Save The first time I made these, my kitchen smelled like a wing joint gone cozy. My roommate walked in from a run and literally stopped dead in her tracks, demanding to know what I was up to. We ended up eating them standing up at the counter because nobody wanted to wait for proper plates.
I started making these during football season when friends would crowd into my tiny apartment. Now they request them even when there is no game on. Something about the combination of hot sauce and cool blue cheese just makes people loosen up and stay longer at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here, or use leftovers from a night you roasted too much
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce: Frank is classic, but explore local hot sauce brands for unique depth
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese: The creamy funk balances the heat perfectly, do not skip this
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This provides the incredible melt factor that holds everything together
- 8 slices sourdough bread: Hearty bread stands up to the filling without turning soggy mid sandwich
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Butter creates that golden crust that makes grilled cheese legendary
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions: These add fresh brightness and a little crunch
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery: The classic wing experience is incomplete without that crisp bite
Instructions
- Coat the chicken:
- Toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce in a medium bowl until every piece is covered in that orange glory
- Blend the cheeses:
- Mix blue cheese crumbles and mozzarella in another bowl so every sandwich gets both in each bite
- Prep the bread:
- Butter one side of each slice, then lay four pieces butter side down like you are building a foundation
- Layer it up:
- Pile on sauced chicken, then the cheese blend, and scatter with green onions or celery if you are feeling fancy
- Close the deal:
- Top with remaining bread, butter side facing up, like you are tucking them in for a nap
- Get golden:
- Cook in a hot skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently until the bread turns deep golden brown
- Serve immediately:
- Cut diagonally because it tastes better that way, and drizzle with extra sauce if you live with no fear
Save Last winter my sister claimed she did not like spicy food. I made these with mild wing sauce and she ended up eating two and asking for the bottle of hot sauce on the table. Now she texts me photos of her own versions with extra spice every time she makes them.
Choosing the Right Bread
Sourdough is ideal because its tang plays nicely with the sharp blue cheese and its sturdy structure handles the generous filling. Thick sliced white bread works if you want nostalgia, but it may get soft faster. Whatever you choose, avoid anything with air pockets too large or your cheese will escape through the bottom.
Cheese Alternatives
Not everyone loves blue cheese and that is completely valid. Sharp cheddar creates a bold sandwich that leans more into classic grilled cheese territory while pepper jack kicks up the heat even further. A blend of gruyere and provolone makes it feel fancy without losing the soul of the dish.
Serving Ideas
A cold crisp lager or IPA cuts through the richness exactly like it does at a wing spot. A simple side salad with vinegar based slaw provides crunch and acidity that balances the heavy elements. Or go full comfort and serve with crispy oven baked potato wedges sprinkled with salt.
- Keep extra buffalo sauce warm on the table for dipping
- Place cooked sandwiches on a wire rack while you finish the batch so the bottom stays crispy
- Cut with a serrated knife in one confident motion to avoid dragging all the cheese out
Save These sandwiches have become my go to when I need to feed people something that feels like a treat without actually requiring much effort. The way everyone goes quiet after that first bite never gets old.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese is used?
Blue cheese combined with shredded mozzarella provides a creamy and tangy contrast.
- → How is the chicken prepared?
Cooked chicken breast is shredded and coated thoroughly with buffalo wing sauce.
- → Can I substitute the bread?
Yes, sourdough or other hearty sandwich bread works well for a crisp texture.
- → Are there any optional additions?
Thinly sliced green onions and diced celery add extra crunch and freshness.
- → What cooking method is used?
The sandwich is grilled on a skillet or griddle until the bread is golden and the cheese melts.