The sizzle of chicken on the grill and the scent of spicy buffalo sauce filling the air—there’s nothing quite like it! As the summer months approach, I find myself craving fun, crowd-pleasing meals that bring family and friends together. These Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Creamy Gorgonzola Slaw are not just another dish; they’re a perfect balance of fiery hot and cool creamy, making them a delightful treat for your taste buds. Plus, they are quick to prepare, perfect for those busy weeknights or sun-soaked weekends. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply seeking comfort food at home, this recipe is bound to impress. Curious to learn how easy it is to whip up these delicious sandwiches?
Why Are These Sandwiches So Irresistible?
Flavor Explosion: Each bite of these Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches delivers a perfect mix of spicy and cool, with the fiery buffalo sauce meeting the creamy gorgonzola slaw.
Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create this mouthwatering meal in no time.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, these sandwiches will have everyone coming back for more!
Versatile Options: Serve them as sliders for parties or enjoy a deconstructed version in lettuce wraps for a keto alternative.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the slaw in advance and store separately for easy assembly later, keeping the flavors fresh!
Incorporate these delicious sandwiches into your weeknight routine or weekend cookouts—your taste buds will thank you!
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Ingredients
• Get ready to spice up your meal!
For the Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – Essential protein; ensure they are thinly sliced for quicker grilling. Substitute with chicken thighs for richer flavor.
- Buffalo Sauce – Adds heat and flavor; use your favorite hot sauce and adjust spiciness as desired.
- Butter – Enriches the buffalo sauce for a smooth, luscious texture.
- Salt & Pepper – Enhances overall flavor; don’t be shy with the seasoning!
- Smoked Paprika – Imparts a smoky flavor; adjust to your taste for the best results.
- Garlic Powder – Offers aromatic flavor; fresh garlic can be a zesty alternative if you prefer.
For the Slaw
- Cabbage/Cole Slaw Mix – Provides crunch and freshness; pre-packaged blends save time!
- Carrot Ribbons – Adds sweetness and texture to the slaw; shredded carrots work in a pinch.
- Gorgonzola Cheese – Rich and creamy, elevates the slaw; feta or ricotta are tasty substitutes if desired.
- Greek Yogurt – Creamy base for the slaw dressing; it can be swapped with sour cream if needed.
- Lime Juice – Offers acidity and brightness; lemon juice is a great alternative if you have it on hand.
- Olive Oil – Helps to emulsify and flavor the slaw, enhancing your overall dish.
For the Buns
- Brioche Buns – Soft, rich base for the sandwich; gluten-free options are available for those who need them.
These Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are full of flavor and sure to be a hit at any meal!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Begin by preheating your grill to high heat, aiming for a temperature range of 400-450°F. This high temperature will help achieve those beautiful grill marks while keeping your chicken juicy. Allow the grill to heat for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring it’s nice and hot before you place the chicken on it.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the grill heats, take your thinly sliced chicken breasts and season them generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor. This preparation enhances the taste of your Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches and ensures they’re absolutely delicious.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine your chosen hot sauce and butter, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the mixture is well blended, about 2-3 minutes. This rich buffalo sauce is the star of your Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches, so feel free to adjust the heat level to your preference!
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Once the grill is hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts on it, cooking them for about 4 minutes on one side. Keep an eye out for a nice char and grill marks forming. After 4 minutes, flip the chicken and cook it for an additional 3 minutes until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Brush the Sauce
After flipping the chicken, brush a generous amount of your buffalo sauce on the top side. Grill the chicken for another minute, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly and develop a wonderful sticky flavor. Flip one more time to coat the other side, and then remove the chicken from the grill once cooked through.
Step 6: Toast the Buns
Slice your brioche buns in half and place them cut-side down on the grill for about 1-2 minutes or until they’re nicely toasted. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Toasting the buns adds a lovely texture to your Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches that everyone will appreciate!
Step 7: Prepare the Slaw
In a large bowl, mix together the chopped cabbage or coleslaw mix, carrot ribbons, crumbled gorgonzola cheese, Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together as you proceed to the next step. This creamy slaw will perfectly complement your sandwiches.
Step 8: Assemble the Sandwiches
Begin assembling your Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches by spreading ranch or blue cheese dressing on the bottom half of the toasted brioche bun. Place a succulent piece of grilled chicken on top, followed by a generous portion of the creamy gorgonzola slaw. Finally, crown your creation with the top half of the bun.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches immediately for the best flavor and texture. Optionally, garnish with extra crumbled gorgonzola and freshly chopped chives or parsley for a delightful finishing touch. Dig in and relish in the fiery and creamy flavors, perfect for any gathering or casual weeknight dinner!
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Variations
Feel free to get creative with these Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches and make them your own!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute brioche buns with gluten-free versions to satisfy all dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- Keto: Serve the grilled chicken and slaw without the buns, using lettuce wraps instead to keep your meal low-carb and great for keto diets.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add a slice of pepper jack cheese to the chicken right before it finishes grilling for an extra melty kick.
- Spicy Boost: Mix chopped jalapeños into your slaw for an added burst of heat that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully.
