If you are craving a sandwich that perfectly combines bold flavors, gooey cheese, and a touch of spicy tang, this Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe is going to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine shredded chicken swimming in vibrant buffalo sauce, layered with sweet caramelized onions, and generous amounts of melty mozzarella all nestled inside a toasted hoagie roll. This sandwich is comfort food with an exciting twist, making it a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, game days, or any time you want a deliciously satisfying meal that feels both familiar and fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe is delightfully simple, with ingredients you likely already have or can easily find. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender shredded chicken and spicy buffalo wing sauce to the sweet onions and melty cheese that bring texture, flavor, and color to life.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breast for quick prep and perfect texture.
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, providing that iconic tangy heat essential to this dish.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For sautéing onions until caramelized and rich in flavor.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Caramelizing the onions adds a sweet contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls: A sturdy, soft roll that can hold all the goodness without falling apart.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone or pepper jack): Melts beautifully to create that irresistible cheesy layer.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling (optional): Adds a creamy cooling element that balances the heat perfectly.
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish (optional): For a fresh burst of color and mild onion flavor on top.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the thinly sliced onions. The secret to sweet and golden caramelized onions is patience, so cook them low and slow for about 8 to 10 minutes. This step builds a deep flavor base that perfectly offsets the spicy buffalo sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
In the same skillet, add your shredded cooked chicken back in with the buffalo wing sauce. Stir the chicken so it becomes fully coated in that tangy, spicy sauce, then let it heat through for about 3 to 4 minutes. This ensures every bite bursts with buffalo goodness.
Step 3: Toast the Hoagie Rolls
While the chicken simmers, preheat your oven broiler or a griddle pan. Slice your hoagie rolls open, but not all the way through, so they act like boats to hold the filling. Toast under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden and slightly crisp. This subtle crunch helps keep all the juicy filling contained without sogginess.
Step 4: Assemble and Melt the Cheese
Load each toasted roll with a generous amount of buffalo chicken, then spoon over those beautiful caramelized onions. Top it all off with your shredded mozzarella or choice of cheese. Return the fully assembled sandwiches to the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbling and perfectly melted. Watching that cheese stretch and melt is part of the magic!
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
When the sandwiches come out, drizzle a little ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top if you like a creamy balance. Sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley for freshness and a pop of color. Serve immediately while everything’s wonderfully hot and melty.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like chopped green onions or fresh parsley not only add a burst of vibrant green color but also freshen up each bite with a slight crunch and mild oniony notes. Plus, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing helps mellow the heat and adds a cooling creaminess that perfectly complements the bold flavors.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with classic sides such as crispy fries, crunchy celery sticks, or even a simple garden salad. For a lighter option, crunchy carrot sticks offer a refreshing bite, while coleslaw adds a tangy counterpoint that’s ideal alongside your buffalo chicken cheesesteak.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can cut your Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe into smaller sliders, perfect for parties or appetizers. Another idea is to stuff the filling inside warm pita pockets or wrap it in flatbreads for a handheld, portable meal. No matter how you present it, the flavor shines every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover buffalo chicken cheesesteak, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any dressings or garnishes separate and add them fresh when reheating to maintain that just-made quality.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked buffalo chicken mixture by itself in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the assembled sandwich as the bread texture may suffer, but having the filling ready makes last-minute meals easier.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the buffalo chicken in a skillet or microwave until hot, then reassemble the sandwich with fresh bread and toppings. If you want melty cheese again, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic, provolone gives a nice mild flavor, and pepper jack adds a little extra kick. Feel free to use whichever melts well and suits your taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy or mild?
Yes, you can adjust the heat level easily by choosing a milder or hotter buffalo sauce, or by controlling how much sauce you toss with the chicken. Adding ranch or blue cheese dressing can also tame any extra spice.
Can I make this recipe with fresh chicken?
Definitely. Poaching or grilling chicken breasts and then shredding them works wonderfully. Using cooked chicken just speeds up the process, but homemade fresh chicken will be just as delicious.
What are some good alternatives to hoagie rolls?
If you don’t have hoagie rolls, try sturdy sandwich buns, ciabatta rolls, or even baguette slices. The key is to choose bread that can hold the filling well without getting soggy too fast.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can caramelize the onions and make the buffalo chicken mixture ahead of time, storing both in the fridge. When ready to eat, just toast the bread, assemble, melt the cheese, and enjoy freshly.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe is a flavorful celebration of spicy, savory, and cheesy goodness all wrapped up in one irresistible sandwich. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or treating yourself to something special, and it’s surprisingly easy to make with everyday ingredients. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every melty, hearty bite as much as I do!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is a hearty and flavorful sandwich featuring shredded chicken smothered in spicy buffalo wing sauce, caramelized onions, and melted mozzarella cheese on toasted hoagie rolls. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal, this recipe combines the classic cheesesteak concept with the bold taste of buffalo chicken, finished with optional ranch or blue cheese dressing and fresh herbs for a deliciously satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone or pepper jack)
Bread and Add-Ons
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling (optional)
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Buffalo Chicken: In the same skillet, add the shredded cooked chicken and buffalo wing sauce. Stir well to coat all the chicken evenly and heat through for 3 to 4 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat Broiler or Griddle: Set your oven broiler to high or preheat a griddle pan over medium-high heat, preparing for toasting the buns.
- Toast Rolls: Slice each hoagie roll open carefully without cutting all the way through, creating a hinge. Lightly toast the inside of the rolls under the broiler or on the griddle for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn golden and slightly crisp.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Stuff each toasted roll generously with the buffalo chicken mixture, followed by a layer of caramelized onions and then the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Return the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese until it is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the broiler and, if desired, drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less buffalo sauce.
- Provolone or pepper jack cheese are great alternatives to mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Broiling requires attention, as cheese can melt quickly and burn if left unattended.
- Serve with celery sticks and extra ranch or blue cheese for a classic buffalo experience.
