking oil like avocado or vegetable oil.
• Onion and green pepper: These aren’t just for flavor; they add a wonderful textural crunch and a hint of sweetness that beautifully complements the spicy chicken. Finely chopped is best to ensure they cook down nicely and integrate well into the filling.
• Hot sauce: The heart of our buffalo flavor! Use your favorite brand of Louisiana-style hot sauce, such as Frank’s RedHot, for that authentic buffalo taste. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level – a little more for extra heat, a little less for a milder kick.
• Ranch dressing: This creamy, cooling element is crucial. It helps to balance the heat from the hot sauce, adds a delightful tang, and ensures the chicken filling remains moist and rich. If you’re a blue cheese fan, a blue cheese dressing can be used here for an even more intense flavor pairing.
• Smoked cheddar: Don’t underestimate the power of smoked cheddar! Its deep, smoky flavor adds an unexpected yet incredibly delicious layer of complexity that elevates an already-awesome grilled cheese into something extraordinary.
• Blue cheese: Buffalo chicken and blue cheese are a classic pairing for a reason. The pungent, creamy crumbles melt into the sandwich, providing that signature tangy bite that contrasts beautifully with the spicy chicken.
• Bread: The foundation of any great grilled cheese. While any sliced bread will work, investing in a good quality, sturdy bread (like sourdough, brioche, or a hearty white bread) will make for a better, more robust sandwich that holds up to the generous filling.
• Butter: Essential for achieving that golden-brown, crispy crust. Butter generously on the outside of your bread slices for the best results.

What type of cheese works best for Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese?

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for grilled cheese because it melts so easily and offers a rich, familiar flavor. However, don’t feel limited! You can truly use any cheese that melts nicely, such as creamy mozzarella for a milder flavor, spicy pepper jack for an extra kick, or even a combination of your favorites to create a unique profile.

I personally opt to grate my cheese from a block rather than using thinly sliced cheese. Grating helps the cheese melt quicker and more evenly, creating that perfect gooey texture we all crave in a grilled cheese. That being said, I totally understand the convenience of pre-sliced cheese when you’re looking to make life a little easier, and it will still yield delicious results.

The addition of blue cheese is a nod to the traditional way buffalo wings are often served with blue cheese dressing. It adds a fantastic tangy counterpoint to the spicy chicken. However, if blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to leave it out – the sandwich will still be incredibly flavorful!

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese: Step-by-Step

Ready to get this delicious dinner on the table? Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps:

1. Cook the chicken: Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Season your chicken thigh with a pinch of salt and sear it until golden brown on one side. Flip it, add a little water, cover the skillet, and let it simmer until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F). Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the buffalo chicken filling: Drain any leftover liquid from the skillet and give it a quick wipe. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then add your chopped onion and green pepper with another pinch of salt. Sauté them until they soften, which should take about 5-8 minutes. Stir in your cooked shredded chicken, hot sauce, and ranch dressing. Mix everything together until the chicken is fully coated and heated through, then remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Assemble and cook your grilled cheese: In a separate skillet (or the same one, wiped clean), heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, reduce the heat to medium-low – this is key for a perfectly melted sandwich without burning the bread. Butter one side of a slice of bread and place it buttered-side down in the skillet. Layer half of the grated smoked cheddar, followed by half of your buffalo chicken filling, and finally, half of the blue cheese crumbles. Top with another slice of bread, buttered-side up. Cook until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted, then carefully flip the sandwich. Cook the second side until it’s also golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining ingredients to make your second sandwich.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese

To ensure your grilled cheese is nothing short of perfection, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Grate Your Own Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, block cheese grated fresh melts more smoothly and evenly, yielding a much creamier, gooier interior.
• Low and Slow is Key: Don’t rush the cooking process. Cooking on medium-low heat allows the cheese to fully melt and the filling to warm through without burning the bread. Patience will be rewarded!
• Butter Generously: A good layer of butter on the outside of your bread slices is essential for that perfect golden-brown, crispy crust. You can also try mayonnaise for an even crispier, more evenly browned exterior.
• Evenly Distribute Filling: Make sure your buffalo chicken and cheese are spread evenly to ensure a balanced bite in every part of the sandwich and help it cook consistently.
• Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to load up on the filling, too much can make the sandwich difficult to flip and can prevent the cheese from melting properly.
• Use Good Quality Bread: A sturdy bread like sourdough, challah, or a good quality white bread will hold up better to the moist filling and create a superior texture.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand:

• Cheese Swaps: Not a fan of blue cheese? Skip it! Want a different flavor? Try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a sharp white cheddar. For an extra kick, use Pepper Jack.
• Chicken Alternatives: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken, use about 1 cup to save time.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to make it milder or hotter. For a super spicy sandwich, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken filling.
• Dressing Options: If ranch isn’t your favorite, a blue cheese dressing will enhance the blue cheese flavor in the sandwich. A creamy Caesar dressing could also offer an interesting twist.
• Add Veggies: Finely diced celery or even a small amount of shredded carrot can be added to the buffalo chicken mixture for extra crunch and nutrients.
• Bread Choices: Experiment with different types of bread like rye, multigrain, or even a robust sourdough for different flavor and texture profiles.

What To Serve With Your Buffalo Grilled Cheese

Now that your dinner is ready, it’s time to think about delightful sides that perfectly complement your spicy, cheesy melt!

• Fresh Green Onion Salad: I often like to whip up a refreshing green onion salad. The crispness and light dressing provide a fantastic contrast to the rich and spicy sandwich, adding some much-needed fresh veggies to the meal.
• Homemade Potato Chips: For a true deli experience, serve your sandwich alongside some crunchy, homemade chips. Try making your own salt and vinegar potato chips or flavorful barbecue potato chips.
• Classic Sides: Celery sticks and carrot sticks are traditional accompaniments to buffalo-flavored dishes, offering a cool, crisp counterpoint.
• Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw can also cut through the richness of the sandwich beautifully.
• Tomato Soup: You can never go wrong with a classic pairing of a warm, comforting bowl of tomato soup. The acidity of the soup balances the richness of the grilled cheese.
• Extra Dipping Sauce: A small bowl of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side is always a welcome addition for dipping!

More Delicious Buffalo Chicken Recipes

If you’re as obsessed with buffalo chicken as I am, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic recipes:

• Buffalo Chicken Salad Sandwich
• Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
• Buffalo Chicken Tacos
• Buffalo Chicken Pizza (Thin Crust – No Yeast)

First published April 4, 2016

This Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It brings together the beloved elements of classic comfort food with an exciting, spicy twist that is guaranteed to please. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or to impress guests, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and pure deliciousness. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and prepare to indulge in the ultimate spicy, cheesy melt. You won’t regret taking your grilled cheese game to this incredible new level!