If you’re looking to ignite your taste buds with something bold, hearty, and absolutely crave-worthy, then you’ve landed in the right place. This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite Recipe takes the traditional Philly cheesesteak and spins it on its head with tender, buffalo-sauced chicken, melty mozzarella, and that signature kick that buffalo sauce brings. It’s the perfect combination of spicy, savory, and comforting delivered in a toasty hoagie roll that will have you coming back for more with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to bringing this dish to life. Each one plays an important role—from the juicy chicken breasts soaking in a flavorful marinade to the crunchy sautéed veggies and gooey mozzarella that melt beautifully on top. Together, they create layers of taste and texture you won’t want to miss.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the star of the sandwich, providing tender protein that’s easy to shred and soak up the buffalo sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for marinating the chicken and sautéing vegetables, it adds richness and helps meld flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle, savory underpinning to the chicken marinade.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and deepens the overall seasoning profile.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky warmth that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: The fiery, tangy star that gives this recipe its unforgettable spicy twist—feel free to adjust for your preferred heat level.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Softly caramelized to add sweetness and texture.
- 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds a crisp, fresh counterpoint to the spicy chicken.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted to gooey perfection, it binds the ingredients and adds creamy richness.
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub sandwich rolls: Choose sturdy rolls with a soft inside to hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
- Butter for toasting the rolls: Adds a golden, crispy crust and a touch of indulgence.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Begin by pounding the chicken breasts between plastic wrap until they’re about half an inch thick—this helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Mix olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant marinade. Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to soak up all those fabulous flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken with Buffalo Sauce
Heat up your grill or skillet on medium-high, then cook the marinated chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Near the end, brush on buffalo sauce to infuse that fiery, tangy character right into the meat. Once done, give it a few minutes to rest so the juices settle in before shredding it into tender, bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Bell Peppers
While the chicken rests, sauté the thinly sliced onions and green peppers in a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Cook them until they’re soft and a little caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spicy chicken.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Buffalo Sauce
Take the shredded chicken and toss it in the remaining buffalo sauce to ensure each bite is bursting with flavor and just the right amount of heat. This step really elevates the dish beyond a typical cheesesteak.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Cheesesteaks
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise to create a pocket, then butter the outside to ensure a perfectly toasted, golden crust. On a baking sheet arranged open-faced, pile on the buffalo chicken mixture, top with your sautéed veggies, and blanket everything with shredded mozzarella. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. For an extra bubbly finish, switch to broil for the final 2 to 3 minutes but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let the cheesesteaks rest for a minute so they cool slightly but stay glorious and juicy. Serve with extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing on the side for dipping, and get ready to dig into a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can bring a contrast of color and flavor to complement the spicy buffalo chicken. Think crisp celery sticks on the side or a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top for that pop of freshness and a bit of crunch.
Side Dishes
The richness of your Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak deserves a side that balances and rounds out the meal. Classic crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or even a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette are perfect partners. If you want to keep it casual and indulgent, crunchy coleslaw also pairs wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like mixing things up? Try serving the buffalo chicken in warm pita pockets or stuffing it into sweet mini pretzel buns for a fun party twist. You can also turn it into a loaded buffalo chicken platter by layering the ingredients over baked potatoes or crispy tortilla chips for a messy, delicious nacho-style feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak leftovers fresh by storing the components separately, if possible — chicken mixture, sautéed veggies, and rolls. This way, the rolls won’t get soggy and you can maintain the best texture when reheating.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, the buffalo chicken mixture freezes well in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the assembled sandwiches because the rolls might lose their texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and veggies gently in a skillet or microwave, then assemble on a fresh toasted roll with cheese before popping under the broiler briefly to melt and freshen the sandwich. This keeps everything tasting fresh and vibrant, just like the first time.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully and has a mild taste that complements buffalo sauce, provolone or pepper jack are great alternatives if you want a little more smoky or spicy kick.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak?
The heat level primarily depends on your choice of buffalo sauce. You can easily adjust the spice from mild to fiery by choosing a sauce that matches your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe using chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and can add a richer flavor to the sandwich. Just adjust cooking times slightly since thighs may cook a bit faster or slower depending on thickness.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 30 minutes?
While marinating enhances the flavor and tenderness, if you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will add a nice boost. Overnight marination is perfect for deepest flavor penetration.
What can I serve instead of buffalo sauce if I prefer less heat?
If you want to tone down the spice, try substituting buffalo sauce with a tangy BBQ sauce or a mild wing sauce. You’ll still get great flavor with less fire!
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite Recipe—it’s bold, comforting, and downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or a game day crowd, this spicy, cheesy, and perfectly toasted creation is sure to impress and delight. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to recipes for whenever you want to bring that perfect spicy comfort food vibe to your table.
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Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is a flavorful twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, featuring tender grilled chicken breasts marinated in a blend of spices and buffalo sauce, paired with sautéed onions and bell peppers, melted mozzarella cheese, and served in toasted hoagie rolls for a spicy and satisfying sandwich.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Sandwich Components
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub sandwich rolls
- Butter for toasting the rolls
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap to about 1/2 inch thickness for even cooking.
- Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Add chicken breasts to the marinade, coating thoroughly, and let them sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat a grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it is well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Cook Chicken: Grill or sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/75°C), brushing with buffalo sauce during the last few minutes.
- Rest Chicken: Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add onions and bell peppers, sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized, then remove from heat.
- Shred Chicken: Using two forks, shred the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix Chicken with Sauce: Combine shredded chicken with remaining buffalo sauce in a large bowl, mixing well.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for toasting the sandwiches.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice hoagie rolls lengthwise to create pockets and spread butter on the outside of each roll.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Place rolls open side up on a baking sheet, fill each with buffalo chicken mixture, top with sautéed onions and peppers, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and rolls are golden brown.
- Optional Broil: For extra bubbly cheese, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a minute or two. Serve hot with extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, alongside fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C).
- To make this sandwich lower in fat, use a reduced-fat cheese or less butter on the rolls.
- For a crispier roll, you can toast them under the broiler before assembling.
- Keep an eye on the broiler step to avoid burning the cheese.
