Save The smell of buffalo sauce hitting hot chicken always stops me in my tracks. I discovered this grilled cheese variation during a rainy Sunday when I wanted something more exciting than tomato soup and a basic sandwich. The way the ranch tames the heat while the sharp cheddar ties everything together still surprises me every single time.
I made a batch of these for my brother who claims he hates fancy sandwiches. He took one bite, looked me dead in the eye, and asked if I had another one ready. Now he texts me every other weekend asking when buffalo grilled cheese night is happening.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves time
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce: Franks RedHot is my go to but any quality sauce brings the right heat level
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted: Coating the chicken in butter first helps the sauce stick and adds richness
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated: The sharpness cuts through the creamy elements perfectly
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese grated: Optional but creates that incredible cheese pull we all secretly want
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing: Spread thin so it does not make the bread soggy
- 8 slices sourdough or hearty white bread: Something sturdy that can hold up to all these bold flavors
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened: Get this to room temperature for easy spreading
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions: Fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor on top
Instructions
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
- Toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and melted butter until every piece is coated in that signature orange red glaze.
- Layer Up the Sandwiches:
- Spread ranch on all bread slices then stack cheddar buffalo chicken more cheese and the top slice ranch side down.
- Butter the Exterior:
- Coat the outside of each sandwich generously with softened butter getting all the way to the edges.
- Grill to Golden Perfection:
- Cook in a hot skillet 3 to 4 minutes per side pressing gently until both sides are deeply golden and cheese is oozing out the sides.
Pin it These sandwiches have become my go to for game day or when friends drop by unexpectedly. Something about dipping that crispy corner into extra ranch makes people relax and start talking about everything and nothing.
Make It Your Own
Swap blue cheese dressing for ranch if you want that classic buffalo wing flavor profile. Add crumbled cooked bacon or sliced jalapeños if your crowd can handle the extra heat.
The Perfect Sidekick
Celery sticks sound basic but they actually cut through the richness beautifully. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances all the melted cheese and butter.
Sandwich Assembly Secrets
The order matters more than you might think. Cheese against the bread creates a seal that keeps the ranch from making things soggy while protecting the structural integrity of the whole operation.
- Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre shredded for better melting
- Use a cast iron skillet if you have one for the most even browning
- Keep heat at medium not medium high or you will burn the butter before the cheese melts
Pin it Dive in while it is still hot enough to burn the roof of your mouth just a little. That is when it is perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture up to 2 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook the sandwiches fresh for the best results with crispy bread and melted cheese.
- → What bread works best?
Sourdough and hearty white bread are ideal choices for their structure and ability to crisp beautifully. Avoid thin bread that may tear when pressing. Brioche or Texas toast are also excellent alternatives.
- → How do I prevent the bread from burning?
Cook over medium heat rather than high heat, and don't skip the gentle pressing step. This allows the cheese to melt properly while the bread toasts evenly. Adjust heat if browning too quickly.
- → What's the best way to melt the cheese?
Layer the cheese both above and below the buffalo chicken to ensure maximum melting. Covering the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking on each side helps trap heat and accelerates cheese melting.
- → Can I add extra toppings?
Absolutely. Sliced jalapeños, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and fresh lettuce work wonderfully. Add softer toppings between the cheese layers to prevent them from falling out when slicing.
- → Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes, substitute the shredded chicken with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternative tossed in buffalo sauce. The cooking method remains the same, delivering the same bold, spicy flavors.