Are you tired of the same old boring chicken sandwiches? Looking to spice up your lunch game with something that’ll make your taste buds dance? Well, you’ve landed in the right place! Today, I’m gonna share all my secrets about what to put on a buffalo chicken sandwich to transform it from basic to extraordinary
Buffalo chicken sandwiches are a spicy, tangy twist on regular chicken sandwiches, and with the right toppings, they can become an absolute flavor explosion Whether you’re making one at home or customizing your order at a restaurant, these topping suggestions will take your sandwich to the next level.
The Foundation: Buffalo Chicken
Before we dive into toppings, let’s quickly talk about the star of the show. Your buffalo chicken can be:
- Crispy fried chicken breast coated in buffalo sauce
- Grilled chicken brushed with buffalo sauce
- Shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce
For the buffalo sauce, Frank’s Wing Sauce (the orange bottle, not the red hot sauce bottle) is a popular choice. It provides that perfect tangy kick without being overwhelmingly spicy.
Essential Cheese Options for Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Cheese isn’t just a topping—it’s a necessity for balancing the spiciness of buffalo sauce. Here are the top cheese choices:
1. Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is the classic pairing with buffalo chicken. Its pungent, salty, and sharp flavor perfectly balances the spiciness of the buffalo sauce. You can use it as crumbles or as part of a dressing.
2. Cheddar Cheese
Young cheddar provides a milder flavor that won’t overwhelm the buffalo chicken. It melts beautifully and complements all the other ingredients in your sandwich.
3. Mozzarella
With its milky, mild taste and stretchy texture when melted, mozzarella makes a perfect companion for buffalo chicken. It’s subtle enough to let the buffalo flavor shine.
4. Cream Cheese
For a richer, creamier sandwich cream cheese mixed with a bit of buffalo sauce creates an amazing spread for your bun.
5. Gorgonzola
Similar to blue cheese but with its own distinct flavor profile, Gorgonzola is crumbly and salty, making it another excellent option.
Must-Have Sauces and Spreads
The right sauce can make or break your buffalo chicken sandwich. Here are some amazing options:
1. Ranch Dressing
Ranch is a buffalo chicken’s best friend! The cool, creamy texture helps balance the heat of the buffalo sauce. Try making a light ranch dressing for a healthier option.
2. Blue Cheese Dressing
If you’re team blue cheese, this dressing is non-negotiable. It amplifies the flavor of blue cheese crumbles if you’re using them.
3. Mayonnaise
A thin layer of mayo adds creaminess without overpowering the buffalo flavor. It also helps prevent the bun from getting soggy.
4. Extra Buffalo Sauce
For the brave souls who can’t get enough heat, an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce takes things up a notch.
5. Honey
A little drizzle of honey adds surprising sweetness that complements the spicy buffalo sauce beautifully.
Fresh Veggies for Crunch and Balance
Fresh vegetables add texture, crunch, and freshness to cut through the richness of the chicken and cheese:
1. Lettuce
Crisp lettuce adds a refreshing crunch that balances the heaviness of the fried chicken. Romaine or iceberg work great.
2. Tomatoes
Ripe tomato slices add juiciness and freshness. Just make sure to add them right before eating to prevent sogginess.
3. Onions
Red onions provide a sharp bite that cuts through the richness. If they’re too strong, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes first.
4. Pickles
Pickles and buffalo chicken are a match made in heaven! The briny, acidic crunch perfectly complements the spicy chicken.
5. Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw made with ranch dressing creates amazing texture and flavor contrast. Try mixing coleslaw mix with a few tablespoons of light ranch dressing.
Creative Additions to Elevate Your Sandwich
Wanna get fancy? Try these creative additions:
1. Bacon
Everything’s better with bacon! The saltiness and crunch take your buffalo chicken sandwich to new heights.
2. Avocado or Guacamole
The creaminess of avocado or guacamole helps temper the heat while adding richness.
3. Jalapeños
For heat lovers, fresh or pickled jalapeños add an extra kick.
4. Potato Chips
Adding potato chips inside your sandwich creates an amazing crunch factor. Just add them right before eating!
5. Scallions
Milder than regular onions, scallions add a fresh, green bite without overwhelming the other flavors.
Building the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Now that we’ve covered all the amazing options, here’s how to stack your buffalo chicken sandwich for maximum enjoyment:
- Bottom Bun: Spread with mayo or ranch dressing to create a moisture barrier
- Lettuce: Creates another barrier to prevent the bottom bun from getting soggy
- Buffalo Chicken: The star of the show!
- Cheese: Add while the chicken is still hot so it melts slightly
- Toppings: Add your veggies and other toppings
- Sauce: Drizzle with additional sauce if desired
- Top Bun: Spread with more sauce if you like
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipes to Try
Classic Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
- Crispy buffalo chicken
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Ranch dressing
- Hamburger bun
Creamy Ranch Buffalo Sandwich
- Buffalo chicken breast
- Coleslaw mixed with ranch dressing
- Pickles
- Cheddar cheese
- Brioche bun
Spicy Blue Buffalo Chicken
- Buffalo chicken
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Jalapeño slices
- Red onion
- Lettuce
- Mayo
- Potato roll
Tips for Making the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Sandwich at Home
- Pat your chicken very dry before breading it to ensure the coating sticks properly.
