Get ready to elevate your sandwich game! This Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich features a perfectly juicy chicken breast, slathered in a tangy and spicy buffalo sauce, then piled high with all your favorite fresh toppings. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious recipe that’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or a speedy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Unleash the Flavor: The Ultimate Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe
If you’re a fan of the bold, tangy, and spicy kick of classic buffalo wings, then prepare to meet your new obsession: the Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. This isn’t just another chicken sandwich; it’s a flavor explosion that brings all the craveable elements of buffalo wings into a hearty, satisfying meal, all on a toasted bun.
My family, especially my husband, can’t get enough of this recipe. It’s so popular in our house that it’s become a weekly staple during the summer months – and I’m certainly not complaining! What’s even better is that while it delivers on flavor, it’s not overwhelmingly spicy, making it a hit even with my kiddos. Of course, for those who crave more heat, I’ll show you exactly how to dial up the spice in the homemade buffalo sauce to your perfect level.
Grilling is one of my favorite ways to cook, and this buffalo chicken breast grills up in a flash. For an even quicker cooking time, you can easily butterfly the chicken breasts horizontally, making them thinner and ensuring they cook through efficiently without drying out. And for a truly next-level experience, I highly recommend topping your sandwich with a generous dollop of my creamy coleslaw. The cool, crisp crunch of the coleslaw creates an exquisite contrast with the warm, spicy chicken – a flavor pairing that is simply divine!
Chicken is a versatile and economical protein that features heavily in our family meals. It pairs beautifully with countless flavor profiles. If you’re looking for more delicious chicken inspiration, be sure to check out some of our other favorites like Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Thighs, our beloved Beer Can Chicken, and the comforting Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Each offers a unique way to enjoy this fantastic ingredient.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
There are so many reasons to make this grilled buffalo chicken sandwich a regular in your meal rotation. Here’s what makes it truly special:
- Lightning Fast Prep & Cook Time: From start to finish, you can have these incredible sandwiches ready in about 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Simple Ingredient List: You only need a handful of core ingredients (about 6, plus your choice of toppings) to create a dish bursting with flavor.
- Ideal for Entertaining: Whether it’s a casual backyard BBQ, a game day party, or a large family gathering, this recipe is a breeze to scale up and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Effortless Execution: This is a truly no-fuss recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.
- Utterly Delicious & Customizable: The blend of spicy, tangy chicken with refreshing toppings is simply irresistible. Plus, you have full control over the spice level and choice of fixings.
- A Healthier Alternative: Grilling the chicken breast offers a lighter, healthier option compared to traditional fried chicken sandwiches, without sacrificing any flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Your Buffalo Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Crafting the perfect buffalo chicken sandwich starts with quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
The Star: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Your base for this incredible sandwich is four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The beauty of boneless, skinless chicken is its lean protein and quick cooking time. As I mentioned, to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots, and also to speed up the grilling process, I highly recommend pounding each breast with a meat mallet until it’s about ½ inch thick. This technique, often called butterflying, not only helps the chicken cook faster but also creates a larger surface area to soak up all that glorious buffalo sauce. If you prefer smaller portions or an even quicker cook, you can cut the pounded breasts in half horizontally. Just be mindful not to overcook these thinner pieces, as they’ll be done in a flash!
The Signature Flavor: Homemade Buffalo Sauce
Why settle for store-bought when you can whip up a perfectly balanced, tangy, and spicy buffalo sauce in minutes? You’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- Hot Sauce: Frank’s Red Hot is my go-to for its classic flavor profile, but feel free to use your favorite cayenne pepper-based hot sauce. It provides the essential heat and tang.
- Melted Butter: This is crucial. Butter mellows the heat of the hot sauce, adds a rich, velvety texture, and helps the sauce cling beautifully to the chicken, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for adding a subtle layer of umami and depth, enhancing the savory notes of the chicken and sauce.
- Garlic Powder: For that indispensable aromatic kick that complements spicy flavors perfectly.
