Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese: Spicy, Cheesy Perfection!

Are you ready to elevate your grilled cheese game to a whole new level? Forget boring cheddar and tomato – we’re diving headfirst into the fiery, cheesy, and utterly irresistible world of Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese! This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s an experience. Imagine the crispy, golden-brown bread giving way to a molten mix of cheeses, juicy shredded chicken drenched in tangy buffalo sauce, and a cool, creamy counterpoint to balance the heat. Sounds amazing, right? Let’s get cooking!

Why This Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese is a Game Changer

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about why this grilled cheese is so special. It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors: crispy bread, gooey cheese, spicy buffalo chicken, and creamy coolness. It’s also incredibly versatile and easily customizable to your liking. Here’s what makes it a winner:

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, savory chicken, and rich cheese is a flavor party in your mouth.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple and requires minimal ingredients. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack.
* **Customizable:** Adjust the heat level of the buffalo sauce, choose your favorite cheeses, and add toppings to create your perfect grilled cheese masterpiece.
* **Comfort Food Classic with a Twist:** It takes the classic comfort of a grilled cheese and elevates it with the bold flavors of buffalo chicken.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Whether you’re making it for yourself or a group, this grilled cheese is guaranteed to be a hit.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

* **Bread:** 8 slices of your favorite bread. Sourdough, brioche, Texas toast, or even regular white bread will work. Choose a sturdy bread that can hold up to the fillings.
* **Chicken:** 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own chicken breasts and shred them.
* **Buffalo Sauce:** ½ cup of your favorite buffalo wing sauce. Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with different brands and heat levels.
* **Cheese:** A generous amount of cheese! I recommend a combination of:
* 4 oz. Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
* 4 oz. Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded (or Mozzarella for a milder flavor)
* 2 oz. Blue Cheese, crumbled (optional, but highly recommended for that authentic buffalo wing experience)
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons of butter, softened, for spreading on the bread.
* **Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing:** 2-4 tablespoons, for drizzling inside the sandwich (optional, but adds a delicious cool contrast to the heat).
* **Green Onions:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for garnish and added flavor).

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Magic Happen

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Follow these simple steps to create your own amazing Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese:

**Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken**

* In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside.

**Step 2: Assemble the Grilled Cheese**

* Butter one side of each slice of bread. This will be the side that goes against the pan, creating that golden-brown crust.
* Place four slices of bread, butter-side down, on a clean work surface.
* Evenly distribute half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over each slice of bread. Don’t be shy with the cheese – the more, the merrier!
* Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese. Make sure to spread it evenly so you get a taste of the buffalo chicken in every bite.
* If using, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the chicken. This adds a fantastic tangy and pungent flavor that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
* Drizzle a little ranch or blue cheese dressing over the chicken and cheese (optional). This will add a cool and creamy element to the sandwich.
* Top with the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. This will help hold everything together and ensure a gooey, cheesy center.
* Place the remaining four slices of bread on top, butter-side up.

**Step 3: Grill the Cheese to Perfection**

* Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. This is crucial for even cooking and preventing the bread from burning before the cheese melts.
* Carefully place the assembled grilled cheese sandwiches in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook them in batches.
* Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwiches while they’re cooking to ensure even contact with the pan and promote melting.
* If the bread is browning too quickly but the cheese isn’t fully melted, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and gooey. You can also cover the skillet with a lid to trap heat and help the cheese melt faster.

**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Once the grilled cheese sandwiches are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and place them on a cutting board.
* Let them cool for a minute or two before slicing in half with a sharp knife. This will prevent the cheese from oozing out everywhere.
* Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy the cheesy, spicy goodness! Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, if desired.

## Tips and Tricks for the Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese

Want to take your Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks to help you create the ultimate sandwich:

* **Use Room Temperature Butter:** Softened butter spreads more evenly and helps create a perfectly golden-brown crust.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Cooking the sandwiches in batches ensures even cooking and prevents the bread from steaming instead of browning.
* **Low and Slow is the Way to Go:** Cooking the sandwiches over medium-low heat allows the cheese to melt completely without burning the bread.
* **Press Down Gently:** Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwiches while they’re cooking to ensure even contact with the pan and promote melting.
* **Use a Lid to Help Melt the Cheese:** If the bread is browning too quickly but the cheese isn’t fully melted, cover the skillet with a lid to trap heat and help the cheese melt faster.
* **Experiment with Different Cheeses:** Try different combinations of cheeses to find your favorite flavor profile. Pepper jack, provolone, and even a little bit of cream cheese can be delicious additions.
* **Add Some Veggies:** Sliced tomatoes, avocado, or even some sautéed onions and peppers can add extra flavor and texture to your grilled cheese.
* **Spice it Up (or Tone it Down):** Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the heat level. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice, or a dollop of sour cream to cool things down.
* **Make it a Meal:** Serve your Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

