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This stick-to-your-ribs Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak mixes the hot punch of Buffalo sauce with a cheesy Philly-style sandwich, making a tasty handheld meal that packs tons of flavor in every mouthful. The soft, pulled chicken smothered in spicy sauce and loaded with gooey cheese makes for the ultimate comfort food with some serious heat.
I whipped up these Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks while having friends over to watch football, and they vanished quicker than anything else I've ever cooked. Now everyone asks for them whenever we get together, and my hubby swears they're tastier than what our neighborhood sandwich place sells.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: This meat pulls apart easily and soaks up all the buffalo flavors while staying moist
- Buffalo sauce: Frank's RedHot brings that signature spicy zip that makes buffalo taste like buffalo
- Butter: Adds depth and tones down the sauce's heat for just the right taste
- Hoagie rolls: Pick ones with a bit of crunch outside to handle all the juicy filling
- Provolone cheese: Its subtle taste and super melty texture creates the perfect creamy foundation
- Blue cheese crumbles: Gives you that real buffalo wing feeling with its strong tangy kick
- Celery: Adds a fresh crunch and calls back to traditional buffalo wing sides
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Not required but really nice for extra creaminess and cooling down the spice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Put chicken breasts in a big skillet and add enough water to cover them. Heat to a light simmer over medium heat and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until they hit 165°F inside. This gentle cooking keeps the meat super tender and easy to pull apart.
- Shred and Season:
- Take the cooked chicken out to a cutting board and pull it into thin strands using two forks. The finer you shred it, the more it'll feel like a real cheesesteak and soak up more of that tasty buffalo sauce.
- Create Buffalo Sauce:
- Using the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Pour in buffalo sauce and mix together. The butter makes the sauce richer and softens the heat, giving you that perfect buffalo flavor that sticks to everything.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Toss the shredded chicken back in the pan and stir until it's completely covered in buffalo sauce. Let it bubble for 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken can drink up all those spicy flavors.
- Prepare the Rolls:
- Cut hoagie rolls lengthwise but leave them connected, making a pocket for all the fillings. Put them face-up on a baking sheet. This way your sandwich won't fall apart while you're eating.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spread the buffalo chicken mix evenly into each roll. Add provolone cheese on top, then scatter blue cheese crumbles over that. This order matters for getting the melt just right.
- Broil to Perfection:
- Stick the ready sandwiches under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, keeping an eye on them until the cheese gets bubbly and the bread edges turn golden. The direct heat makes that classic cheesesteak melty goodness.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Add some chopped celery for crunch and pour on some ranch or blue cheese dressing if you want. Eat right away while everything's hot and melty for the best taste.
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The thing I love most about this sandwich is how the butter in the buffalo sauce creates tiny spots of richness that burst with flavor when you take a bite. I found this out by accident when trying to make it less spicy for my kids, and now it's the secret trick everyone wants to know about when they try these amazing sandwiches.
Make-Ahead Options
You can get most parts of this sandwich ready ahead of time for quick putting together later. Cook and shred the chicken, then keep it apart from the buffalo sauce in sealed containers in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just warm up the chicken, mix it with the heated sauce, and finish making the sandwiches. This works great for planning meals or when you have company coming.
Serving Suggestions
These Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks are filling enough on their own, but they go great with some classic sides. Crunchy fries or chips make a nice contrast to the soft sandwich. A cool, creamy slaw helps balance out the heat, while celery and carrot sticks with extra blue cheese dressing remind you of regular buffalo wings. If you want a bigger meal, throw in a simple green salad with some light dressing.
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Customization Ideas
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks can be changed up in so many ways to fit what you like. Swap out hoagie rolls for tortillas to make buffalo chicken wraps. Use small buns for mini sandwiches that are great for parties. If you're watching carbs, put the buffalo chicken mix over salad or in lettuce cups instead. You can also try different cheeses like pepper jack if you want more kick or something milder like mozzarella for kids. Some folks enjoy adding cooked bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and texture, just like a regular cheesesteak.
Storage and Reheating
Wrap any leftover sandwiches tightly in foil and keep them in the fridge for up to two days. The buffalo chicken mix by itself will stay good for up to four days in a sealed container in the fridge. To warm up a whole sandwich, wrap it in foil and heat it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until it's hot and the cheese is melty again. You can also just reheat the chicken part in a pan or microwave and make fresh sandwiches with new rolls and cheese if you want the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of bread works best for a Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak?
Hoagie or sub rolls are sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without falling apart. Toast them for crunch or skip it for a softer bite.
- → Can I prepare the chicken beforehand?
Absolutely, you can whip up the Buffalo chicken and stash it in the fridge for up to a day. Just assemble the sandwich when you're set to eat.
- → What are good cheese choices for this sandwich?
Go with provolone or mozzarella for that stretchy melt, or try blue cheese for a sharp, bold kick.
- → How can I tweak the spiciness of Buffalo sauce?
If you want less heat, use less hot sauce or mix in extra butter. For more spice, toss in more hot sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper.
- → What are good side dishes for a Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak?
Crunchy fries, fresh salads, or creamy coleslaw go great with the cheesy, spicy vibe of the sandwich.
- → Is this sandwich adjustable for gluten-free options?
Totally! Use gluten-free rolls and confirm all other ingredients, like the Buffalo sauce, are gluten-free certified.