- Mini Sliders: Shape the chicken into smaller patties for sliders—perfect for parties or casual get-togethers while allowing everyone to have their filling.
- Try Tandoori: For a twist, marinate your chicken in tandoori spices before grilling, giving it a unique and exotic flavor lift.
- Flavorful Slaw: Swap out gorgonzola for crumbled feta and mix in some diced apples or raisins for an added sweet crunch.
- Arepa Style: Serve the chicken and slaw in corn arepas instead of buns for a delightful twist that incorporates Latin flavors.
If you enjoy mixing things up, don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes like French Onion Chicken or perhaps some Garlic Butter Chicken to delight your loved ones!
What to Serve with Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
The perfect companions for your spicy sandwiches will enhance your meal and leave everyone craving more!
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Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness balances the heat of the buffalo chicken, creating the ideal side. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they please both palate and eye.
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Tangy Pickle Spears: Bright and zesty, pickle spears cut through the richness of the slaw, adding a refreshing crunch to your plate.
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Crispy Coleslaw: Complement your meal by serving extra coleslaw on the side, providing a cool contrast to the spiciness of the sandwiches. The extra crunch is delightful!
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Veggie Platter with Hummus: A crisp assortment of carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers offers a colorful, fresh contrast to the sandwiches. The creamy hummus adds a delicious dip that everyone loves.
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Refreshing Cucumber Salad: Light and tangy, this salad is perfect for cooling off the heat while adding a burst of freshness with each bite. Toss in some vinegar and herbs for extra flavor!
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Beer or Cider: Pair with a cold, crisp beer or a refreshing cider to complement the spice of the buffalo chicken. The bubbles and chill help mellow the heat, making for a relaxing meal experience.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note! These warm, gooey cookies offer a classic dessert that everyone will cherish.
Mix and match these delightful options for a well-rounded, flavor-rich dining experience that will have family and friends coming back for seconds!
Expert Tips for Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
- Grill Marks Matter: Ensure your grill is hot enough—around 400-450°F—to achieve those impressive grill marks while keeping the chicken juicy.
- Tame the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a milder buffalo sauce and gradually mix in more until it reaches your desired level of heat.
- Chicken Thickness: Thinly slice or pound your chicken breasts for even cooking. This prevents drying out and helps the grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches cook faster.
- Let the Slaw Rest: Allow the creamy gorgonzola slaw to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Bun Options: Want to go gluten-free? Substitute brioche buns with gluten-free options without losing the deliciousness of your grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches.
- Extra Saucy: Don’t hesitate to add more buffalo sauce when assembling your sandwich for an extra flavor kick!
How to Store and Freeze Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Fridge: Store leftover grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep the buns from getting soggy, separate the chicken from the slaw before refrigerating.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the grilled buffalo chicken (without buns and slaw) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Wrap pieces tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating: Thaw chicken overnight in the fridge. Reheat on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Slaw Storage: The creamy gorgonzola slaw is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it may lose some crunch.
Make Ahead Options
These Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken breasts in your buffalo sauce for up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to infuse. Additionally, the creamy gorgonzola slaw can be prepared up to 3 days ahead—just be sure to store the slaw separately in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crisp. When you’re ready to serve, simply grill the marinated chicken, toast the buns, and assemble the sandwiches with the slaw. This way, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making your busy weeknights a breeze!
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for grilling?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are a classic choice for grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches due to their lean protein, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that thighs may take slightly longer to cook, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
How should I store leftovers?
Grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the buns from becoming soggy, I recommend storing the chicken and slaw separately from the buns. This way, you can enjoy a fresh taste when you’re ready to dig in!
Can I freeze grilled buffalo chicken?
Very! You can freeze the grilled buffalo chicken (without buns and slaw) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.
What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from drying out?
To keep your grilled buffalo chicken juicy, make sure to thinly slice your chicken breasts before cooking. This not only reduces cooking time but also helps retain moisture. Consistently check the internal temperature while grilling, avoiding overcooking, to maintain tenderness.
Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the creamy gorgonzola slaw in advance. While it’s best enjoyed fresh for that crisp texture, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the slaw may lose some crunch over time, so it’s ideal to mix it just before assembling your sandwiches.
Are there any dietary substitutions I should consider?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free option, simply swap brioche buns with gluten-free alternatives. Additionally, if you have dairy allergies, you can use substitutions like cashew cream or omit the gorgonzola cheese in the slaw. Don’t hesitate to personalize it based on your dietary needs.
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Creamy Slaw Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your grill to high heat, around 400-450°F for about 10-15 minutes.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder evenly.
- In a saucepan, combine buffalo sauce and butter over medium heat until butter melts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Grill chicken for 4 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 3 minutes until cooked through.
- Brush buffalo sauce on chicken after flipping and grill for an additional minute.
- Toast brioche buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- In a large bowl, mix cabbage, carrot ribbons, gorgonzola cheese, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and olive oil.
- Assemble the sandwiches with ranch or blue cheese dressing, grilled chicken, and slaw on the toasted buns.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious sandwiches!
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