## Variations to Try

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few variations to get your creative juices flowing:

* **Buffalo Chicken Ranch Grilled Cheese:** Add a generous drizzle of ranch dressing both inside and on top of the grilled cheese for an extra creamy and tangy flavor.
* **Buffalo Chicken Blue Cheese Grilled Cheese:** Embrace the classic buffalo wing pairing by using extra blue cheese, both crumbled inside and served on the side for dipping.
* **Spicy Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese:** Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo chicken mixture, or using a hotter buffalo sauce.
* **Creamy Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese:** Mix a tablespoon or two of cream cheese into the buffalo chicken mixture for a richer and creamier filling.
* **Buffalo Chicken Avocado Grilled Cheese:** Add sliced avocado to the grilled cheese for a cool and creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken.
* **Buffalo Chicken Bacon Grilled Cheese:** Everything is better with bacon! Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the grilled cheese for a smoky and savory twist.
* **Buffalo Chicken Pizza Grilled Cheese:** Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the bread before adding the cheese and chicken for a fun and flavorful fusion.

## Serving Suggestions

Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

* **Coleslaw:** The cool and creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy grilled cheese.
* **Potato Salad:** A classic side dish that complements the flavors of the buffalo chicken.
* **French Fries:** Crispy french fries are always a welcome addition to any grilled cheese meal.
* **Onion Rings:** Another crispy and delicious side dish that pairs well with the buffalo chicken.
* **Tomato Soup:** A classic pairing that adds warmth and comfort to the meal.
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad provides a light and refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the grilled cheese.
* **Celery and Carrot Sticks with Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing:** Mimic the classic buffalo wing presentation with celery and carrot sticks for dipping.

## Storage and Reheating

While Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can use one of the following methods:

* **Skillet:** Reheat the grilled cheese in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally, until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
* **Oven:** Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the grilled cheese on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
* **Microwave:** While not the ideal method, you can reheat the grilled cheese in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. However, the bread may become soggy.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use pre-shredded cheese?** Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese for convenience. However, freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and evenly.
* **Can I use a different type of bread?** Absolutely! Experiment with different types of bread to find your favorite. Sourdough, brioche, and Texas toast are all great options.
* **Can I make this vegetarian?** Yes, you can substitute the chicken with buffalo-flavored cauliflower or tofu for a vegetarian option.
* **Can I make this ahead of time?** You can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. However, it’s best to cook them fresh for the best flavor and texture.
* **How do I prevent the bread from burning?** Cook the sandwiches over medium-low heat and keep a close eye on them. If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to low.

## Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

Here’s a quick recap of the recipe:

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 12-20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 8 slices of your favorite bread
* 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken
* ½ cup of your favorite buffalo wing sauce
* 4 oz. Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
* 4 oz. Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded (or Mozzarella)
* 2 oz. Blue Cheese, crumbled (optional)
* 4 tablespoons of butter, softened
* 2-4 tablespoons Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing (optional)
* 2 tablespoons chopped Green Onions (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Toss well.
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place four slices of bread, butter-side down, on a work surface.
4. Evenly distribute half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over each slice of bread.
5. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese.
6. If using, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the chicken.
7. Drizzle a little ranch or blue cheese dressing over the chicken and cheese (optional).
8. Top with the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
9. Place the remaining four slices of bread on top, butter-side up.
10. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
11. Carefully place the assembled grilled cheese sandwiches in the skillet.
12. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
13. Remove from skillet, let cool slightly, slice in half, and garnish with green onions (optional).
14. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Get Ready to Enjoy the Best Grilled Cheese Ever!

So there you have it – the ultimate Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese recipe! This sandwich is a flavor explosion in every bite and is sure to become a new favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, toppings, and sauces to create your perfect version. Happy grilling!