Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese: Spicy, Cheesy Perfection!

Italian Chef Team

4 months ago

Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese: Spicy, Cheesy Perfection!

Buffalo chicken and grilled cheese. Two culinary titans, often enjoyed separately. But what happens when you combine their forces? The result is a symphony of flavor and texture: a Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich that’s simultaneously comforting, spicy, and utterly addictive.

This isn’t just any grilled cheese. We’re talking about a creamy, tangy, and slightly fiery explosion in your mouth. Imagine crispy, buttery bread encasing melted cheese, juicy shredded chicken coated in zesty buffalo sauce, and a cool, creamy element to balance the heat. Ready to elevate your lunch game? Let’s dive in!

## Why This Recipe Works

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why this Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese is a winner:

* **The Perfect Balance:** The spice of the buffalo sauce is beautifully tempered by the creamy cheese and the richness of the buttered bread. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of flavors.
* **Texture Heaven:** The crispy golden-brown bread, the gooey melted cheese, and the tender chicken create a textural masterpiece.
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adjust the heat level, the type of cheese, and the addition of other toppings to suit your personal preferences.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a game-day gathering, this sandwich is guaranteed to be a hit.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

* **Bread:** Sliced bread is the foundation of our grilled cheese. Opt for sturdy bread that can stand up to the fillings and hold its shape well during cooking. Sourdough, Texas toast, or even brioche work wonderfully. Aim for slices that are about ½ inch thick.
* **Chicken:** Cooked and shredded chicken is the star of the show. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or even canned chicken (drained well). About 2 cups of shredded chicken is ideal.
* **Buffalo Sauce:** The key to that signature buffalo flavor. Use your favorite brand of buffalo wing sauce. Consider the heat level when choosing – mild, medium, or hot, depending on your spice tolerance.
* **Cheese:** A blend of cheeses creates the ultimate gooey and flavorful experience. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for grilled cheese, offering a sharp and tangy flavor. Monterey Jack provides excellent meltability and a mild, buttery taste. Provolone is another great option for its creamy texture and subtle flavor. You can also add a touch of blue cheese for extra tangy buffalo flavor.
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter is essential for achieving that golden-brown, crispy exterior. You can also use mayonnaise on the outside of the bread for an extra crispy and flavorful crust. Some people prefer to use a combination of butter and mayonnaise.
* **Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing (Optional):** A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing adds a cooling element and complements the buffalo flavor perfectly. This is entirely optional, but highly recommended!
* **Celery (Optional):** Finely diced celery adds a refreshing crunch and a classic buffalo wing accompaniment. Consider adding it to the buffalo chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture.

### Detailed Ingredient List with Quantities

* 8 slices of bread (Sourdough, Texas toast, or Brioche recommended)
* 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
* ½ cup Buffalo Wing Sauce (adjust to your preferred spice level)
* 4 slices Cheddar cheese
* 4 slices Monterey Jack cheese
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (or mayonnaise, or a combination)
* 2 tablespoons Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing (optional)
* ¼ cup finely diced celery (optional)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or griddle
* Butter knife or spreader
* Mixing bowl
* Spatula

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese:

**Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture**

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo wing sauce. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. If you’re using celery, add it to the mixture at this stage. Set aside.

**Step 2: Butter the Bread**

Spread softened butter (or mayonnaise, or a combination) evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This will be the outside of your grilled cheese, creating a golden-brown and crispy crust.

**Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches**

Place four slices of bread, butter-side down, on a clean work surface. Top each slice with the cheese slices. You can use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or customize it with your preferred cheeses. Be sure to distribute the cheese evenly over the bread.

**Step 4: Add the Buffalo Chicken**

Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the cheese on each sandwich. Spread it out to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

**Step 5: Top with More Cheese (Optional)**

If you’re a cheese lover, you can add another layer of cheese on top of the buffalo chicken. This will create an even more gooey and decadent grilled cheese experience.

**Step 6: Top with Remaining Bread**

Place the remaining four slices of bread on top of the cheese and buffalo chicken, butter-side up.

**Step 7: Grill the Sandwiches**

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the sandwiches in the skillet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. If necessary, cook the sandwiches in batches.

**Step 8: Cook Until Golden Brown**

Cook the sandwiches 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 flip the sandwiches and press down on them to ensure even cooking and melting. Keep a close eye on the sandwiches to prevent burning.

**Step 9: Serve Immediately**

Remove the grilled cheese sandwiches from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Let them cool for a minute or two before slicing in half. Serve immediately with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional), carrot sticks, and celery sticks. Enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

Want to take your Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese to the next level? Here are some tips and variations to consider:

* **Adjust the Heat:** Control the spice level by using mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for extra heat.
* **Add Vegetables:** Incorporate other vegetables like diced red onion, bell peppers, or jalapenos for added flavor and texture. Sauté them before adding them to the sandwich.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for a more complex flavor profile.
* **Add Bacon:** Crispy bacon adds a smoky and savory element that complements the buffalo chicken perfectly. Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it into the chicken mixture or layer it directly on the cheese.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit or seasoned tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
* **Use Different Bread:** Try different types of bread like ciabatta, focaccia, or even a pretzel roll for a unique twist.
* **Grill it Outside:** For an extra smoky flavor, grill the sandwiches on an outdoor grill. Be sure to preheat the grill and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
* **Add a Sauce Inside:** Instead of just serving ranch or blue cheese on the side, add a thin layer inside the sandwich before grilling.

## Serving Suggestions

Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese is a satisfying meal on its own, but it’s even better when paired with complementary sides:

* **Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing:** For dipping, of course!
* **Celery and Carrot Sticks:** Classic buffalo wing accompaniments.
* **Coleslaw:** The creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy sandwich.
* **French Fries:** A classic comfort food pairing.
* **Sweet Potato Fries:** A healthier and slightly sweeter alternative to regular fries.
* **Tomato Soup:** The acidity of the tomato soup cuts through the richness of the grilled cheese.
* **Side Salad:** A light and refreshing salad balances the richness of the sandwich.

## Make-Ahead Tips

* **Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Ahead of Time:** You can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time when you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.
* **Assemble the Sandwiches in Advance:** You can assemble the sandwiches a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. However, be sure to wait until just before cooking to butter the bread.

## Storage Instructions

Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a microwave until heated through. The bread may not be as crispy after reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 600-800 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 30-40g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 150-200mg
* Sodium: 800-1200mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Sugar: 5-10g
* Protein: 40-50g

## Printable Recipe Card

**Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese**

A spicy, cheesy twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich.

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10 minutes
**Total Time:** 20 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

**Instructions:**

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo wing sauce. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. If you’re using celery, add it to the mixture at this stage. Set aside.
2. Spread softened butter (or mayonnaise, or a combination) evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place four slices of bread, butter-side down, on a clean work surface. Top each slice with the cheese slices.
4. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the cheese on each sandwich.
5. Place the remaining four slices of bread on top of the cheese and buffalo chicken, butter-side up.
6. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the sandwiches in the skillet.
7. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
8. Remove from skillet, let cool slightly, slice and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

**Notes:**

* Adjust the heat by using different levels of Buffalo Wing Sauce.
* Add diced celery or other veggies to the chicken mixture.
* Experiment with different types of cheeses.

## Conclusion

The Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese is a culinary adventure that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. With its perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and comforting flavors, this sandwich is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple instructions, and prepare to experience grilled cheese perfection!

Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese!

Tags: Recipes