Pin it
This Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese transforms leftover chicken into an irresistible sandwich that perfectly balances creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. The combination of melty cheese and crispy buttered bread creates comfort food at its finest, while the buffalo chicken filling adds a kick that elevates this beyond your typical grilled cheese.
I first made these sandwiches during a football Sunday when I needed something quick yet impressive. Now they've become our go to game day lunch that even my pickiest eaters request when we have rotisserie chicken leftovers.
Ingredients
- Sandwich Bread: Choose a sturdy bread that can hold up to the filling without getting soggy the thicker sliced varieties work wonderfully
- Cooked Chicken Breasts: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds excellent flavor but any leftover chicken works beautifully
- Minced Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the buffalo sauce mixture fresh is best but jarred works in a pinch
- Frank’s Hot Sauce: The classic buffalo wing sauce with the perfect balance of heat and flavor
- Ranch Dressing: Cools the heat while adding creaminess homemade provides the best flavor but store bought is perfectly fine
- Cream Cheese: Creates a luxurious base that helps hold everything together and tempers the heat
- Muenster Cheese: Melts beautifully with a mild flavor that complements without overwhelming the buffalo chicken
- Crumbled Blue Cheese: Traditional buffalo wing companion that adds tangy pungent notes throughout the sandwich
- Butter: Creates that perfectly crispy golden exterior that makes grilled cheese irresistible
- Spices: Cayenne pepper paprika and black pepper build complexity and enhance the buffalo flavor profile
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare The Cheese Mixture:
- Combine softened cream cheese with crumbled blue cheese paprika black pepper and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. The softened cream cheese is crucial here make sure it sits at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth consistency without lumps. Mash everything together until well incorporated this creates a flavorful base layer that helps hold everything together.
- Create The Buffalo Chicken Filling:
- Mix your shredded chicken with hot sauce ranch dressing and minced garlic in a separate bowl. Stir until every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with the sauce mixture. The chicken should be shredded into bite sized pieces not too large or the sandwich will be difficult to eat. This mixture should look moist but not dripping wet if it seems too dry add a touch more hot sauce.
- Assemble The Sandwiches:
- Butter one side of each bread slice this will become the exterior of your sandwich. Flip the bread over so the unbuttered sides face up. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on four slices this creates a protective barrier that helps prevent the bread from getting soggy. Top with approximately half a cup of the buffalo chicken mixture spreading it to the edges. Place one or two slices of Muenster cheese on the remaining bread slices and close the sandwiches with the buttered sides facing outward.
- Grill To Perfection:
- Heat a large skillet over low heat. The secret to perfect grilled cheese is cooking slowly to allow the cheese to melt completely while the exterior gets golden and crispy. Cook for approximately 5 minutes on the first side until deep golden brown checking occasionally to prevent burning. Flip carefully using a wide spatula and cook for another 5 minutes on the second side. You might need to cook in batches depending on your pan size. The finished sandwich should have a crispy exterior with completely melted cheese inside.
Pin it
The rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon in this recipe. I first discovered how perfectly it works when I was in a rush and grabbed a store bought chicken instead of cooking my own. The seasoned meat added an extra layer of flavor that made these sandwiches absolutely irresistible and now I specifically buy rotisserie chicken just to make these the next day.
Make Ahead Options
This buffalo chicken grilled cheese is perfect for meal planning. You can prepare both the chicken mixture and the cheese spread up to three days in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to cook simply assemble and grill as directed. This makes weeknight dinners incredibly simple and ensures you always have a delicious option ready to go. The chicken mixture actually improves in flavor after sitting overnight as the ingredients have time to meld together.
Adjusting The Heat Level
These sandwiches can be customized to any heat preference. For milder versions reduce the hot sauce to 1/4 cup and omit the cayenne pepper. For those who enjoy more heat increase cayenne to 1/2 teaspoon and add a tablespoon of diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture. You can also drizzle extra hot sauce on the finished sandwich for an additional kick. The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to different spice tolerances making it perfect for families with varying preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Transform this sandwich into a complete meal by pairing it with complementary sides. A crisp celery and carrot stick platter with extra blue cheese or ranch dressing echoes traditional buffalo wing accompaniments. A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the rich sandwich. For heartier appetites serve alongside sweet potato fries or a cup of tomato soup for dipping. These sandwiches also make excellent game day fare when cut into quarters and served as substantial finger food.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken is ideal as it’s flavorful and tender, but you can use any cooked, shredded chicken.
- → Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Swap Muenster or blue cheese for options like Colby Jack, White Cheddar, or Mozzarella to match your taste.
- → How can I store leftovers?
Wrap cooked sandwiches in foil and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat in the oven to keep the bread crispy and cheese melty.
- → Are there vegetarian options?
You can replace chicken with mashed avocado, diced tomatoes, or even a plant-based chicken alternative for a veggie-friendly version.
- → What sauces pair well with it?
Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing are excellent for dipping or drizzling over the sandwich.