Pin It The way my brother eyes a menu always gives him away. Buffalo anything. So naturally, the grilled cheese experiment happened on a rainy Tuesday when we were both craving comfort food but wanted something with a little more personality than the usual tomato soup setup.
My roommate walked in midway through the first batch and immediately asked what smelled so incredible. Now its the only thing she requests when she has had an especially long week at work.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves so much time
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce: Franks RedHot gives that classic flavor but use whatever brand you love
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted: Helps the buffalo sauce cling to every shred of chicken
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated: Sharp cheddar stands up to the bold buffalo flavor
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated: The secret to that gorgeous cheese pull in every bite
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing: Cool and creamy against the heat
- 8 slices sourdough bread: Hearty enough to hold everything together without getting soggy
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Spread this generously on the outside for golden perfection
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions: A fresh finish that cuts through the richness
Instructions
- Toss the chicken:
- Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and melted butter until every piece is coated in that spicy orange goodness
- Prep your canvas:
- Lay out all eight bread slices and spread a thin layer of ranch on one side of each
- Build the base:
- On four slices, layer half the cheddar, then the buffalo chicken, then mozzarella if using, then remaining cheddar
- Close it up:
- Top with the remaining bread slices ranch side down
- Butter the exterior:
- Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich, both top and bottom, generously
- Get your sizzle on:
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently until golden and melty
- Finish with flair:
- Slice in half, scatter with green onions, and eat while still deliciously warm
Pin It My dad took one bite and said this was the sandwich he never knew he needed in his life. That is basically a five star review from him.
Perfecting the Butter Spread
Softened butter spreads more evenly than cold, creating that uniform golden color across every square inch of bread. Melted butter works in a pinch but can make the bread slightly soggy before it hits the pan.
Getting the Cheese Ratio Right
Layering cheddar on both sides of the chicken acts like glue, holding everything together as the cheese melts. The mozzarella in the middle is purely for that incredible stretch factor.
Making It Your Own
Blue cheese dressing instead of ranch transforms the whole flavor profile into something funkier and more sophisticated. Sliced jalapeños inside add heat that lingers.
- Try different hot sauce brands to find your perfect spice level
- A pinch of garlic powder in the buffalo sauce adds depth
- Serve with celery sticks for that authentic wing experience
Pin It Hope this becomes your go-to for comfort food with a little attitude.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the buffalo chicken mixture 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 use it directly from the fridge when assembling your sandwiches.
- → What bread works best for this sandwich?
Sourdough or hearty white bread are recommended for their durability and ability to hold the melted cheese without falling apart. Other sturdy options include brioche or thick-cut Texas toast.
- → How do I prevent the bread from burning while keeping cheese melted?
Cook over medium heat rather than high heat, and press gently with your spatula. Allow 3-4 minutes per side for even browning and proper cheese melting. Medium heat ensures the interior warms through while the exterior develops a golden crust.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves preparation time. Simply shred it and toss with the buffalo sauce and butter as directed in the instructions.
- → What are good side dish pairings?
Crisp celery sticks with additional ranch dressing complement the sandwich nicely. A fresh green salad, coleslaw, or potato chips also pair well to balance the richness of the melted cheese and buffalo flavors.
- → How can I make this vegetarian?
Replace the shredded chicken with sautéed mushrooms, crispy cauliflower florets, or halloumi cheese tossed with buffalo sauce for a similar bold, spicy flavor profile.