Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
If you love the zing of spicy buffalo sauce paired with melty, ooey-gooey cheese, then the Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese is about to become your new favorite comfort food obsession. This sandwich brilliantly combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in creamy buffalo sauce with rich cream cheese and sharp cheddar, all hugged between crispy, buttery bread. Every bite bursts with bold flavors and that perfect crispy-cheesy texture that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try this Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet each plays a crucial role in building the rich, tangy, and satisfying profile of the sandwich. From the tender chicken to the creamy cheeses and the spicy buffalo kick, every element contributes both flavor and texture to this memorable meal.
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded: Already cooked and packed with flavor, this makes prep a breeze while providing tender, juicy chicken.
- 1 block cream cheese, softened: Adds luxurious creaminess that balances the heat and binds everything together.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: The star of the show, this delivers the iconic spicy, tangy heat that makes buffalo chicken so irresistible.
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp white cheddar (or Monterey Jack): Brings a tangy, melty indulgence that pairs perfectly with the buffalo sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used for grilling, it creates crispy, golden brown bread with a rich, savory finish.
- 4 slices bread: Your choice of sturdy bread works best here to hold all that cheesy, saucy goodness without falling apart.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture
Start by combining the shredded rotisserie chicken with softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and shredded sharp cheddar in a large mixing bowl. Mixing these ingredients together evenly ensures every bite is bursting with creamy, spicy flavor and that perfect cheesy melt.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Next, slather the buffalo chicken mixture generously on one slice of bread, then top with the remaining slice to form your sandwich. Make sure to press gently, so all the layers stick together nicely without spilling out during cooking.
Step 3: Grill to Golden Perfection
Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and melt the butter until sizzling. Carefully place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for about 2 minutes until the bottom turns golden and crispy. Flip the sandwich gently and grill the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes until it’s perfectly browned and the cheese inside is melted to gooey perfection.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate the sandwich experience. A sprinkle of finely chopped green onions or fresh celery sticks on the side adds refreshing crunch and balances the rich buffalo flavors. For an extra kick, drizzle a little ranch or blue cheese dressing on top or alongside for dipping.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with simple, crisp sides like a tangled mess of carrot and celery sticks, a crunchy coleslaw, or even some lightly salted kettle chips. These lighter, fresh options complement the spicy, cheesy richness without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Cut your Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese into bite-sized sliders for a game day snack or stack multiple layers for a towering, indulgent creation. You can also serve it open-faced with extra shredded cheese melted on top for an irresistible presentation that will have everyone reaching for seconds in no time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tricky), wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days without sacrificing too much of their melty goodness.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the sandwiches but do not cook them. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then grill fresh for that crispy, melty texture you love.
Reheating
For reheating, avoid the microwave if possible to maintain crunchiness. Instead, reheat the sandwich in a sauté pan over medium-low heat or in a toaster oven until warmed through and the bread has regained its crispy, buttery exterior.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp white cheddar or Monterey Jack work wonderfully, you can experiment with mozzarella for a mild melt or pepper jack for an extra spicy twist.
What type of bread works best for Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese?
Firm, sturdy bread like sourdough or a thick-cut white bread holds up best and crisps beautifully. Avoid very soft breads that might get soggy from the buffalo sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the chicken with cooked cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce for a delicious vegetarian alternative that retains the signature spicy flavor.
How spicy is this sandwich?
The heat level depends on your choice of buffalo sauce. You can adjust it to your liking or tone it down by adding more cream cheese to mellow the spice.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales easily. Prepare multiple sandwiches and grill them all, or make sliders for easy sharing. It’s perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully addictive about the Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese—you get the best of spice, creaminess, and crispy comfort all in one delicious package. It’s the perfect way to jazz up your usual grilled cheese and satisfy that craving for bold, comforting flavors. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and enjoy every melty, spicy, crunchy bite as much as I do!
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Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese is a spicy, creamy twist on a classic comfort food. Featuring shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with cream cheese and tangy buffalo sauce, all melty inside crisp, buttery grilled bread, it’s perfect for an easy lunch or quick dinner with a flavorful kick.
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Chicken Filling
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
For the Sandwich
- 4 slices sandwich bread
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is creamy and evenly coated.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over two slices of bread. Top each with the remaining bread slices to form two sandwiches. Press gently to consolidate.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook until the undersides are golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes. Carefully flip each sandwich and grill the other side for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove sandwiches from the pan, let cool for a minute, then slice in half and serve warm for a delicious spicy twist on a classic grilled cheese.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture.
- You can substitute Monterey Jack cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Use a spatula to press down on the sandwiches slightly while cooking for even grilling.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Leftover buffalo chicken mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Buffalo chicken grilled cheese, spicy grilled cheese, rotisserie chicken sandwich, buffalo sauce recipe, easy lunch sandwich