Spice Level Customization: If you’re a true heat-seeker, consider adding a pinch or two of cayenne pepper directly into your buffalo sauce mix before brushing it onto the chicken. For an even more intense burn, a dash of ghost pepper sauce or finely minced habanero can be incorporated. If you prefer a milder sandwich, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce slightly or add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness.
The Perfect Companions: Top It Your Way!
The toppings are where you can truly personalize this grilled buffalo chicken sandwich to your heart’s content! Everyone has their own preferences, from crisp pickles to juicy tomatoes or sharp onions. Here are some of my top recommendations, designed to complement the spicy chicken:
- Blue Cheese Dressing: A classic pairing with buffalo flavors. Its creamy, tangy, and slightly pungent notes provide a wonderful cooling contrast to the spicy chicken.
- Thinly Sliced Red Onion: Adds a sharp, pungent bite and a satisfying crunch, cutting through the richness of the chicken and sauce.
- Crisp Lettuce: Provides a fresh, cool crunch and a lovely textural element. Romaine or iceberg work wonderfully here.
- Ripe Tomato Slices: Offers a burst of juicy freshness and a hint of acidity, balancing the bold flavors.
- Creamy Coleslaw: This is my absolute favorite topping and one I highly encourage! The cool, creamy texture and slight sweetness of coleslaw are a perfect foil to the spicy, hot chicken, elevating the sandwich to gourmet status. You can use your favorite store-bought version or whip up a quick homemade batch.
Once you’ve got your chicken and toppings ready, all that’s left is to choose your bun! A classic hamburger bun, a brioche bun for a touch of sweetness, or a potato roll for extra softness – the choice is yours. Voilá, your personalized buffalo chicken masterpiece awaits!
How to Craft Your Perfect Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this incredible sandwich is straightforward, even for grilling novices. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result:
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill to Perfection
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. It’s essential to allow your grill to reach the desired temperature for even cooking and those coveted grill marks. While it’s preheating, take a moment to ensure your grill grates are clean. A clean grill prevents sticking and ensures a better sear. Once clean, lightly oil the grates – this is another key step to prevent the chicken from sticking and helps create a beautiful, golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce and Chicken Breasts
In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for your buffalo sauce and set it aside. Next, place your chicken breasts on a cutting board. To ensure uniform cooking and tenderness, pound each breast with a meat mallet until they are slightly flattened, ideally to about ½ inch thickness. This technique also helps the chicken absorb more flavor from the sauce. Once flattened, generously brush both sides of each chicken breast with your prepared buffalo sauce. Finish by sprinkling them lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken to Juicy Perfection
Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts on the preheated, oiled grill grates. Close the grill lid to trap the heat and promote even cooking. Grill each breast for approximately 6 minutes per side. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken and the heat of your grill, so it’s important to monitor it. The chicken is done when the center is no longer pink and, ideally, when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 170 degrees F. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safely edible.
Step 4: Lightly Toast the Buns
During the last 2-4 minutes of the chicken’s cooking time, place your hamburger buns, cut side down, directly on the grill grates. Toast them lightly until they achieve a golden crisp. This step is vital – toasting the buns adds a delightful texture, prevents them from getting soggy from the sauce and toppings, and enhances their flavor, making them the perfect vessel for your delicious chicken.
Step 5: Assemble and Devour Your Masterpiece!
Now for the best part: assembly! Place a grilled buffalo chicken breast on the bottom half of your toasted bun. Layer on your chosen toppings. My ultimate combination includes crisp lettuce, a generous scoop of creamy coleslaw, thinly sliced red onion, juicy tomato slices, and a drizzle of creamy blue cheese dressing. Cover it all with the top half of the bun, and repeat the process for the remaining chicken breasts. Serve immediately and prepare to devour your incredibly delicious grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches!
Expert Tips for the Best Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
To ensure your buffalo chicken sandwiches are consistently amazing, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: This is perhaps the most crucial tip. Overcooked chicken breasts become dry and stringy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 170°F and remove them promptly.
- Pound for Evenness: As mentioned, pounding the chicken helps it cook uniformly and absorb more flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Rest Your Chicken: Once removed from the grill, let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and moist chicken.
