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This Buffalo Chicken Ranch Grilled Cheese is my ace in the hole whenever comfort food cravings hit It takes everything you love about spicy creamy chicken wings and wraps it up between layers of gooey melted cheese and perfectly crisp bread With only a handful of ingredients and a twenty minute cook time it is hard to beat for a quick lunch or a satisfying weeknight dinner
After making this for a football party and watching everyone race back for seconds it quickly became our game day tradition
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: Adds lean protein and soaks up Buffalo flavor Use freshly poached or rotisserie for best results
- Frank's RedHot buffalo sauce: The classic choice for authentic Buffalo heat Look for original for the right balance of tang and heat
- Ranch dressing: Brings cool creamy tang that balances the spice Choose a thick creamy variety for best spreadability
- Sourdough bread: Sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without getting soggy Choose slices with good structure for grilling
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives big cheesy flavor and melts beautifully Look for a block and shred it yourself
- Muenster cheese: Melts into a creamy blanket adding mild richness Always use freshly sliced for stretch factor
- Butter: Creates that crispy golden crust on the bread Pick a quality unsalted butter for taste and control
- Extra ranch dressing: Amp up the ranch factor by spreading on the inside for extra flavor pop
Step by Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Combine shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce in a bowl Stir well so every piece is coated and absorbs the tangy spicy flavor
- Prep the Bread:
- Spread a generous amount of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread This is what ensures a golden crispy crunch as it grills
- Spread the Ranch:
- Flip two slices of bread so the unbuttered side faces up Spread a layer of ranch dressing on each for creaminess in every bite
- Layer the Cheeses:
- Sprinkle sharp cheddar over the ranch layer Cover every inch for full coverage and maximum cheese pull
- Add the Buffalo Chicken:
- Pile the spicy chicken mixture on top of the cheddar You want a hearty layer without overcrowding Keep it even from edge to edge
- Top With More Cheese:
- Lay slices of Muenster over the chicken The double cheese melts together for a gooey center
- Assemble and Close:
- Place the remaining bread slices on top making sure the buttered side faces out This locks in all the fillings and ensures both sides grill up golden
- Grill the Sandwich:
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium low Lay in the sandwiches and cook for two to three minutes per side Go slow and steady for deeply golden bread and fully melted cheese
- Rest and Slice:
- Remove sandwiches from the pan Let them sit for a minute before slicing This sets the cheese and helps avoid a molten mess
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I absolutely love how the combination of sharp cheddar and Muenster creates that perfect stretchy pull My kids still talk about the first time I served this on a snow day when it quickly vanished from the table
Storage Tips
Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to two days Warm on a skillet over low heat to crisp up the bread again or bake at a low temperature in the oven If you want to prep ahead just keep the filling and bread separate until grilling to avoid sogginess
Ingredient Substitutions
No sourdough Try multigrain or thick sliced country bread Want it spicier Add more Buffalo sauce or sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne Prefer a different cheese Pepper jack brings a nice kick or mozzarella adds extra melt
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Serving Suggestions
Pair with carrot and celery sticks for a nod to classic Buffalo wings or serve with a cup of creamy tomato soup for a cozy meal These sandwiches also make great sliders for game day spreads
Cultural Context
Buffalo chicken and ranch dressing are an iconic American combination that started in sports bars and wing joints The blended flavors of tangy heat and cool creaminess create that craveable taste which inspired this hearty grilled cheese twist
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best?
Sourdough is ideal for its sturdy texture and tang, but any hearty sliced bread holds up well on the skillet.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut—just shred it before tossing with buffalo sauce.
- → Which cheese melts best in this sandwich?
Combining sharp cheddar and Muenster ensures a creamy melt and robust flavor, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella also work.
- → Is it possible to make this less spicy?
Absolutely—reduce or substitute buffalo sauce with a milder hot sauce to control the heat level.
- → Can I prepare ahead for busy days?
You can mix the chicken with buffalo sauce in advance and assemble sandwiches right before grilling.
- → What pairs well as a side?
Serve with crunchy veggie sticks, a simple salad, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.