Name: Spicy Chicken Grilled Cheese with Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken; 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce; 1 tablespoon ranch dressing; 4 slices sourdough bread; 1 tablespoon softened butter; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons cream cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)

I first got hooked on the spicy chicken grilled cheese during a family game night when my cousin brought over what looked like an ordinary grilled sandwich. One bite in, the heat kicked in, then came the creamy sauce, followed by that perfect pull of gooey cheese.

I knew I had to recreate it at home. With a few simple ingredients and the flavor inspiration from my favorite buffalo chicken dip, this cheesy grilled sandwich quickly became a go-to comfort meal.

Whether I’m making it for a cozy solo lunch or doubling the batch for movie night, it always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chicken Grilled Cheese with Sauce

Bold buffalo-style flavor with the perfect balance of heat and creamy sauce
Crispy golden bread that gives way to melty cheese in every bite
Only 20 minutes to make, no oven required
Uses easy-to-find ingredients, including leftover or rotisserie chicken
Perfect for quick lunches, casual dinners, or party snacks

This sandwich doesn’t just taste good, it delivers on that satisfying crunch, rich sauce, and bold spice that keeps you coming back for more. You can even pair it with a creamy side like our Franks Buffalo Chicken Dip for a full-on flavor combo.

Spicy Chicken Grilled Cheese Ingredients

1½ cups cooked shredded chicken (grilled, rotisserie, or pan-cooked)
3 tablespoons buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
1 tablespoon ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing if preferred)
4 slices sourdough bread (or thick white bread)
1 tablespoon softened butter (for spreading)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional for garnish)

Use fresh, quality bread and cheese for the most flavorful result. If you liked this ingredient combo, you’ll love using it in Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip for parties.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Grilled Cheese with Sauce

In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cream cheese. Stir until everything is fully blended.
Mix the mozzarella and cheddar together in a separate bowl.
Spread butter evenly on one side of each bread slice and sprinkle with garlic powder.
Lay two bread slices, butter side down, in a heated nonstick skillet. Spread half of the cheese mix on each slice, then spoon the buffalo chicken mixture on top. Add the remaining cheese and top with the second bread slice, butter side up.
Grill over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula until the bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted. Slice and serve hot.

This same technique works beautifully for a breakfast remix or snack board if you prep your Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs ahead of time.

Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese

Serve your sandwich with:

A ramekin of extra buffalo sauce or ranch on the side for dipping
Dill pickles or coleslaw to balance the heat
Sweet potato fries or kettle chips for crunch
Tomato soup or a small bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup Crock Pot for cozy contrast
Fresh veggies like celery and carrots for a cool, crisp side

It also makes an epic party slider if you cut it into quarters and pair with Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken for a buffet-style spread.

Variations and Customization

Switch the protein: Try grilled turkey or rotisserie-style shredded tofu for a meatless version
Go low-carb: Use low-carb sandwich thins or wrap it in crisp lettuce
Add pineapple: For a sweet and spicy Hawaiian twist
Heat it up: Add sliced jalapeños or use a spicier buffalo sauce
Change the bread: Try Texas toast, multigrain, or ciabatta for a different texture

Feel free to experiment with ingredients you have on hand. Just keep the key balance: creamy, spicy, and crispy.

Storage & Reheating

This sandwich is best fresh, but you can still prep ahead.

To store: Wrap leftovers in foil or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
To reheat: Place in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping once. You can also reheat in a toaster oven. Avoid the microwave, as it softens the bread.

If the filling dries out slightly, a small spoonful of extra buffalo sauce or ranch can bring it back to life.

Pro Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese

Use pre-cooked chicken to save time
Soften the cream cheese fully before mixing for the smoothest filling
Toast bread on medium-low heat to avoid burning before cheese melts
Press down with a spatula to create a crispy, golden crust
Don’t overload the sandwich, it’s tempting but makes flipping harder

These tips also help you master other creamy dishes like our Buffalo Chicken Dip, which uses similar techniques.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using cold chicken: It lowers pan temperature and makes melting harder
Overfilling the sandwich: It will fall apart and make the bread soggy
Cooking too fast: The outside burns before the cheese melts
Skipping the sauce: The creamy buffalo blend is what makes this sandwich pop
Not tasting before grilling: Always taste your filling and adjust the spice before sealing it between bread

By avoiding these common slip-ups, you’ll get a perfectly balanced grilled sandwich every time.

Final Thoughts on Spicy Chicken Grilled Cheese with Sauce

This spicy chicken grilled cheese with sauce is everything you want in comfort food: cheesy, creamy, spicy, and crunchy all at once. It’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and uses everyday ingredients you probably have on hand.

Whether you serve it with soup, fries, or straight from the skillet, it’s a recipe that delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture.

Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite lunch or game day bite.

FAQs

What sauce is best for spicy chicken grilled cheese with sauce?

Buffalo sauce mixed with a little ranch or cream cheese gives you the perfect balance of heat and cool. You can also try garlic aioli or chipotle mayo for variation.

Can I make cheesy buffalo chicken grilled sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the filling up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container, then assemble and grill the sandwich fresh when ready to eat.

What’s the best cheese for buffalo chicken grilled cheese?

A combo of mozzarella and sharp cheddar offers the perfect melt and flavor. Pepper Jack is also a great choice if you want to add an extra spicy kick.

Is buffalo stuffed chicken grilled cheese too spicy for kids?

It depends on the sauce. You can easily reduce the heat by using a mild buffalo sauce or cutting it with ranch. Many kids enjoy the cheesy texture and just a little bit of spice.