If you love the bold, spicy kick of buffalo chicken combined with the melty, indulgent goodness of a classic cheesesteak, you are in for an unforgettable treat. This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe perfectly blends tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce with sautéed onions, gooey cheese, and soft hoagie rolls, creating a sandwich that’s bursting with flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re craving something quick for dinner or looking to impress guests at a casual get-together, this recipe is as satisfying as it is easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in balancing the spicy, savory, and creamy notes of the dish. From the tender cooked chicken to the bright crunch of vegetables and the irresistible melt of cheese, every element is essential to nail that perfect cheesesteak experience with a buffalo twist.
- Olive oil: The perfect base to sauté onions and peppers, adding subtle richness.
- Medium onion, thinly sliced: Caramelizes beautifully to add sweetness and depth.
- Green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional): Offers a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast, but feel free to leave it out if you prefer.
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded: Tender and mild, it soaks up all the buffalo sauce flavor.
- Buffalo sauce: The signature spicy, tangy punch that defines this sandwich.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory kick to enhance complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and highlight flavors.
- Hoagie rolls or sub buns: Soft yet sturdy enough to hold all the goodness without falling apart.
- Shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese: Melts to luscious gooeyness and pairs perfectly with spicy buffalo flavors.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional): Creamy coolness that mellows out the heat and adds richness.
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional): Brightens the sandwich visually and adds a fresh note.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Peppers
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and green bell peppers if using, and let them cook gently until they turn soft and slightly caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes. This slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness, which perfectly balances the spicy buffalo sauce later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture
Next, toss the shredded cooked chicken into the skillet with the softened veggies. Pour in the buffalo sauce, sprinkle the garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it warm through for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the chicken to soak up every bit of that tangy, spicy goodness.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
While your chicken mixture is coming together, preheat your oven’s broiler or toaster oven. Slice open the hoagie rolls and place them cut side up on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken and veggie mixture into each roll, making sure to evenly distribute the filling for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese Under the Broiler
Top each filled roll with a hearty handful of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese. Pop the baking sheet under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to catch that perfect moment when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. This step adds the irresistible, gooey texture that makes a cheesesteak truly special.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, drizzle a little ranch or blue cheese dressing over the sandwiches if you like a creamy cool contrast to the heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Now your Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing is a classic move that cuts through the spice and adds creaminess. Fresh herbs like chopped green onions or parsley lend a wonderful bright note that visually elevates the sandwich and keeps each bite lively and fresh.
Side Dishes
This sandwich shines alongside crispy potato wedges, a crisp green salad, or even crunchy celery sticks with blue cheese dip to continue the buffalo theme. These sides bring texture and balance, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or game day, slice the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe into smaller slider-sized portions so everyone can grab a flavorful bite easily. Or serve it open-faced with extra cheese melted on top and a colorful sprinkle of chopped peppers for a show-stopping presentation that doubles as hearty comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover filling and rolls separately in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days to keep everything fresh. Storing components separately prevents the bread from becoming soggy and preserves the texture and flavors of the chicken mixture.
Freezing
The buffalo chicken mixture freezes beautifully when stored in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to two months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid freezing the assembled sandwiches as the bread might lose its texture upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken mixture on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. To restore the sandwich, fill your rolls with reheated chicken and cheese, then pop under the broiler or in a toaster oven just until the cheese melts again. This method preserves the flavors and the delightful cheesesteak experience.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves prep time and is wonderfully flavorful, making it an ideal choice for the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe?
The heat level mainly depends on the buffalo sauce you use. You can choose a milder version for less spice or go bold with extra hot sauce to ramp up the kick. Adjust according to your taste buds!
Is the green bell pepper necessary?
The green bell pepper adds a subtle crunch and a mild, fresh flavor, but it’s completely optional. If you’re not a fan or don’t have any on hand, the sandwich will still be delicious without it.
Can I substitute the hoagie rolls with something else?
Of course! While hoagie rolls are traditional, you can get creative with sub rolls, baguettes, or even sturdy hamburger buns depending on what you have. Just make sure your bread can hold up to the juicy filling.
What cheese works best for the buffalo chicken cheesesteak?
Mozzarella and provolone are classic choices for their meltability and mild flavor that complement the buffalo sauce. You could also try cheddar or pepper jack for a different twist if you like.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — spicy, cheesy, hearty, and utterly satisfying. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself. I encourage you to dive in, make this recipe your own, and enjoy every melty, flavorful bite!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak recipe combines tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with sautéed onions and optional bell peppers, all melted under gooey mozzarella or provolone cheese inside toasted hoagie rolls. It’s a quick and flavorful twist on the classic cheesesteak perfect for a weeknight meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Assembly
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub buns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté onions and peppers: Add the thinly sliced onion and optional green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Add chicken and season: Stir in shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb the spicy buffalo flavor.
- Preheat the broiler: While the chicken heats, preheat the oven broiler or a toaster oven to prepare for melting the cheese on the sandwiches.
- Assemble sandwiches: Open each hoagie roll and place them on a baking sheet. Evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture inside each roll.
- Add cheese topping: Generously top each sandwich with shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese to ensure a gooey finish.
- Broil sandwiches: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2–4 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Optional garnishes: Remove from the oven and optionally drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the sandwiches. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for added freshness and flavor before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce depending on your preferred spice level.
- For a vegetarian alternative, use buffalo cauliflower or mushrooms instead of chicken.
- If you don’t have a broiler, you can melt the cheese in a 375°F oven for about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve with celery sticks and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo experience.
