Buffalo Chicken Caesar Grilled Cheese

The first time I made these, my kitchen smelled like a sports bar meets an Italian restaurant, and I honestly couldn't tell which scent was winning. My roommate wandered in, attracted by the sizzling butter and that unmistakable buffalo sauce aroma, asking if I'd secretly ordered takeout. When I slid that golden sandwich onto his plate, he took one bite and declared it better than anything we'd ever gotten delivered. Now these are our Friday night tradition, perfect for when you want comfort food with a little attitude.

Last winter during a snowstorm, when we were all stuck inside and craving something indulgent, I made a double batch of these. My sister who usually claims she doesn't like spicy food went back for seconds, then asked me to teach her how to make them. There's something about the combination of hot sauce and cool Caesar that just works, turning a regular grilled cheese into something people actually talk about afterward.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, or use leftover chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce: Franks RedHot is my go-to, but whatever brand you love will work
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted: Helps the buffalo sauce coat the chicken evenly
• 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese: Provolone melts beautifully and adds a mild flavor that doesnt compete
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled inside for that salty, nutty Caesar kick
• 1/4 cup Caesar dressing: Creamy and tangy, this balances the heat perfectly
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, thinly shredded: Adds a fresh crunch that cuts through the richness
• 8 slices sturdy country bread or sourdough: Something hearty that won't get soggy from the filling
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: For spreading on the outside to achieve that golden crust

Instructions

Mix batters, prep ingredients, grate vegetables, and store leftovers easily during baking and everyday cooking.

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Prep the buffalo chicken:

In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and melted butter until every piece is evenly coated and vibrant orange

Assemble the base:

Lay out all your bread slices and spread Caesar dressing on one side of each piece, like you're making regular grilled cheese

Build the sandwiches:

On four slices, layer provolone first, then the buffalo chicken, followed by shredded lettuce, Parmesan, and another slice of provolone

Close them up:

Top each with the remaining bread slices, Caesar side facing in, then spread softened butter on the outside of both sides

Get your pan ready:

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until a drop of water sizzles and dances across the surface

Grill to perfection:

Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with your spatula, until the bread is deeply golden and cheese is oozing out the sides

Serve immediately:

Let them rest for just a minute so the cheese sets slightly, then slice diagonally and drizzle with extra buffalo sauce

Save

These sandwiches have become my go-to when friends come over for casual dinners, because everyone can customize their own heat level. Last month my friend who claims she hates spicy food took one bite and immediately asked for the recipe, then made them for her family the very next weekend. There's something about that first bite, when the crunch meets the heat meets the creamy Caesar, that makes people pause and really pay attention to what they're eating.

Choosing Your Bread

I've tested this with everything from white bread to ciabatta, and sourdough or sturdy country bread wins every time. You need something with structural integrity, because the filling is substantial and wet ingredients can make softer bread turn soggy fast. A thick cut sourdough with a good crust will hold everything together while still getting perfectly golden and crisp on the outside.

Cheese Strategy

Provolone melts like a dream but mozzarella gives you those incredible cheese pulls we all love in grilled cheese. I've used cheddar before and it's delicious, but sharper cheeses sometimes compete with the buffalo sauce instead of complementing it. The key is using two slices per sandwich so every bite has that perfect cheese-to-filling ratio.

Make It Your Own

Once you've got the basic method down, these sandwiches are incredibly forgiving to customization. My brother adds pickled red onions for extra tang, while my sister mixes celery ribs into her buffalo chicken for crunch. You can adjust the buffalo sauce amount depending on your spice tolerance, or use a mild wing sauce if you're feeding kids.

• Try blue cheese dressing instead of Caesar if you want to lean into the wing flavors
• Add bacon or sliced turkey to make it even more of a meal
• A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on the buttered outside takes it over the top

Serve homemade meals comfortably with sturdy utensils and steak knives for everyday dining and special dinners.

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Save

These sandwiches are the definition of comfort food with a kick, perfect for when you want something familiar but not boring. Serve them alongside a simple green salad or some extra celery sticks and call it dinner.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare the buffalo chicken filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and butter up to 2 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before assembling the sandwiches.

→ What type of bread works best for this sandwich?

Sturdy country bread or sourdough is ideal as they hold up well to the moisture from the buffalo sauce and Caesar dressing. Avoid thin sandwich bread as it may become soggy.

→ Can I make this with store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time and works beautifully. Simply shred it and toss with buffalo sauce and melted butter for consistent flavor.

→ What should I serve alongside this sandwich?

Pair it with crispy fries, a fresh Caesar salad, or pickle spears. A cold lager or light beer complements the spicy buffalo flavors wonderfully.

→ How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while grilling?

Use medium heat and grill for 3-4 minutes per side. Don't increase the temperature as high heat may cause cheese to escape before the bread browns. Gently press the sandwich while cooking.

→ Can I substitute the provolone cheese?

Yes, cheddar offers a sharper flavor, while mozzarella provides extra creaminess. You can also use a blend of cheeses for deeper complexity.