This sandwich combines the fiery kick of buffalo chicken with the creamy coolness of ranch or blue cheese dressing, all nestled in a soft, toasted bun. The process involves marinating and grilling juicy chicken breasts, smothering them in buffalo sauce, and topping with cheese and fresh slaw making it a perfect meal for game days, casual dinners, or outdoor gatherings.
The dish is a crowd-pleaser, packed with bold flavors and textures crispy, saucy, and crunchy delivering a satisfying bite every time. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just love a good sandwich, this recipe will become a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll love how quick and easy this dish is to make, especially on a grill or grill pan, with the intense flavor of buffalo sauce paired with fresh, crisp slaw. The balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch makes each bite exciting. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, quick weeknight dinners, or celebrating with friends. Plus, customizing toppings like cheese, dressing, or even extra buffalo sauce makes it adaptable to your taste.
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 thin-sliced chicken breasts (or 3 whole breasts sliced in half)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Brioche buns, for serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
- Gorgonzola slaw (see below)
Gorgonzola Slaw Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 cups chopped/shredded green or savoy cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
- 1 large carrot, peeled into ribbons
- 4 ounces crumbled gorgonzola cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry, then make ½-inch slits on both sides of the bone (if present) for quicker cooking. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Let sit for a few minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken about 4-7 minutes per side, brushing with buffalo sauce halfway through. Check for doneness and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. Toast buns on the grill if desired.
Step 3: Make the Gorgonzola Slaw
Toss shredded cabbage and carrots in a bowl. Mix gorgonzola, yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Toss with the vegetables and refrigerate until serving.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread some ranch or blue cheese dressing on the buns. Top with grilled buffalo chicken, loads of gorgonzola slaw, and an extra sprinkle of crumbled gorgonzola cheese. Add more buffalo sauce if you like it spicy.
Tips for Success
-
Use thin chicken breasts or butterfly thicker breasts for even cooking.
-
Brushing the chicken with buffalo sauce during grilling keeps it moist and flavorful.
-
Let the chicken rest a few minutes after grilling before slicing.
-
For a less spicy version, reduce or omit the hot sauce.
-
Toast the buns on the grill for added crunch and flavor.
-
Make the slaw a few hours in advance for best flavor absorption.
Variations
-
Swap gorgonzola for crumbled blue cheese or feta.
-
Add sliced jalapeños or pickles for extra spice and crunch.
-
Use lettuce, tomato, or avocado as additional toppings.
-
Serve with crispy sweet potato fries or a side salad.
-
Use whole wheat or gluten-free buns if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill the chicken in the oven?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
How hot is the buffalo sauce?
Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your spice preference.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, marinate or cook the chicken early, then reheat before assembling the sandwich.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, freeze in airtight bags for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat.
What makes this dish special?
It’s a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crunchy, with customizable toppings and quick cooking!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
Spicy, tangy chicken with creamy dressing and crisp gorgonzola slaw in toasted brioche buns, perfect for game day or casual meals.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken
4–6 thin-sliced chicken breasts (or 3 whole breasts halved)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Brioche buns, for serving
Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
Gorgonzola Slaw
2–3 cups shredded green or savoy cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
1 large carrot, peeled into ribbons
4 oz crumbled gorgonzola cheese (plus more for garnish)
3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Season chicken: Pat dry, rub with spices and salt. Rest 10 minutes.
Grill: Heat grill or pan, mix hot sauce and butter. Grill chicken 4–7 mins per side, brushing with sauce. Toast buns.
Prepare slaw: Combine veg, whisk gorgonzola, yogurt, lime, oil, salt, pepper; toss with veg. Chill.
Assemble: Spread dressing on buns, layer chicken and slaw, sprinkle extra cheese, drizzle sauce.
Notes
Use thin chicken breasts.
Adjust heat with hot sauce quantity.
Let chicken rest before slicing.
Prepare slaw ahead.
Toast buns for texture.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Dish, Sandwiches
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 495
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken sandwich, spicy chicken sandwich, grilled chicken with slaw, game day sandwich, buffalo ranch sandwich
