This delightful Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a perfect mix of creamy cheese and spicy buffalo chicken, all stuffed between crispy bread. It’s comfort food at its finest!
I love how easy it is to whip up this sandwich for lunch or dinner. Plus, it pairs great with some carrot sticks, making me feel like I’m being healthy—kind of! 🥕😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is the star here. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or any cooked chicken you have on hand. If you’re vegetarian, shredded jackfruit or tempeh can be a cool alternative.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This adds the kick! Adjust the amount to your spice preference. If you don’t have buffalo sauce, a mix of hot sauce and melted butter works well.
Bread: Sourdough is my favorite for its flavor and crispiness. White sandwich bread is fine too, but you could also try whole grain or even a bagel for a unique twist.
Cream Cheese: This gives creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cream cheese or even hummus for a different flavor profile.
Cheese: Mozzarella is great for meltiness, while cheddar adds a sharpness. Mix and match as you like! Vegan cheese options are also available if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Can I Ensure My Sandwich is Perfectly Golden Brown?
The key to a perfectly golden brown sandwich is controlling your heat and using enough butter. Here’s how:
- Preheat your skillet on medium heat, not high—it’s about patience.
- Spread butter generously outside the bread. This helps it crisp up beautifully.
- Cook each side for 3-4 minutes. Lift it gently to check if it’s golden brown before flipping.
Don’t rush this step! If the heat is too high, the outside may burn while the cheese stays unmelted inside. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 4 slices bread (such as sourdough or white sandwich bread)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 10 minutes of cooking time. So, you can enjoy a delicious homemade sandwich in just 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, take the shredded chicken and pour in the buffalo wing sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is nicely coated with the sauce. You can add more or less sauce depending on how spicy you like it!
2. Prepare the Bread:
Take your slices of bread and spread cream cheese evenly on one side of each slice. This will act as a delicious gooey layer inside the sandwich and help hold everything together.
3. Assemble the Sandwich:
On two of the slices of bread (with cream cheese side facing up), heap on half of the buffalo chicken mixture. Next, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the chicken. Then, place the other two slices of bread on top, with the cream cheese side down, to form sandwiches.
4. Heat the Skillet:
Grab a large skillet or griddle and set it over medium heat. Spread a little softened butter on the outside of each sandwich so they’ll crisp up nicely in the pan!
5. Cook Until Golden:
Put your sandwiches in the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crunchy, and the cheese inside is melted. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Once they’re done, take the sandwiches off the heat and slice them in half. You can garnish with chopped chives or green onions if you like. Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy your crispy, cheesy buffalo chicken goodness!
These sandwiches are sure to be a hit—enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe, saving you time on cooking and shredding. Just shred the chicken and mix it with buffalo sauce as directed.
How Do I Make it Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce to 2 tablespoons, or mix it with some ranch dressing for creaminess without too much heat. You can also use a milder hot sauce instead.
Can I Make This Sandwich in the Oven Instead?
Yes! Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Assemble the sandwiches as directed, then place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Flip halfway through for even crispiness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can use a skillet to restore some crispiness or microwave until warm, but expect the bread to be softer.
