Pin it The first time I made these on a rainy Tuesday, my kitchen filled with that unmistakable buffalo sauce aroma, and I knew ordinary grilled cheese would never feel exciting again. Something happens when spicy chicken meets melty cheddar, and it transforms a simple sandwich into the kind of dinner that makes people pause mid bite and reach for seconds.
My brother in law stayed over one weekend, skeptical about grilled cheese for dinner, until he took that first crunch through buttery bread into the spicy, cheesy center. He asked for the recipe before he even finished his first half.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here, saving you time and adding that seasoned depth
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce: Franks RedHot is my go to, but any medium heat sauce brings that signature tang
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted: Coating the chicken in butter first keeps it moist and helps the sauce cling
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated: Sharp cheddar cuts through the richness with its bite, fresh grated melts infinitely better
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated: That cheese pull quality that makes every Instagram worthy sandwich worth posting
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing: Spread thin, it creates a creamy layer that balances every spicy note
- 8 slices sourdough bread: Hearty enough to hold everything together without getting soggy, though white bread works too
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Room temperature spreads evenly and helps achieve that golden, restaurant quality crust
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions: Fresh finish that adds color and a mild onion punch
Instructions
- Mix the buffalo chicken:
- Combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and melted butter until every piece is evenly coated
- Prep the bread:
- Spread a thin layer of ranch on one side of every bread slice, going easy so it does not make things soggy
- Build the layers:
- On four slices, layer half the cheddar, all the buffalo chicken, then mozzarella if using, and finish with remaining cheddar
- Close them up:
- Top with remaining bread slices ranch side down, then butter the outside of both sides generously
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with your spatula until golden and cheese is oozing
- Finish and serve:
- Let them rest for just a minute before slicing diagonally, then sprinkle with green onions
Pin it These sandwiches have become my go to when friends come over for casual dinners, and I love watching them realize that grilled cheese can be something genuinely craveable.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I swap in blue cheese dressing instead of ranch when I want something funkier, or add sliced jalapeños if the table enjoys serious heat. The base formula works because the contrasts are already built in.
The Bread Choice Matters
Sourdough gives you that sturdy crunch and slight tang, but Texas toast creates an over the top indulgent version that is worth trying at least once. Just avoid thin sandwich bread.
Serving Suggestions
Celery sticks on the side bring that classic wing bar crunch and freshness, or toss together a simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Keep leftover buffalo chicken in the fridge for instant sandwich upgrades all week
- A hot towel wipe down of your pan between batches keeps later sandwiches from burning
- These reheat surprisingly well in a 350F oven for about 10 minutes
Pin it Hope this recipe finds its way into your regular rotation, because some comfort food classics deserve a spicy, cheesy makeover.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of bread works best for this sandwich?
Sourdough or hearty white bread works best as they provide structure to hold the filling without getting soggy. The thicker slices also give you a nice golden-brown exterior when grilled.
- → Can I prepare the buffalo chicken filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and butter up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and simply assemble and grill when ready to serve.
- → How do I prevent the bread from burning while the cheese melts?
Cook over medium heat and avoid high temperatures. Press gently on the sandwich as it cooks to help the cheese melt evenly. If the bread is browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly.
- → What are some good side dishes to serve with this sandwich?
Pair it with celery sticks, a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or french fries. The cool, fresh sides complement the spicy, rich flavors of the sandwich perfectly.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely. For more heat, add sliced jalapeños or increase the buffalo sauce. For less spice, reduce the buffalo sauce and add more ranch dressing for creaminess.
- → Is mozzarella cheese necessary?
No, mozzarella is optional. It adds extra melt and creaminess, but sharp cheddar alone creates a delicious sandwich. Feel free to use your preferred melting cheese.