Save to Pinterest I'd been craving something bold and unexpected one Thursday evening when I pulled leftovers from the fridge—shredded buffalo chicken and a wedge of blue cheese that needed using. Instead of the usual path, I thought: why not make this a grilled cheese? That first bite was a revelation: the tangy bite of blue cheese mingling with spicy buffalo heat, all melted into golden, buttery bread. It became the sandwich I'd make whenever I wanted to feel like I was treating myself.
I made this for my partner on a lazy Saturday afternoon, and he devoured it so quickly I barely got to finish mine. The kitchen smelled incredible—that buttery toast mingled with hot sauce and melting cheese—and somehow it became our go-to when we wanted comfort food with an attitude. Now whenever someone says they want something satisfying, this is the first thing I suggest.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded: Use rotisserie chicken if you're short on time, or gently shred your own—the key is tender pieces that absorb the buffalo sauce evenly.
- Buffalo wing sauce: Choose one with depth and a touch of tang; some brands are one-note spicy, so taste before committing.
- Crumbled blue cheese: The funky, creamy backbone of this sandwich—don't skip it or substitute without tasting first.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This acts as the binder, helping everything melt into a cohesive, gooey layer.
- Sourdough or hearty sandwich bread: Avoid thin, flimsy bread; you need something sturdy enough to hold the fillings without falling apart.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Let it sit on the counter for a few minutes so it spreads evenly and browns beautifully.
- Green onions and celery: Optional but worthwhile—they add a fresh crunch that balances the heat.
Instructions
- Prepare the buffalo chicken:
- Toss your shredded chicken with buffalo sauce in a bowl, making sure every piece is coated. Don't be shy—let it soak up all that flavor.
- Mix the cheese blend:
- Combine blue cheese and mozzarella in a separate bowl, breaking up any large clumps so the cheeses distribute evenly.
- Butter your bread:
- Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice—this is what creates that gorgeous golden crust.
- Assemble the sandwiches:
- Place 4 buttered slices butter-side down on your work surface, then layer with buffalo chicken, cheese mixture, and any green onions or celery. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
- Cook low and slow:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat—not high—because you want the bread to toast gently while the cheese melts inside. This takes patience, but it's worth it.
- Press and flip:
- Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy. Press lightly with your spatula to encourage even contact, then flip and cook the other side. You'll feel the cheese starting to ooze when it's ready.
- Finish and serve:
- Slide onto a cutting board, slice diagonally if you're feeling fancy, and serve hot. A drizzle of extra buffalo sauce is never wrong.
Save to Pinterest There's something about a perfectly grilled cheese that goes beyond hunger. It was the sandwich I made when I wanted to comfort myself on a difficult day, and it never let me down. It became proof that sometimes the best meals are the ones you invent out of necessity and a little bit of hope.
Why Blue Cheese Belongs Here
Blue cheese and hot sauce might sound like an odd couple, but they're actually perfect partners. The sharp, funky notes of the blue cheese cut through the heat of the buffalo sauce, while the mozzarella smooths everything into a cohesive, creamy whole. Together, they create a sandwich that's complex, balanced, and far more interesting than the sum of its parts. It's the kind of flavor combination that makes people pause mid-bite and ask what they're tasting.
Making It Your Own
This sandwich is genuinely flexible, which is part of why I keep coming back to it. I've swapped blue cheese for a sharp cheddar when that's what I had on hand, and it was just as good—different, but equally satisfying. I've added crispy bacon, thinly sliced red onion, or even a thin spread of cream cheese to bridge flavors. The buffalo chicken is the anchor; everything else can dance around it.
Pairing and Serving
This sandwich is bold enough to stand on its own, but it deserves a partner that won't back down. A cold, crisp lager cuts through the richness beautifully, as does an IPA if you like hops. On the plate, it's perfect with simple sides—crispy potato chips, a sharp vinegar-based coleslaw, or just a handful of pickles to refresh your palate between bites. The sandwich itself is the star; don't overcomplicate the rest of the meal.
- Serve it with celery and carrot sticks on the side—the cool crunch complements the warm, spicy sandwich perfectly.
- If you're feeding a crowd, assemble everything ahead and cook just before serving so everyone gets one hot off the griddle.
- Slice it diagonally for no reason other than it looks better and somehow tastes better too.
Save to Pinterest This sandwich has become proof that some of the best meals start with leftover ingredients and a willingness to take a chance. Make it when you want something that feels both comforting and a little bit daring.