Pin it
This Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the ultimate comfort mashup for anyone craving a twist on classic grilled cheese. It is packed with tender chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce and lots of melty cheese, tucked between buttery toasted bread. This quick weeknight dinner is always a hit, especially on game days or when the snack cravings hit hard.
When I made these for a weekend movie night, not one crumb was left on the tray. My husband now asks for this every time he sees a bottle of buffalo sauce in the fridge.
Ingredients
- Buffalo wing sauce: Brings heat and tang, pick one that is nicely balanced, not too salty
- Sour cream: Mellows the spice and makes the filling extra creamy, choose thick whole milk sour cream if possible
- Garlic powder: Adds savory warmth, use fresh if possible but the powder blends right in
- Dried parsley: Gives a little color and herb lift, look for bright green flakes for freshness
- Cooked shredded chicken: Soaks up all the flavors, rotisserie chicken is a timesaver here
- Crumbled blue cheese: Optional but adds punch and classic buffalo flavor, go for a creamy wedge and crumble yourself if you can
- Mayonnaise: Creates that golden crispy bread, go for full fat for the best crust
- Hearty bread: Like sourdough, holds up to the gooey filling, thick sliced is best for maximum crunch
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts smoothly and ties it all together, buy a block and shred it for best quality
- Optional toppings: Sliced jalapeños for extra heat, diced celery for crunch, ranch or blue cheese for dipping or drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix Buffalo Base:
- Combine buffalo wing sauce, sour cream, garlic powder, and parsley in a medium bowl. Stir and taste to be sure the flavors are balanced, adding more sauce or sour cream as you like
- Add Chicken and Cheese:
- Stir in the shredded chicken and blue cheese until everything is well coated. Set aside while you get your bread ready
- Toast the Bread:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-low. Spread half the mayonnaise on one side of every bread slice. Place bread in the skillet, mayo side down. Toast two to three minutes until just golden
- Build the Sandwich Layers:
- Spread the remaining mayo on the exposed side of each bread slice. Flip the slices over. Top each with a handful of Monterey Jack cheese and a big scoop of buffalo chicken mixture, spreading it evenly
- Melt and Crisp:
- Cover the skillet with a lid. Cook three to five minutes so the bottom gets crisp and cheese melts. Keep the heat low so the bread does not burn
- Assemble and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the skillet. Sandwich the cheesy chicken sides together. Rest one to two minutes so everything melds together. Slice and serve right away while the cheese is still gooey
Pin it
Nothing brings out the flavor quite like a really tangy buffalo wing sauce. My son always asks for extra ranch for dipping and it has become a super fun meal for family movie nights.
Storage Tips
Leftover sandwiches keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about two days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat so the bread crisps up again. Freezing is not recommended as the bread can get soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap Monterey Jack cheese with mozzarella or cheddar if that is what you have. Greek yogurt works in place of sour cream and shredded rotisserie or leftover roast chicken is perfect here. If you are not a fan of blue cheese skip it or swap for sharp white cheddar
Pin it
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad fresh celery sticks or even a cup of tomato soup for extra comfort. Cut into fingers for sharing at parties. A little drizzle of extra buffalo sauce or ranch is always welcome
Cultural and Historical Context
Buffalo sauce and blue cheese are a classic pairing born from Buffalo New York’s famous wings. The grilled cheese twist comes from the American love of cheese sandwiches and creative comfort food mashups that make family meals more fun
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What bread works best for this sandwich?
Sturdy choices like sourdough, brioche, or Texas toast hold up well to the saucy filling and help create a crisp, golden crust.
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of Monterey Jack?
Yes, cheddar or mozzarella melt well and pair nicely with the bold buffalo flavors. Mix and match for your tastes.
- → How spicy is the buffalo chicken filling?
Heat level depends on your buffalo sauce. Adjust with more or less sauce, or add jalapeños for extra kick.
- → Should I use shredded or sliced chicken?
Shredded chicken blends nicely with the sauce, but chunky pieces or tenders offer a different texture if preferred.
- → Any tips for extra crisp sandwiches?
Spread mayonnaise edge-to-edge for an even, golden crust and cook over medium-low heat so bread toasts without burning.
- → Is blue cheese required?
It's optional—blue cheese adds tang, but you can omit it or substitute a milder cheese if preferred.