Indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with this buffalo chicken grilled cheese. Combining the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the creamy richness of cheddar cheese and blue cheese, this sandwich is a flavor explosion. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, it brings together the best of both worlds: the classic grilled cheese and the bold taste of buffalo chicken. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, it's sure to become a favorite in your household.
When preparing this recipe, you might find that buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles are not always staples in every kitchen. Buffalo sauce is a tangy, spicy sauce typically used for coating chicken wings, and it can be found in the condiment aisle of most supermarkets. Blue cheese crumbles add a distinct, tangy flavor and are usually located in the cheese section. If you're not familiar with these ingredients, be sure to check their availability at your local store.
Ingredients For Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
Cooked chicken: Shredded chicken is the base of the filling, providing a hearty and protein-rich component.
Buffalo sauce: This spicy and tangy sauce gives the sandwich its signature buffalo flavor.
Bread: Slices of bread serve as the vessel for the sandwich, ideally something sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Butter: Softened butter is used to coat the outside of the bread, ensuring a golden, crispy texture when grilled.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar melts beautifully, adding a creamy and sharp flavor to the sandwich.
Blue cheese crumbles: These add a tangy, bold flavor that complements the buffalo sauce and cheddar.
Technique Tip for Perfecting This Sandwich
To achieve the perfect grilled cheese, ensure your butter is evenly spread on the bread slices. This helps in achieving a uniform golden brown crust. When cooking, use medium heat to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the bread. If you find the cheddar cheese isn't melting as quickly as you'd like, cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two to trap the heat and encourage melting. This technique ensures a gooey, delicious interior while maintaining a crispy exterior.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Cooked chicken - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative for shredded chicken in this recipe.
Buffalo sauce - Substitute with sriracha mixed with melted butter: This combination mimics the spicy and buttery profile of buffalo sauce, providing a similar heat and richness.
Bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough offers a tangy flavor and sturdy texture that complements the spicy filling well.
Butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used to achieve a crispy exterior on the bread while adding a subtle flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with monterey jack cheese: Monterey jack melts well and has a mild flavor that pairs nicely with the buffalo sauce.
Blue cheese crumbles - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta provides a tangy and creamy texture similar to blue cheese, though with a slightly different flavor profile.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Sandwich
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the buffalo chicken grilled cheese to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
Wrap each sandwich individually in aluminum foil or parchment paper. This helps maintain the sandwich's structure and prevents the bread from absorbing excess moisture.
Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. This ensures that the sandwiches remain fresh and flavorful.
Store the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the sandwiches within 2-3 days. This keeps the cheese and chicken at a safe temperature.
For longer storage, place the wrapped sandwiches in the freezer. This method is perfect for meal prep or when you want to enjoy the sandwiches at a later date.
When ready to eat, thaw the sandwiches in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the bread and fillings.
Reheat the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cheese melts evenly and the bread regains its crispy texture.
Avoid using a microwave for reheating, as it can make the bread chewy and the cheese unevenly melted.
If you prefer a crispier texture, consider reheating the sandwiches in a toaster oven. This method provides even heat distribution and a delightful crunch.
Enjoy your buffalo chicken grilled cheese with a side of celery sticks or a refreshing salad to balance the rich flavors.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the buffalo chicken grilled cheese in aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. Place it on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the bread is crispy.
Use a skillet over medium heat for a stovetop method. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover it with a lid to trap the heat. Flip it occasionally until both sides are golden and the cheese is gooey.
For a quick fix, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the grilled cheese directly on the rack. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking to ensure the bread doesn't burn.
If you're in a hurry, the microwave can work, but it might make the bread a bit soggy. Wrap the sandwich in a paper towel to absorb moisture and heat on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Finish by crisping it up in a hot skillet for a minute or two.
For a crispy finish, try an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the buffalo chicken grilled cheese inside. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to ensure it doesn't overcook.
Essential Tools for Making This Recipe
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the sandwich over medium heat, ensuring even browning and melting of the cheese.
Spatula: A tool used to flip the sandwich, allowing both sides to cook evenly and achieve a golden brown color.
Butter knife: Used to spread softened butter on the bread slices, ensuring a crispy and flavorful crust.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used to combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the correct amount of cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, and blue cheese crumbles for the recipe.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Prepare the chicken ahead: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time on shredding and cooking.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to skip the grating step.
Pre-butter the bread: Butter the bread slices in advance and store them in the fridge, ready to use.
Assemble in batches: Prepare multiple sandwiches at once to streamline the cooking process.
Utilize a panini press: If available, use a panini press to cook both sides simultaneously, reducing cooking time.
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce
- 4 slices bread
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
Instructions
- Mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce.
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Place one slice, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add a layer of cheddar cheese, then the buffalo chicken mixture, and blue cheese crumbles.
- Top with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
- Cook until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until golden and cheese is melted.
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