Buffalo chicken grilled cheese is rich and flavorful, so it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Think about a fresh salad with crunchy veggies, perhaps something with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Another fantastic choice is a side of celery sticks and carrot sticks with ranch for dipping.
Tater tots tossed in a little seasoning can also be a crunchy side that complements the sandwich’s indulgence. And don’t forget about a chilled drink! A crisp iced tea or a refreshing lemonade will cleanse your palate and keep you cool.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for You
Cooking isn’t just about feeding ourselves; it’s an expression of creativity, culture, and community. This buffalo chicken grilled cheese recipe is my go-to when I want to merge comfort food with a little excitement.
The creamy and spicy blend fits perfectly together, tantalizing the taste buds. Plus, it’s simple to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. You can enjoy this dish alone or impress your friends during a game night.
I have developed this recipe using simple, accessible ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. The magic unfolds through a balance of flavors—rich cream cheese, zesty hot sauce, and the heartiness of shredded chicken.
When each layer melts and melds, you’re left with a warm, gooey sandwich that satisfies every cheesy craving.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
Let’s break down the ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in crafting this delicious masterpiece.
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (Softened for easier mixing)
- ½ Cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce
- ½ Cup Creamy Ranch Dressing (Homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cayenne Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 4-8 Slices of Muenster Cheese (Meltable and creamy)
- 4 tablespoons Crumbled Blue Cheese
- 2 Cups Shredded Cooked Chicken (Rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Chopped Cilantro
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
Start by combining the cream cheese, Frank’s RedHot sauce, ranch dressing, honey, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Use a spatula or fork to mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, uniform consistency.
The balance of flavors here is crucial. You want the spice from the sauce, the creaminess from the cheese, and the tang from the ranch.
Step 2: Incorporate the Chicken
Next, fold in the shredded cooked chicken. I like using rotisserie chicken for its convenience and flavor.
Mix it gently to ensure that all the chicken pieces are coated in the spicy mixture. This is where the magic begins—you’re creating a filling that’ll change the way you think about grilled cheese.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Grab your bread of choice. I often use thick slices of sourdough or whole wheat. Spread a thin layer of butter on the outside of each slice.
On the inside, layer first the Muenster cheese, then a generous spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture, followed by a sprinkle of blue cheese. Top it off with another slice of Muenster cheese. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter side out.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place your sandwich gently on the skillet. Cook it for 3-4 minutes on one side until it’s golden brown. Flip it carefully and let the other side grill for an additional 3-4 minutes.
You want both sides crispy and the cheese melted inside.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Once your sandwich is perfectly grilled and gooey, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool for a moment before slicing it in half. This helps keep the melted cheese intact while you dig in. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like, and serve hot.
Recipe Notes
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted gives you control over the seasoning.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Frank’s RedHot Sauce: You can adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
- Ranch Dressing: Homemade ranch works beautifully if you have the time.
- Honey: Acts as a sweet counterbalance; feel free to adjust to taste.
- Shredded Chicken: This can be from leftovers or store-bought for convenience.
Recipe Variations
You can easily adjust this recipe based on your preferences:
- Spicy Alternative: Add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Use cauliflower or chickpea “chicken” to replace the meat.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in a little cheddar for added richness.
- Grain-Free: Swap out bread for lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
- Different Cuisine: Change the hot sauce to a Thai chili sauce for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken grilled cheese is not just a sandwich; it’s a delightful experience waiting to happen. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with fresh veggies, it’s a dish that delivers on both flavor and comfort.
Its rich and spicy filling is a twist on a classic, suited for any occasion. As a registered dietitian and food lover, I have spent countless hours in the kitchen crafting this delightful recipe. Every element—from the creamy cheese to the zesty filling—reflects my passion for food that’s both enjoyable and accessible.
Dive in, enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth experience, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. Happy cooking!
You’ll also like the following recipes!
- Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Copycat Recipe
- How to Make Panera Bread Grilled Cheese
- Best Grilled Zucchini Recipe With Parmesan Cheese
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe – Simple Easy Meals
Buffalo chicken grilled cheese is rich and flavorful, so it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Think about a fresh salad with crunchy veggies, perhaps something with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Another fantastic choice is a side of celery sticks and carrot sticks with ranch for dipping.
Tater tots tossed in a little seasoning can also be a crunchy side that complements the sandwich's indulgence. And don’t forget about a chilled drink! A crisp iced tea or a refreshing lemonade will cleanse your palate and keep you cool.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
-
Start by combining the cream cheese, Frank’s RedHot sauce, ranch dressing, honey, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Use a spatula or fork to mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, uniform consistency.
The balance of flavors here is crucial. You want the spice from the sauce, the creaminess from the cheese, and the tang from the ranch.
Step 2: Incorporate the Chicken
-
Next, fold in the shredded cooked chicken. I like using rotisserie chicken for its convenience and flavor.
Mix it gently to ensure that all the chicken pieces are coated in the spicy mixture. This is where the magic begins—you’re creating a filling that’ll change the way you think about grilled cheese.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
-
Grab your bread of choice. I often use thick slices of sourdough or whole wheat. Spread a thin layer of butter on the outside of each slice.
On the inside, layer first the Muenster cheese, then a generous spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture, followed by a sprinkle of blue cheese. Top it off with another slice of Muenster cheese. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter side out.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
-
Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place your sandwich gently on the skillet. Cook it for 3-4 minutes on one side until it’s golden brown. Flip it carefully and let the other side grill for an additional 3-4 minutes.
You want both sides crispy and the cheese melted inside.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
-
Once your sandwich is perfectly grilled and gooey, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool for a moment before slicing it in half. This helps keep the melted cheese intact while you dig in. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like, and serve hot.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 764kcal
- Calories from Fat 606kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 67.9g105%
- Saturated Fat 28.5g143%
- Trans Fat 0.2g
- Cholesterol 143mg48%
- Sodium 1235mg52%
- Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 27g54%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted gives you control over the seasoning.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Frank’s RedHot Sauce: You can adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
- Ranch Dressing: Homemade ranch works beautifully if you have the time.
- Honey: Acts as a sweet counterbalance; feel free to adjust to taste.
- Shredded Chicken: This can be from leftovers or store-bought for convenience.
