Save to Pinterest I discovered this sandwich on a Thursday when I had leftover buffalo chicken and blue cheese sitting in my fridge, staring at me like a challenge. My roommate had just bought sourdough bread, and something clicked—what if I combined everything into something warm and melted? The first bite proved the concept worked spectacularly, and suddenly I was making these for every casual dinner that needed to feel special.
My partner came home as I was plating the second batch, and the smell of buttered bread and melting cheese stopped him dead in the hallway. He grabbed a still-warm triangle before I could even set it down, and I watched his expression shift from curiosity to genuine excitement—that's when I knew this sandwich was worth keeping around.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded (2 cups): Use rotisserie if you're short on time, or shred your own for more control over moisture and texture.
- Buffalo wing sauce (1/3 cup plus extra): The sauce does the seasoning work, so don't be shy about coating every strand of chicken.
- Crumbled blue cheese (1 cup): This is your spice tamer and flavor anchor—tangy enough to cut through the heat.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Mozzarella is your melting workhorse, keeping the sandwich cohesive and gooey.
- Sourdough or hearty sandwich bread (8 slices): Thick, sturdy slices matter—thin bread will fall apart before the cheese even softens.
- Unsalted butter, softened (4 tbsp): Softened butter spreads evenly and toasts the bread to golden without burning.
- Green onions, thinly sliced (1/4 cup, optional): A brightness that cuts through richness and adds a fresh crunch if you want it.
- Celery, finely diced (1/4 cup, optional): Celery is the traditional buffalo companion—dice it small so it adds texture without getting in the way of bites.
Instructions
- Coat the chicken in buffalo heat:
- Toss your shredded chicken with buffalo sauce in a medium bowl until every piece glistens with color and flavor. Don't hold back—the sauce is what makes this sandwich sing.
- Blend your cheeses:
- Mix crumbled blue cheese and shredded mozzarella together in another bowl so they distribute evenly when melted. The blue cheese will weave its tangy notes through the creamy mozzarella.
- Butter and arrange:
- Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice, then lay 4 slices buttered side down on your work surface. You're building the foundation now, so take a moment to get them arranged how you like.
- Build your sandwich layers:
- On each bread slice, pile buffalo chicken first, then the cheese blend, then your optional green onions or celery if using. Think of it like you're tucking comfort into bread.
- Crown each sandwich:
- Place the remaining 4 bread slices on top, buttered side facing up. Press gently so the layers stay together but don't squeeze everything out.
- Toast to golden perfection:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat, then place sandwiches in and cook 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula so the cheese melts and the bread turns golden. Listen for the sizzle, watch for the color shift—you'll know it's ready when it smells like toasted butter and melted dreams.
- Finish and serve:
- Slice each sandwich in half and serve hot, with extra buffalo sauce on the side for dipping if you want more heat.
Save to Pinterest One night I made these for friends who had argued all week about which restaurant to order from, and somehow this sandwich ended the debate. Three people asked for the recipe before they even finished eating, and I realized that sometimes the best meals are the ones you make without overthinking.
Why This Sandwich Works
Buffalo and blue cheese have been paired for decades in wing sauce and dip, so putting them between toasted bread feels almost inevitable once you've thought of it. The magic happens because the spice has somewhere to go—crispy bread catches it, melted cheese softens it, and your palate gets a conversation instead of just heat. It's indulgent enough to feel like dinner but simple enough to pull together in the time it takes to heat a skillet.
Playing With Flavors
The foundation of chicken, buffalo, and cheese is solid, but this sandwich loves variations. I've swapped blue cheese for ranch-mixed mozzarella on nights when I wanted less tang, added crispy bacon because bacon improves most things, and even thrown in thin tomato slices when I wanted brightness. The breadboard is yours—the structure stays the same, but the toppings can shift with what you're craving.
Pairing and Serving Ideas
This sandwich tastes best served hot, cut in half, and with something cold nearby to cool the heat. A crisp lager or IPA cuts through the richness beautifully, and if you're keeping it non-alcoholic, iced lemonade does the same job with a tangy edge. Serve with extra buffalo sauce for dipping if your friends are brave, or pair it with celery and ranch as a traditional buffalo side.
- Slice while warm so the cheese is still melty and every bite has that perfect stretch.
- Extra sauce on the side lets people control their own heat level, which means everyone's happy.
- If you're making these for a crowd, keep finished sandwiches in a low oven so the bread stays crispy while you cook the rest.
Save to Pinterest This sandwich became a go-to because it proves that bold flavors and minimal effort can live in the same place. Make it tonight, and you'll understand why it keeps coming back to my table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese works best for this sandwich?
Blue cheese crumbles combined with shredded mozzarella provide a creamy, tangy, and melty texture that balances the spicy chicken perfectly.
- → Can I use different bread varieties for this sandwich?
Sourdough or other hearty sandwich breads are ideal as they crisp well and hold the fillings without becoming soggy.
- → How can I add extra crunch to the sandwich?
Adding thinly sliced celery inside provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken and melted cheese.
- → Is there a way to adjust the sandwich’s spiciness?
Using milder wing sauce or adding extra blue cheese to mellow the heat can tailor spice levels to your preference.
- → What cooking method ensures the perfect sandwich texture?
Grilling on medium heat while pressing lightly creates a golden, crispy exterior and thoroughly melts the cheese inside.