Save to Pinterest The idea came to me during a lazy Sunday football watching session when I realized I had leftover buffalo wings from the night before and a serious craving for something warm and cheesy. My roommate looked at me like I was crazy when I started dismantling the wings, but five minutes later he was asking for a bite. Now this sandwich has become our go-to comfort food whenever we need something that feels indulgent but still manages to hit that spot between dinner and a snack.
I served these at a small gathering last winter and watched them disappear in minutes. My friend Sarah who claims she doesnt like spicy food ended up having seconds and even asked for the recipe. Theres something about the combination of hot, cold, creamy, and crunchy that makes people instantly relax and start chatting around the kitchen island.
Ingredients
- Buffalo Chicken: The shredded chicken needs to be well coated in that buffalo sauce and butter mixture so every bite delivers the right amount of heat and flavor
- Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese: These cheeses melt beautifully and create that irresistible stretch while providing a mild base that lets the buffalo flavors shine
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle adds that salty nutty element that bridges the gap between the buffalo chicken and Caesar components
- Caesar Dressing: This adds a creamy tangy element that works surprisingly well with the spicy buffalo and helps bind everything together
- Romaine Lettuce: Thinly shredded lettuce adds the perfect crunch and a cool contrast to the hot spicy filling
- Sturdy Bread: Country bread or sourdough holds up well to the hearty filling and gets perfectly crisp without getting soggy
- Butter: Softened butter for the outside creates that golden crust while melted butter mixed with the buffalo sauce helps the coating stick to the chicken
Instructions
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
- Toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and melted butter in a bowl until every piece is evenly coated and has that nice reddish orange color
- Assemble the Foundation:
- Lay out all your bread slices and spread that Caesar dressing generously on one side of each piece making sure to get it all the way to the edges
- Layer the Sandwiches:
- On four slices start with provolone then pile on the buffalo chicken add shredded lettuce sprinkle with Parmesan and top with another slice of provolone before closing with the remaining bread
- Butter and Grill:
- Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich then grill in a hot skillet for about 4 minutes per side pressing gently until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the sandwiches rest for just a minute before slicing them diagonally and serve with extra buffalo sauce on the side for anyone who wants to turn up the heat
Save to Pinterest Last summer I made these for a quick dinner on the porch during a thunderstorm. The sound of rain on the roof combined with the smell of butter and melting cheese created such a cozy moment that we ended up sitting there for hours just talking and eating. Those are the nights I remember most fondly in this kitchen.
Making It Your Own
Once you master the basic version you can start experimenting with different cheeses like sharp cheddar for extra kick or pepper jack for even more heat. I sometimes add crispy bacon when I want to make it even more decadent though I learned to cook it separately so it stays crunchy.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp cold lager or light ale cuts through the richness beautifully though I also love it with a simple side salad dressed with extra Caesar dressing. If you want to go all out serve it with some crispy potato chips or even a small cup of tomato soup for dipping.
Make Ahead Strategy
You can prep the buffalo chicken mixture up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated. I often make a double batch on Sunday and use it throughout the week for quick lunches.
- Toast the bread slightly before assembling if you want extra crunch
- Keep the heat medium or the bread will burn before the cheese melts
- Use a panini press if you want those restaurant style grill marks
Save to Pinterest Whether you are feeding a crowd or just treating yourself on a quiet evening this sandwich hits all the right notes. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen too.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
While best served fresh off the griddle, you can assemble the sandwiches up to 2 hours ahead. Wrap them in foil and refrigerate, then grill just before serving for optimal crispiness and cheese melt.
- → What bread works best for this sandwich?
Use sturdy country bread or sourdough as they hold up well to grilling and the melted cheese filling. Avoid soft white bread, which can become soggy. Thicker slices (about 1/2-inch) work better than thin varieties.
- → How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Layer the provolone cheese closest to the bread on both sides to create a seal. Keep the buffalo chicken and lighter ingredients in the center. Press gently while grilling rather than pressing hard, which can force fillings out.
- → Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut. Shred it finely and toss with buffalo sauce just before assembling. You'll need about 2 cups for this sandwich.
- → What's a good side dish to serve with this sandwich?
Pair with crispy french fries, a fresh Caesar salad, or coleslaw for contrasting textures. A cold beverage like a crisp lager or iced tea balances the rich, spicy flavors beautifully.
- → How do I prevent the bread from burning while cooking?
Keep your skillet or griddle at medium heat and avoid turning up the temperature. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently. If the exterior browns too quickly, reduce heat and cover with a lid for the remaining cook time to melt the cheese.