- Don’t Skimp on the Sauce: It’s a buffalo chicken sandwich, after all! Be generous with your sauce application for maximum flavor. You can even drizzle a little extra over the chicken right before serving.
- Toast the Buns: A toasted bun adds texture and prevents sogginess, creating a much better sandwich experience.
- Get Creative with Toppings: While my recommendations are fantastic, feel free to experiment. Add pickles, jalapeños, avocado, or even a fried egg for a unique twist.
- Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hotter hot sauce, or even some finely minced fresh chili to your buffalo sauce.
- Make it Milder: Reduce the amount of hot sauce or add a touch of honey or brown sugar to the sauce to balance the heat. You can also mix some mayonnaise or sour cream into your buffalo sauce for a creamier, less intense version.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Here are answers to some common questions about making and serving this delicious recipe:
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable for larger groups. You can easily double or even triple the ingredients to accommodate more servings. If you’re cooking in batches, a great trick is to place the cooked chicken breasts in a slow cooker set to “warm.” This will keep them warm and juicy without drying out while you finish grilling the rest of the chicken, ensuring everyone gets a perfectly warm and delicious sandwich.
For the best possible experience, avoid assembling the sandwiches until you are ready to serve them. Assembled sandwiches tend to get incredibly soggy over time, making the buns unappetizing. Instead, cook the chicken and allow it to cool completely. Once cool, place the chicken breasts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until piping hot. A helpful tip for reheating is to cover the chicken with a damp paper towel; this helps retain moisture and prevents it from drying out.
What to Serve with Your Zesty Buffalo Grilled Chicken Sandwich
A great sandwich deserves equally great sides! Here are some fantastic options to round out your meal:
- Easy Roasted Potatoes: These make a fantastic substitute for traditional french fries, offering a comforting and flavorful starchy side that complements the sandwich beautifully.
- Tomato, Cucumber, and Avocado Salad: If you’re looking to balance the heat of the buffalo sauce with something light and cool, this refreshing salad is an excellent choice. Its fresh, crisp flavors provide a perfect counterpoint.
- Stovetop Mac and Cheese: For the ultimate comfort food pairing, you can never go wrong with creamy, dreamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese. It’s rich, cheesy, and offers a wonderful contrast to the spicy chicken.
- Crispy French Fries or Onion Rings: Classic American diner sides that are always a hit with any sandwich.
- Corn on the Cob: Especially during summer, grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds a sweet and juicy element.
- Celery and Carrot Sticks with Extra Blue Cheese Dressing: Embrace the wing-style pairing with fresh veggie sticks and a side of cooling blue cheese dressing.
- A Simple Green Salad: For a lighter meal, a basic side salad with a vinaigrette dressing can be a refreshing addition.
Looking For More Mouthwatering Recipes?
If you loved this grilled chicken sandwich, you’ll definitely want to explore these other delicious recipes:
- Fluffy Cornbread Muffins: A great side for almost any meal.
- Zesty Chicken Fajita Kebabs: Perfect for another quick and flavorful grilling adventure.
- Refreshing Grilled Corn Salad with Tomato and Avocado: A vibrant and fresh salad that pairs well with grilled dishes.
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Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Sauce:
- ½ cup hot sauce I use Frank’s Red Hot
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Toppings:
- ¼ cup blue cheese dressing
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- 4 hamburger buns
- Creamy Coleslaw
Instructions
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Preheat grill to medium heat. Make sure grill is clean and grates are well oiled.
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Combine the ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl and set aside. Place you chicken breasts on a cutting board and with a meat mallet pound out each breast to flatten slightly. Brush each breast liberally with the reserved sauce. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Place on preheated grill and cover. Grill for about 6 minutes on each side or until the center is no longer pink or you have an internal temperature of 170 degrees F.
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During the last 2-4 minutes of cooking place the hamburger buns cut side down on the grill and cook until lightly golden.
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ASSEMBLY: Place a chicken breast on the bottom bun and top with lettuce, creamy coleslaw, onion, tomato and 1 tablespoon blue cheese dressing. Cover with top 1/2 of bun. Repeat for remaining chicken breasts.