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Craving a real comfort bite? This Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese brings together spicy chicken, gooey melted cheese, and buttery bread toasted just right. A fun twist on a diner favorite, this is the melty sandwich you’ll want for game night or lazy evenings when you want something cheesy and bold.
Every time I whip these up for movie night, not a single crumb survives. Any time my husband spots buffalo sauce in the fridge, he’s begging for these melts again.
Awesome Ingredients
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts so smooth, ties all the layers together, shred it fresh for bonus points
- Hearty bread: Thick slices like sourdough keep it crunchy and are strong enough for all the filling
- Mayonnaise: Makes that crust golden brown and crispy when it hits the skillet—full fat is best
- Optional toppings: Add fresh jalapeño for heat, celery bits for some snap, or dunk in ranch or blue cheese on the side
- Crumbled blue cheese: Totally optional but gives classic buffalo kick, grab a creamy wedge and crumble yourself if you want the full flavor
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie makes it easy, but any leftover chicken works—soaks up the sauce like a dream
- Dried parsley: Little green sprinkles for looks and a bit of herby lift
- Garlic powder: Makes the filling sing with savory notes, fresh garlic is good too but powder mixes fast
- Sour cream: Softens the spice and adds creaminess; thick, whole milk is the tastiest
- Buffalo wing sauce: Delivers all the spicy goodness, hunt for one that’s tangy but not overwhelming
Tasty Step-by-Step Guide
- Assemble and Serve:
- Grab the toast from your skillet. Set the chicken sides together. Let the sandwich sit for just a minute or two for everything to get perfectly gooey, then slice and dig in while it’s hot.
- Melt and Crisp:
- Lower the heat, cover your pan, and give it three to five minutes. Cheese melts, bread gets crisp—make sure it doesn’t burn.
- Build the Sandwich Layers:
- Spread mayo on the bread tops, then flip ‘em. Drop a handful of shredded cheese on each and pile the buffalo chicken mix over that, spreading to the edges.
- Toast the Bread:
- Warm up your skillet on medium-low. Smear half your mayo on the outside of each bread slice. Put them mayo side down and grill for a couple minutes till they’re just turning gold.
- Add Chicken and Cheese:
- Fold in shredded chicken and blue cheese crumbles. Coat everything well, then set it aside while you get the bread and skillet going.
- Mix Buffalo Base:
- Stir together buffalo sauce, sour cream, parsley, and garlic powder in a bowl. Taste it—tweak with more sauce or sour cream if needed.
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If you want every bite to pop, go for a punchy, super tangy buffalo wing sauce. My son loves to dunk his in extra ranch—it’s a hit for family movie nights and everyone gets messy and happy.
How to Store It
Stash leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge and they’ll last about two days. Rewarm in a skillet over a low flame to restore that crispy edge. Freezing isn’t the best move—the bread turns soft and sad.
Swap Suggestions
Got cheddar or mozzarella instead of Monterey Jack? That’s cool, just use what’s in your fridge. Greek yogurt steps in for sour cream easily. Any type of cooked chicken works here. Don’t love blue cheese? Just leave it out or try sharp white cheddar instead.
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Serving Ideas
Pair up with crisp celery sticks, a green salad, or hot tomato soup for even more cozy vibes. Cut sandwiches into strips if you want to share. Drizzle on extra buffalo sauce or ranch for dipping—always a winner.
History and Inspiration
Bison-style hot sauce and blue cheese have roots in Buffalo, New York, where wings first hit the scene. The hot sandwich version mashes up America’s grilled cheese love with a spicy twist that makes any weeknight or party a whole lot more fun.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What kind of bread is best for this?
Go for something thick like Texas toast, sourdough, or even brioche. They all soak up the filling and get super crispy.
- → Can I swap out Monterey Jack for a different cheese?
Totally! Cheddar or mozzarella both melt great and taste awesome with buffalo sauce. Try mixing a couple cheeses if you want.
- → Is the buffalo chicken really hot?
The heat just depends on your fave buffalo sauce. Add more for fire, or toss in jalapeños. Use less if you like it milder.
- → Should I use sliced chicken or shredded?
Shredded chicken soaks up the sauce, but bigger chunks are fun if you like more bite. Tenders work too!
- → How do I get my sandwich extra crispy?
Cover the whole slice with mayo then toast it on medium-low. That way, the bread gets golden but not burnt.
- → Do I have to use blue cheese?
Nope. Blue cheese gives a sharp tang, but you can leave it out or switch for something softer and milder.