Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak

Tender shreds of chicken coated in spicy buffalo sauce nestle inside a crusty roll and melt together with gooey cheese to create the ultimate comfort food mashup. This buffalo chicken cheesesteak combines the fiery kick everyone loves from buffalo wings with the cheesy satisfaction of Philadelphia's iconic sandwich. The contrast between the soft, spice-infused chicken, melty cheese blend, and crisp-edged roll creates an irresistible texture experience that delivers bold flavor in every bite.

I discovered this recipe by accident during football season when I had leftover rotisserie chicken but was craving the buffalo wing experience without the mess. After experimenting with different cheese combinations and bread options, this version quickly became a family favorite. My husband, who normally insists that 'real' cheesesteaks only come from Philadelphia, requests this sandwich almost weekly. What I love most is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like it came from a specialty sandwich shop, yet it's so easy to make at home.

Flavor-Packed Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: Creates the perfect protein base—cooking it just until tender ensures it won't dry out when combined with the sauce
• Buffalo Sauce: Provides the signature spicy kick—a combination of hot sauce and butter creates authentic flavor without being overwhelmingly hot
• Hoagie Rolls: Deliver the essential sturdy foundation—slightly toasted rolls hold up to the saucy filling while maintaining a satisfying chew
• Cheese Blend: Transforms the sandwich with creamy richness—combining provolone for meltability, mozzarella for stretch, and blue cheese for tang provides the perfect balance
• Butter: Adds richness to both the buffalo sauce and toasted roll—European-style butter with higher fat content creates superior flavor
• Aromatics: Sautéed onions and bell peppers bring sweetness and texture—cooking them until just soft balances the spicy chicken beautifully
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Offers cooling creaminess that balances the heat—a light drizzle inside the sandwich ties all flavors together

Sandwich Construction

Prepare The Chicken

Begin with one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Season with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes per side. Once cooled slightly, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This creates more surface area for the buffalo sauce to cling to.

Create Buffalo Perfection

In a large bowl, combine half cup of your favorite hot sauce with four tablespoons of melted butter, whisking until completely incorporated. Add the shredded chicken to the sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated evenly. The butter in the sauce helps it adhere to the chicken while tempering the heat slightly.

Toast The Rolls

Slice four hoagie rolls horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. Lightly butter the inside of each roll, then place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until just golden around the edges. This quick toasting creates a barrier that helps prevent the rolls from becoming soggy once filled.

Layer Flavor Components

In a skillet, sauté half a thinly sliced onion and one sliced bell pepper until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Spread a thin layer of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the inside of each toasted roll if desired. Divide the buffalo chicken mixture evenly among the prepared rolls.

Achieve Cheese Melt

Top each sandwich with a generous layer of shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese, plus a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese if desired. Return sandwiches to the broiler for another 1-2 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts and begins to bubble and brown slightly around the edges.

Bring It All Together

Add the sautéed onions and peppers on top of the melted cheese. Close the sandwiches and press down slightly. For the authentic cheesesteak experience, wrap each sandwich tightly in foil and let rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld while keeping everything warm.

Serve With Style

Unwrap from the foil and slice each sandwich diagonally before serving. Accompany with extra buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Napkins are absolutely essential—this deliciously messy sandwich is meant to be enjoyed with abandon.

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I initially tried making this sandwich with diced chicken, but discovered that shredding creates the perfect texture that mimics the thin slices of steak in a traditional cheesesteak. My first attempts were also overwhelmingly spicy—a happy accident led me to balance the heat with a bit of ranch dressing spread inside the roll, which is now my favorite way to enjoy it. What makes this recipe special is its versatility—it works equally well with leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken breasts, and you can easily adjust the spice level to suit different preferences. The combination of the three cheeses is non-negotiable in my house—the tang of blue cheese with the meltability of provolone and mozzarella creates something truly magical.

Perfect Pairings

Complete your buffalo chicken cheesesteak experience with complementary sides that balance the sandwich's bold flavors. Serve alongside crispy french fries or potato wedges seasoned with garlic and parmesan for a restaurant-style presentation that satisfies hearty appetites. For lighter fare, offer a cool, crunchy celery and carrot stick platter with extra blue cheese dressing—the traditional accompaniments to buffalo wings that work perfectly with this sandwich too. Creamy coleslaw provides refreshing contrast to the spicy sandwich with its cool, crisp texture and slight sweetness. For game day gatherings, create a spread including these sandwiches alongside other finger foods like mozzarella sticks and onion rings for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Exciting Variations

Customize this versatile sandwich concept to create new flavor experiences while maintaining its satisfying nature. Southwestern twist incorporates ranch seasoning into the buffalo sauce and tops the sandwich with pepper jack cheese and sliced avocado for a Tex-Mex inspired variation. BBQ lover's delight substitutes buffalo sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce and uses smoked gouda instead of blue cheese for a smoky-sweet alternative. Philly fusion stays true to traditional cheesesteak roots by adding sautéed mushrooms alongside the peppers and onions while incorporating a cheese sauce instead of shredded cheese. Lighter option uses ground chicken breast cooked with buffalo seasoning and reduced-fat cheese, served on a whole grain roll for a more nutritious but equally delicious sandwich.

Storage Solutions

Make the most of this recipe with smart preparation and storage techniques that maintain flavor and texture. Prepare extra buffalo chicken mixture and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days, making weekday lunch preparation quick and simple. For best results when making ahead, store all components separately—chicken mixture, sautéed vegetables, and cheese—then assemble and toast just before serving. If you must store assembled sandwiches, wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for no more than 24 hours, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melted. For freezer storage, wrap individual buffalo chicken portions without bread or cheese in freezer-safe containers for up to two months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling sandwiches.

Save

This buffalo chicken cheesesteak has become my go-to recipe whenever I'm hosting friends for game day or need a quick but impressive dinner. The beauty of this sandwich is how it transforms familiar flavors into something that feels special and indulgent without requiring complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The contrast between the spicy buffalo chicken, melty cheese blend, and crisp toasted roll creates a crave-worthy combination that satisfies in a way few other sandwiches can. Whether you're a dedicated buffalo sauce enthusiast or simply looking for a new twist on chicken sandwiches, this fusion creation delivers big flavor with minimal effort—and isn't that what great home cooking is all about?

Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe. Simply shred or chop about 2-3 cups of cooked chicken and add it directly to the skillet with the butter and hot sauce, reducing the cooking time to just 2-3 minutes to heat through.

→ What's the best cheese to use for buffalo chicken cheesesteaks?

Provolone is ideal for its mild flavor and excellent melting quality. Other good options include mozzarella for a milder flavor, pepper jack for extra spice, or American cheese for that classic cheesesteak feel.

→ How spicy is this sandwich?

With the amount of Frank's RedHot called for, it's moderately spicy. For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce to 1/4 cup and skip the jalapeños. For extra heat, add more hot sauce and consider including some diced fresh jalapeños.

→ What sides go well with Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks?

These sandwiches pair perfectly with French fries, potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple side salad. For a Buffalo-themed meal, serve with celery and carrot sticks with additional ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

→ Can I make this sandwich ahead of time for a party?

For best results, prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving. The chicken mixture can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated. Toast the rolls and assemble the sandwiches just before serving to prevent sogginess.

→ How can I make this sandwich lower in carbs?

For a lower-carb version, skip the hoagie roll and serve the buffalo chicken mixture over a bed of lettuce as a salad, or use lettuce wraps instead of bread. You could also look for low-carb wraps or bread alternatives at your grocery store.