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This Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese transforms leftover chicken into an irresistible comfort food masterpiece with the perfect balance of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and crispy bread. It's my go-to quick meal when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
I first made this sandwich during a football playoff party, and it was such a hit that it's now requested whenever friends come over to watch games. The combination of buffalo chicken and multiple cheeses elevates an ordinary grilled cheese into something truly special.
Ingredients
- 8 Slices Sandwich Bread: any thick cut bread works well as it holds up to the fillings
- 2 Cups Cooked Chicken Breasts: rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor
- 2 teaspoon Minced Garlic: adds depth that balances the spicy notes
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper: adds extra heat but completely optional
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper: provides mild spice that enhances other flavors
- ½ teaspoon Paprika: brings smoky notes and beautiful color
- ½ Cup Franks Hot Sauce: the classic buffalo sauce with perfect tang and heat
- ½ Cup Ranch Dressing: homemade is best for controlling ingredients
- 4 Oz Cream Cheese: creates a creamy base that helps bind ingredients
- 4 tablespoon Butter: ensures perfectly crispy golden exterior
- 4-8 Slices Muenster Cheese: melts beautifully with mild flavor
- 4 tablespoon Crumbled Blue Cheese: authentic buffalo flavor but can be reduced if preferred
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Spread:
- Combine softened cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese, paprika, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Mash everything together until well incorporated. This cheese mixture creates a creamy base that helps hold the sandwich together while adding rich flavor. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened for easier mixing.
- Mix the Buffalo Chicken:
- In a separate bowl, combine your shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and minced garlic. Stir thoroughly until every piece of chicken is evenly coated with the sauce mixture. The combination of hot sauce and ranch creates that classic buffalo chicken flavor profile while keeping the meat moist. Using precooked rotisserie chicken makes this step especially quick.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Butter one side of each bread slice—this will be the outside of your sandwich. Flip the bread over and spread the cream cheese mixture on four slices, about 2 tablespoons per slice. Top this with approximately ½ cup of the buffalo chicken mixture, spreading it evenly. On the remaining four slices, place 1-2 slices of Muenster cheese. Close the sandwiches with the buttered sides facing outward.
- Grill to Perfection:
- Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and place on low to medium-low heat. Cook sandwiches for approximately 5 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully and cook another 5 minutes on the second side. Low and slow cooking ensures the inside gets hot and melty without burning the bread. You may need to cook in batches depending on your pan size.
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You Must Know
My favorite part of this sandwich is the contrast between the tangy buffalo sauce and the creamy cheese mixture. My teenage son who normally avoids spicy foods actually requests these sandwiches regularly. I think the cooling effect of the cheese balances the heat perfectly!
Make-Ahead Options
You can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembly even quicker when you're ready to cook. The cheese mixture can also be made a day ahead and refrigerated—just let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before spreading for easier application.
Spice Level Adjustments
The beauty of this sandwich is how easily you can adjust the heat level. For milder palates, reduce the Frank's Hot Sauce to ¼ cup and omit the cayenne pepper. For spice lovers, increase the cayenne to ½ teaspoon and add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese spread mixture as well. I've found that serving with extra ranch dressing on the side helps those who might find it too spicy.
Perfect Pairings
These Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwiches pair beautifully with simple sides that complement without competing with the bold flavors. A crisp green salad with light vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast, while celery and carrot sticks with extra ranch dressing echo traditional buffalo wing accompaniments. For a heartier meal, serve alongside tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food combination.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of chicken works best for this sandwich?
Rotisserie chicken or cooked shredded chicken breasts work best as they are tender and easy to mix with the buffalo sauce.
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Muenster or blue cheese with options like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or white cheddar based on your preference.
- → How can I make the sandwich spicier?
Add extra cayenne pepper or use a hotter variety of sauces to elevate the heat level.
- → What are good side dishes to serve with this sandwich?
Serve with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad to complement the richness of the sandwich.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Wrap the sandwiches in foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for best results.