- Let the breaded chicken rest for about 5 minutes before cooking to help the coating adhere better.
- Brush the buffalo sauce on after cooking the chicken to maintain maximum crispiness.
- Toast your buns for extra texture and to prevent sogginess.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to help set the juices and breading.
My Personal Favorite Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
I’ve tried so many combinations, but my go-to buffalo chicken sandwich includes:
- Crispy fried chicken tossed in Frank’s Wing Sauce
- A spread of light ranch dressing
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Crisp lettuce
- Thin red onion slices (soaked in water first)
- Dill pickle chips
- A slightly toasted brioche bun
The combination of cool, creamy, crunchy, and spicy elements creates the perfect balance that keeps me coming back for more!
Final Thoughts
The beauty of a buffalo chicken sandwich is its versatility. You can customize it to your preferences, adjusting the heat level and toppings to create your perfect sandwich. Whether you like it super spicy or mild, loaded with toppings or simple and classic, there’s a buffalo chicken sandwich combination for everyone.
So next time you’re making a buffalo chicken sandwich, don’t settle for boring! Try some of these topping suggestions and create a masterpiece that’ll make your lunch the envy of everyone around you.
These are the details
Step 1: season the chicken
Toss chicken tenders (or, if you love thighs, use those) with smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add olive oil and toss the chicken one more time.
Step 2: grill the chicken
Now you grill! You can use a grill pan or an outdoor grill, both are great.
Grill the chicken until lightly charred on either side. If you’re using chicken tenders, this takes 5 minutes or so! So fast! My dad taught me this secret. He always used chicken tenders instead of breasts. They cook so much faster!
Step 3: shred the chicken and assemble
Shred the chicken and toss with buffalo sauce.
You can use store-bought buffalo sauce or make your own.
If you want to make your own sauce, it’s pretty easy. Mix 1/2 cup or so of hot sauce (I use Franks) with an equal amount of melted butter. Then add seasoned salt and pepper. That’s it!
Step 4: make the ranch
I know that making homemade ranch is just another step, but it really is worth it. And it’s easier than running to the market to pick up a bottle.
I keep mine pretty simple and straightforward: sour cream or yogurt, mayo, buttermilk, parsley, dill, onion, garlic, and, of course, the jalapeños. Instead of fresh jalapeños, I like to use pickled jalapeño peppers. Using pickled jalapeños adds a subtle, tangy kick that I find especially delicious.
Step 5: the slaw
Toss a whole bunch of shredded cabbage with the ranch dressing. I like to add cilantro and scallions too.
If you enjoy blue cheese, add blue cheese crumbles to the slaw. I think that’s so delicious! But other than that addition, keep the slaw simple: ranch, herbs, and cheese.
Step 6: build your subs!
Stuff the saucy buffalo chicken and cheese slices into the soft French baguette rolls. Place the rolls on the grill to melt the cheese.
When the cheese is melted, add the ranch slaw and extra sauce, and close the sandwiches up. Then serve! Eat these subs while hot, straight off the grill, quick and easy!
Once everything comes together, you get a big, beautiful summer sub sandwich! Every bite is delish – sandwiches are always more fun in the summer!
Looking for other dinner recipes? Here are a few ideas:
Lastly, if you make this Grilled Buffalo Chicken Subs, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sub Sandwich
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
The perfect BUFFALO CHICKEN SANDWICH does exist! Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken NYC! #DEVOURPOWER
FAQ
What toppings go on a buffalo chicken sandwich?
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Subs: Grilled seasoned chicken is shredded and tossed with buffalo sauce. The saucy buffalo chicken is then layered into a sub roll with homemade ranch dressing, melty pepperjack and cheddar cheese, and a delicious, crunchy ranch slaw.Jun 17, 2024
What does buffalo chicken go well with?
Buffalo wings are traditionally served hot, along with celery sticks and carrot sticks with blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing for dipping. It is a bold, spicy flavor that works well with the cooling and smooth texture of the ranch dressing or bleu cheese.
What is a good condiment for buffalo chicken?
Blue cheese is the classic Buffalo chicken dip because it’s rich and sharp which balances the heat, and you need strong flavors to complete with the cayenne. Ranch is probably the next most popular.
What toppings go on chicken sandwiches?
A good chicken sandwich can be elevated by a variety of toppings, ranging from classic choices to more adventurous options. Common toppings include lettuce, tomato, and pickles, but consider adding cheese (cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack), bacon, avocado, or a sauce like honey mustard or pesto. For a spicy kick, try jalapeños or a spicy mayo.