These Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are the ultimate BBQ comfort food, packed with flavor and just the right amount of spice. The smoky grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy and tangy buffalo sauce, and the grinder-style slaw adds a refreshing crunch that complements every bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just craving a delicious weeknight meal, this sandwich is a crowd-pleaser.
You can customize the toppings to suit your preferences, adding anything from extra cheese to pickles or onions. Serve these sandwiches with crispy fries, potato chips, or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal. It’s simple, yet bursting with flavor, making it the perfect go-to sandwich for any occasion.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
2 teaspoons kosher salt
-
2 teaspoons paprika
-
2 teaspoons garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
-
1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s)
-
2 tablespoons honey
-
4 brioche buns
-
1 tomato, sliced
-
Cheese slices (Havarti or Pepperjack)
Grinder Slaw:
-
4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
-
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
-
6 pepperoncini, sliced
-
1/3 cup mayonnaise
-
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
-
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
kosher salt
-
freshly cracked pepper
Directions:
-
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness using a meat tenderizer. If large, cut them in half.
-
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, spices, buffalo sauce, and honey. Toss chicken in the mixture, cover, and marinate for at least 1 hour (up to 48 hours).
-
Preheat grill to medium-high heat, oil the grill grates, and grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side. Flip and brush with more buffalo sauce, allowing it to caramelize.
-
If using cheese, add it during the final minutes to melt over the chicken.
-
Assemble sandwiches on toasted brioche buns with grilled chicken, grinder slaw, sliced tomatoes, and optional mayo.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origins of Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Buffalo chicken sandwiches have their roots in the famous Buffalo wings from Buffalo, New York. The wings were invented in 1964 by Teressa Bellissimo, who served deep-fried wings coated in a spicy sauce made from butter and hot sauce. The dish quickly became popular, leading to the creation of variations, including the Buffalo chicken sandwich, which swaps the wings for boneless chicken breasts or thighs.
The Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich takes this iconic concept even further by using grilled chicken instead of fried, offering a healthier option without sacrificing the bold and spicy flavors. The grilled version adds a smoky depth to the chicken, making it a great option for those who enjoy grilling or prefer a lighter preparation method.
Why Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are Perfect for Any Occasion
These sandwiches are perfect for any occasion due to their simplicity, versatility, and robust flavor profile. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a quick weeknight meal, the Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is sure to please a crowd. The grilled chicken, combined with tangy buffalo sauce and a refreshing grinder-style slaw, creates a balanced and satisfying meal that is both rich and refreshing. Moreover, the sandwich can be customized to cater to different dietary preferences and tastes, making it a crowd-pleaser for both spicy food lovers and those who prefer a milder version.
The Role of the Grill in Enhancing the Flavor
Grilling the chicken plays a key role in the flavor development of this sandwich. While the classic Buffalo chicken sandwich might involve frying the chicken, grilling imparts a smoky flavor that complements the spicy buffalo sauce. The charred marks from the grill add texture, depth, and an irresistible smoky aroma, which balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce.
Additionally, grilling is a healthier cooking method compared to frying. It allows the fat to drip away from the chicken, making the dish a lighter option without compromising on taste. The result is a juicy, tender chicken breast that holds up beautifully on a bun.
Cooking Tips for Juicy Grilled Chicken
One of the most important aspects of making a delicious Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender. To achieve this, there are a few essential steps to follow. First, pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial. Chicken breasts are often thicker on one side, which can lead to uneven cooking. By gently pounding the chicken with a meat tenderizer, you ensure that the chicken cooks evenly, preventing the thinner part from drying out.
Marinating the chicken is another key tip. The buffalo sauce marinade not only imparts flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least an hour—or even longer—ensures that the meat absorbs all the spices and sauce, leading to a more flavorful and juicy result. The marinade also helps the chicken to stay moist while grilling.
Lastly, don’t overcook the chicken! Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. A meat thermometer is an excellent tool to ensure that the chicken reaches the ideal internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it remains juicy and cooked through without being overdone.
The Grinder-Style Slaw: A Perfect Topping for the Sandwich
What truly sets the Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich apart is the addition of the grinder-style slaw. This slaw is inspired by the viral grinder salad sandwiches that have gained popularity on TikTok. It’s made from a mix of shredded iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onions, pepperoncini, and a tangy dressing of mayo, red wine vinegar, and dried herbs. The slaw adds a cool, crunchy texture that perfectly complements the spicy and smoky grilled chicken.
The freshness of the slaw balances the heat from the buffalo sauce, making each bite more refreshing and satisfying. The creamy mayo-based dressing adds richness, while the vinegar and pepperoncini provide a tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Customizing Your Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. For example, while brioche buns are a classic choice for this sandwich, you can opt for other types of buns like ciabatta, sourdough, or gluten-free options for a different flavor and texture.
In terms of cheese, the recipe calls for Havarti or Pepper Jack, but you can easily substitute your favorite cheese. For an extra creamy and flavorful sandwich, try using blue cheese or a sharp cheddar. The cheese adds a rich and melty texture that perfectly complements the spicy chicken and slaw.
If you like extra heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of extra hot sauce. Alternatively, for those who prefer a milder sandwich, you can skip the pepperoncini in the slaw and use a mild buffalo sauce or even a homemade version with less heat.
What to Serve with Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are hearty on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can elevate the meal even further. Traditional sides like crispy fries or potato chips are a natural choice, adding a salty and crunchy contrast to the tender sandwich.
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, sweet potato fries or sumac potato wedges can provide a slightly sweet and earthy flavor that complements the spicy chicken. For a more refreshing option, serve the sandwich with a cucumber yogurt salad or a classic coleslaw. A side of boiled corn on the cob or a creamy potato salad also pairs well with the bold flavors of the sandwich.
For a light and healthy touch, consider pairing the sandwich with a fresh green salad, perhaps with a simple lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sandwich.
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches for Any Season
Although these sandwiches are perfect for summer BBQs and cookouts, they can be enjoyed year-round. Grilling the chicken outdoors during warmer months is ideal, but if you’re craving this sandwich during the colder months, you can easily make it indoors with a grill pan or even bake the chicken in the oven. Air-frying is another option that can replicate the grilled effect while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
Conclusion: A Delicious, Easy, and Versatile Sandwich
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are a perfect combination of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors that are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. The juicy grilled chicken, flavorful buffalo sauce, and crunchy grinder-style slaw create a balanced and satisfying meal that can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you’re serving them at a BBQ or enjoying them for a casual dinner, these sandwiches offer the perfect blend of heat, flavor, and texture. With easy-to-follow tips for grilling the chicken and customizing the toppings, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for any occasion.
Enjoy these sandwiches with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal, and don’t forget to experiment with different cheeses, toppings, and buns to make this sandwich your own. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself, Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are guaranteed to impress with their bold flavors and satisfying crunch.