Save to Pinterest The first time I made these, my roommate walked into the kitchen and immediately asked if wed ordered takeout. The smell of butter melting into bread while buffalo sauce simmers on the stove is basically impossible to resist. I started making them during football season back in college, when our apartment budget was tight but our appetite for game day food was enormous. Now theyve become my go-to comfort food, the kind of sandwich that feels like a hug in crispy bread form.
Last winter, my sister came over after a terrible breakup, and I made these without even asking what she wanted. She took one bite, sauce dripping down her wrist, and actually laughed for the first time in days. Sometimes food just understands what you need better than words do.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, or use leftover roasted chicken breasts for the most tender results
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce plus extra for drizzling: Franks RedHot is my go-to, but whatever brand you love will work just fine
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted: This coats the chicken and keeps the buffalo sauce from being too one dimensionally sharp
- 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese: Provolone melts beautifully and adds mild flavor, while mozzarella gives you that classic cheese pull
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled inside for salty umami depth that ties everything together
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing: Homemade is great but storebought works perfectly, just make sure its creamy not watery
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, thinly shredded: Adds the essential crunch element that bridges regular grilled cheese to Caesar salad territory
- 8 slices sturdy country bread or sourdough: Dense bread holds up to all these fillings without getting soggy, avoid anything too soft
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Spread this generously on the outside for that golden, restaurant style crunch
Instructions
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
- Toss your shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and melted butter in a bowl until every piece is evenly coated and glossy
- Build Your Foundation:
- Lay out all bread slices and spread Caesar dressing on one side of each, going all the way to the edges
- Layer Like a Pro:
- On four slices, stack provolone first, then buffalo chicken, shredded lettuce, Parmesan, and finally another slice of provolone to help hold everything together
- Close It Up:
- Top each sandwich with remaining bread slices, dressing side facing in, then spread softened butter on the outside of both sides
- Grill to Golden Perfection:
- Cook in a hot skillet for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with your spatula, until the bread is deeply golden and cheese is oozing out the sides
- Finish and Serve:
- Let them rest for just a minute so the cheese sets slightly, then slice diagonally and drizzle with extra buffalo sauce
Save to Pinterest These sandwiches have become my daughters most requested birthday dinner, beating out far more expensive options. Something about that spicy cheesy combo just makes people feel taken care of.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I swap in sharp cheddar instead of provolone when I want more bite, or add thinly sliced red onion for extra crunch and sweetness. Blue cheese crumbles dotted on top of the chicken layer make it even more indulgent if youre feeling fancy.
Perfect Pairings
A cold crisp lager cuts through the richness perfectly, or go classic with a small side Caesar salad dressed lightly. In summer, cucumber slices with a sprinkle of salt help cool down the heat.
Make Ahead Strategy
You can toss the chicken with buffalo sauce up to two days ahead and keep it refrigerated. When youre ready to eat, just bring it to room temperature before assembling.
- Dont assemble sandwiches more than an hour before cooking or the bread will get soggy
- Keep the buttered bread sides facing out until right before they hit the pan
- Extra buffalo chicken makes amazing taco filling or salad topping the next day
Save to Pinterest Theres something about a grilled cheese sandwich that just makes everything better, and this spicy twist might just be the ultimate version.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese works best for this sandwich?
Provolone or mozzarella provide excellent melting and complement the buffalo and Caesar flavors. For a sharper taste, substitute cheddar. Parmesan adds a nutty finish layer.
- → Can I prepare the buffalo chicken ahead of time?
Yes, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and butter up to 4 hours in advance. Store in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before assembling sandwiches.
- → How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Spread Caesar dressing directly onto the bread and build layers quickly to minimize absorption time. Using sturdier bread like sourdough or country bread provides better structure and prevents sogginess.
- → What's the best way to grill these sandwiches?
Use medium heat on a large skillet or griddle with butter spread on the outside of bread. Grill 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently to help cheese melt and bread crisp without burning.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives to buffalo chicken?
Absolutely. Try buffalo-seasoned cauliflower florets, crispy tempeh tossed in buffalo sauce, or breaded eggplant slices. These provide texture and heat while keeping the core Caesar and cheese elements intact.
- → Can this sandwich be made ahead and reheated?
Fresh grilling provides the best texture. However, assembled sandwiches can be wrapped and refrigerated up to 2 hours before grilling. Reheat cooled sandwiches in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese re-melts.