When it comes to comfort food, few things can compete with the gooey, cheesy bliss of a grilled cheese sandwich. But what if we told you there’s a way to elevate this classic dish to a whole new level? Enter the Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese—a spicy, creamy, and utterly mouthwatering twist on the traditional favorite.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or an easy dinner idea, this recipe is a game-changer. Best of all, it’s ready in under 20 minutes and is the perfect way to use up leftover chicken. Let’s dive into everything that makes this sandwich so irresistible!
Why Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese is a Must-Try
Combining the zesty heat of Buffalo sauce with the creamy richness of cheese, this sandwich is a flavor-packed masterpiece. It’s got everything you’d want in a meal:
- Spice: Thanks to Frank’s Hot Sauce and optional cayenne pepper.
- Creaminess: Courtesy of cream cheese, ranch dressing, and melty Muenster cheese.
- Texture: Crispy golden bread on the outside, tender shredded chicken on the inside.
- Customizability: Easily swap cheeses or add veggies to suit your taste.
Whether you’re a fan of classic Buffalo wings or just love experimenting with bold flavors, this grilled cheese has something for everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up four sandwiches:
- Bread: 8 slices of sandwich bread (any variety works).
- Chicken: 2 cups of cooked chicken breasts (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut).
- Cheeses: 4–8 slices of Muenster cheese, 4 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese, and 4 ounces of cream cheese.
- Sauces & Spices: ½ cup Frank’s Hot Sauce, ½ cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought), 2 teaspoons minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, for spreading on the bread.
Optional ingredients include mashed avocado, diced tomatoes, or chopped celery if you want to add some veggies to your sandwich.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
This recipe is as simple as it is delicious. Follow these easy steps:
1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mash and stir until well blended. Set aside.
2. Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In another bowl, mix the shredded chicken with hot sauce, ranch dressing, and minced garlic. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the spicy, creamy mixture.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches
Take your slices of bread and spread a layer of butter on one side of each slice. Flip the bread over so the unbuttered side faces up. Spread the cheese mixture on four slices of bread—this will be the base layer for each sandwich. Top with an even portion of the chicken mixture (about ½ cup per sandwich). On the remaining slices of bread, place one or two slices of Muenster cheese, then close each sandwich.
4. Grill to Perfection
Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat it over low heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet (you may need to cook them in batches depending on your pan size). Grill for about 5 minutes on one side or until the bread turns golden and crispy. Flip the sandwiches carefully and repeat on the other side. Once done, remove from the pan and serve immediately.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Pair your Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese with extra Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy every spicy, cheesy bite!
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
- Keep It Crispy: For maximum crunch, cook the sandwiches on low heat to ensure the bread crisps up without burning while giving the cheese inside enough time to melt.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, wrap them in foil and refrigerate for up to two days. To reheat, bake the foil-wrapped sandwich in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. This method keeps the bread crispy and ensures even warming.
- Microwave Option: While quicker, microwaving may result in soggy bread. Use this method only if you’re in a hurry!
- Cheese Swaps: Not a fan of Muenster or blue cheese? Feel free to substitute with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, white cheddar, or mozzarella. If blue cheese isn’t your thing, simply leave it out or reduce the amount.
Veggie Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
Want to take your Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese up a notch? Add some veggies! Here are a few ideas:
- Mashed Avocado: Spread it over the cream cheese mixture for a creamy and nutritious boost.
- Diced Tomatoes: Add them to the chicken mix for a touch of freshness.
- Chopped Celery: Mix it with the chicken for a satisfying crunch reminiscent of traditional Buffalo wings.
Feel free to experiment with other toppings or ingredients to make these sandwiches uniquely yours.
Nutrition Facts (Per Sandwich)
Here’s an approximate breakdown of what you’re getting in each serving:
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12.7g
- Protein: 32.8g
- Fat: 38.2g (Saturated Fat: 19g)
- Cholesterol: 154mg
- Sodium: 811mg
- Potassium: 298mg
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 2.1g
- Calcium: 317mg
- Iron: 2mg
This indulgent treat is rich in protein but should be enjoyed in moderation if you’re watching your calorie intake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about combining two comfort food classics—Buffalo chicken and grilled cheese—into one epic sandwich. It’s spicy yet creamy, hearty yet easy to make, and endlessly customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a solo meal, this Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese is guaranteed to hit the spot.
So grab your skillet and get ready to create a sandwich that’s equal parts cozy and bold. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
PrintBuffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
This Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese is the best lunch or quick dinner! Ready in under 20 minutes and a perfect use for leftover chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein
Ingredients
8 Slices Sandwich Bread
2 Cups Cooked Chicken Breasts (I like using Rotisserie Chicken)
2 teaspoons Minced Garlic
¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Optional)
1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
½ teaspoon Paprika
½ Cup Frank’s Hot Sauce
½ Cup Homemade Ranch Dressing (or your favorite store-bought brand)
4 Oz Cream Cheese
4 tablespoons Butter
4-8 Slices Muenster Cheese
4 tablespoons Crumbled Blue Cheese
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese, paprika, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper, then mash/stir to combine. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine cooked shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and minced garlic, then stir until the chicken is well coated.
- Take your slices of bread and spread a layer of butter on one side of each slice. Turn the bread over and spread the cheese mixture on four of the bread slices (one for each sandwich), then top with the chicken mixture. Try to distribute an even amount between all four sandwiches (about ½ cup for each one). On the other slice of bread, place a slice or two of your favorite sliced cheese and close the sandwich.
- Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and cook the sandwiches on low heat for 5 minutes or until the bread is golden and crispy. Flip and repeat on the opposite side. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to grill the sandwiches in separate batches. Once finished, remove from the pan and enjoy with additional buffalo sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing. Enjoy!
Notes
- Leftover Storage: If you want to save the cooked grilled cheese, wrap the sandwich in foil and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, place the sandwich (still wrapped in foil) on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until warm. This helps the bread stay crisp and the cheese melt. Alternatively, you can microwave the sandwich for 30 seconds, but the bread will not be crispy.
- Cheese Options: If you are not a fan of one or more of the cheeses I use for this recipe, you can swap them out for a different one. Some great cheese options are Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, White Cheddar, or Mozzarella. If you are not a blue cheese fan, you can leave it out or use less.
- Veggie Options: I love adding mashed avocado, diced tomatoes, or chopped celery to these buffalo grilled cheese sandwiches. You can add your choice into the chicken mix or spread it over the cream cheese mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Sandwich
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 2.1 g
- Sodium: 811 mg
- Fat: 38.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12.7 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Protein: 32.8 g
- Cholesterol: 154 mg
