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This hearty Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak combines the fiery kick of classic Buffalo sauce with a cheesy Philly sandwich for an irresistible handheld meal that delivers bold flavor in every bite. The tender shredded chicken coated in spicy sauce and topped with melty cheese creates the perfect comfort food with a kick.
I first made these Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks when hosting friends for a football game, and they disappeared faster than any other dish I've ever served. Now they're requested at every gathering, and my husband claims they're better than anything from our local sandwich shop.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The tender meat shreds perfectly and absorbs all the buffalo flavor while staying juicy
- Buffalo sauce: Frank's RedHot creates that classic spicy tang that defines buffalo flavor
- Butter: Creates richness and mellows the heat of the sauce for perfect balance
- Hoagie rolls: A good quality roll with a slightly crusty exterior holds up to the saucy filling
- Provolone cheese: The mild flavor and excellent melting quality provides the perfect creamy base
- Blue cheese crumbles: Adds that authentic buffalo wing experience with its sharp tangy notes
- Celery: Brings cooling crunch and traditional buffalo wing accompaniment flavors
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Optional but recommended for adding creaminess and taming the heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Place chicken breasts in a large skillet and cover with water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The gentle poaching method ensures perfectly tender meat that will shred easily and stay moist.
- Shred and Season:
- Remove the cooked chicken to a cutting board and use two forks to pull the meat apart into thin shreds. The thinner you shred the chicken, the more it will resemble a traditional cheesesteak texture and better absorb the buffalo sauce.
- Create Buffalo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add buffalo sauce and stir to combine. The butter enriches the sauce while tempering the heat, creating that classic buffalo flavor that coats perfectly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and toss until completely coated in the buffalo sauce. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken can absorb all those spicy flavors throughout every fiber.
- Prepare the Rolls:
- Slice hoagie rolls lengthwise, but not all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling. Place them open-faced on a baking sheet. This preparation ensures the sandwich stays intact while eating.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Divide the buffalo chicken mixture evenly among the prepared rolls. Layer provolone cheese on top of the chicken, then sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles. The layering order is crucial for proper melting.
- Broil to Perfection:
- Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread edges are toasted golden brown. The high heat creates that signature cheesesteak melt.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top with diced celery for crunch and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired. Serve immediately while hot and melty for the best experience.
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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is how the butter in the buffalo sauce creates little pockets of richness that burst with flavor when you bite into the sandwich. I discovered this technique by accident when I was trying to tone down the heat for my kids, and now it's the secret that everyone asks about when they taste these incredible sandwiches.
Make-Ahead Options
You can prepare most components of this sandwich in advance for quick assembly when needed. Cook and shred the chicken, then store it separately from the buffalo sauce mixture in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply warm the chicken, toss it with the warmed sauce, and proceed with building the sandwiches. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Serving Suggestions
These Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks are substantial enough to stand alone as a meal, but they pair wonderfully with classic sides. Crispy french fries or potato chips provide textural contrast to the soft sandwich. A cool, creamy coleslaw balances the heat nicely, while celery and carrot sticks with additional blue cheese dressing echo the traditional buffalo wing accompaniments. For a more substantial spread, add a fresh green salad dressed simply with vinaigrette.
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Customization Ideas
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit different preferences. Swap the hoagie rolls for tortillas to create buffalo chicken wraps. Use slider buns for party-friendly mini sandwiches. For a lower-carb option, serve the buffalo chicken mixture over a salad or in lettuce cups. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations try pepper jack for extra heat or a milder cheese like mozzarella for children. Some people enjoy adding sautéed bell peppers and onions for additional flavor and texture, similar to a traditional cheesesteak.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover assembled sandwiches wrapped tightly in aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to two days. The buffalo chicken mixture alone will keep well for up to four days refrigerated in an airtight container. To reheat a full sandwich, wrap it in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. You can also reheat just the chicken mixture in a skillet or microwave and build fresh sandwiches with new rolls and cheese for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is the best bread for a Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak?
Hoagie rolls or sub rolls are ideal as they are sturdy enough to hold the fillings without breaking. Toasting them adds crunch but can be skipped for a softer texture.
- → Can I make the chicken mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Buffalo chicken mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and assemble the sandwiches when ready to serve.
- → What cheese options work best for this sandwich?
Provolone and mozzarella are classic choices for a melty texture, while crumbled blue cheese adds a tangy complement to the Buffalo sauce.
- → How can I adjust the spice level of the Buffalo sauce?
To lower the spice, reduce the amount of hot sauce or add more butter. For a spicier flavor, increase the hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- → What side dishes go well with a Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak?
Crispy French fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad pair perfectly with the spicy and cheesy flavors of the sandwich.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free rolls and ensure all other ingredients, like Buffalo sauce, are certified gluten-free.