Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak

Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is a fiery, flavor-packed twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak. Instead of the usual beef, this version features juicy, thinly sliced chicken smothered in a spicy buffalo sauce, layered with melted cheese, and loaded onto a soft, toasted hoagie roll. Every bite delivers a delicious contrast of creamy, tangy, spicy, and cheesy goodness, making it an irresistible option for lunch, dinner, or game-day feasts.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves buffalo wings but craves the heartiness of a cheesesteak. The chicken is seared to perfection, tossed in buffalo sauce, and complemented with caramelized onions, peppers, and a generous drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. The combination of flavors and textures makes this sandwich bold, messy, and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak

• Spicy and Savory – The perfect mix of buffalo heat and melty cheese.

• Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.

• Customizable – Adjust the spice level, choose your favorite cheese, and add extra toppings.

• Perfect for Game Day – A fantastic handheld meal that pairs well with fries or a cold drink.

• Great for Meal Prep – Cook the chicken in advance for easy sandwich assembly later.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Yield: 4 sandwiches

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 520

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Protein: 42g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 5g

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak

Chicken and Seasoning:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Buffalo Sauce and Cheese:

• ⅓ cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot or preferred brand)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 slices provolone or white American cheese

Vegetables and Bread:

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 4 hoagie rolls, lightly toasted

Toppings (Optional):

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing

• Sliced pickles

• Extra buffalo sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Thinly slice the chicken breasts into small strips. In a bowl, toss the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers for 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In the same skillet, add the seasoned chicken strips. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly golden.

Step 4: Add the Buffalo Sauce

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the butter and buffalo sauce. Mix until the chicken is fully coated and the sauce is heated through.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Place slices of provolone or white American cheese over the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble the Cheesesteaks

Slice the hoagie rolls and lightly toast them. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each roll and top with the sautéed onions and peppers.

Step 7: Add Toppings and Serve

Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing, add extra buffalo sauce if desired, and serve immediately.

Ingredient Background

Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak combines classic cheesesteak elements with the bold flavors of buffalo chicken. Every ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and texture.

Chicken: The Heart of the Sandwich

Chicken is the base of this cheesesteak, offering a lighter alternative to beef while still delivering rich flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best since they cook quickly and absorb seasonings well. For an even more tender texture, some cooks prefer chicken thighs, which have slightly more fat and juiciness.

Thinly slicing the chicken is essential. This ensures quick, even cooking and allows it to mimic the texture of traditional cheesesteak meat. To make slicing easier, partially freeze the chicken for 20 minutes before cutting it into thin strips.

Buffalo Sauce: The Bold and Spicy Kick

Buffalo sauce is what makes this sandwich stand out. It’s typically made from hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and seasonings, creating a perfect blend of tangy heat and richness. Frank’s RedHot is the go-to choice for an authentic buffalo flavor, but any brand will work. For a homemade version, mix equal parts hot sauce and melted butter with a dash of garlic powder.

To control the spice level:

• Mild: Use extra butter or mix buffalo sauce with ranch dressing.

• Medium: Use a standard buffalo sauce recipe.

• Hot: Add cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce.

Cheese: The Creamy Contrast

A good cheesesteak must have melty, gooey cheese, and provolone is the classic choice. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with buffalo sauce. White American cheese is another excellent option, offering a creamier texture. If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, pepper jack adds extra spice, while cheddar provides sharpness.

Bread: The Underrated Star

The bread is just as important as the filling. Hoagie rolls (also known as sub rolls) should be soft on the inside with a slightly crisp crust. Toasting the roll lightly before assembling helps it hold up against the saucy filling. If you prefer a softer bite, skip toasting and let the buffalo sauce soak into the bread for extra flavor.

Technique Tips for Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak

A great Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak depends on technique. Here are some pro tips to ensure success.

Mastering the Chicken Cooking Process

Thinly sliced chicken cooks fast, so high heat is key to searing it properly. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this causes the chicken to steam instead of brown. Cooking in batches ensures each piece gets golden edges for maximum flavor.

To keep the chicken juicy, don’t overcook it. As soon as the strips turn opaque and reach 165°F, remove them from the heat. The buffalo sauce will add extra moisture, so dry chicken is never a concern.

Achieving the Perfect Cheese Melt

Rather than mixing cheese into the chicken, let it melt on top for that classic cheesesteak feel. Once the chicken is cooked and tossed in buffalo sauce, place cheese slices over the top, cover the pan, and let the heat do the work. This prevents the cheese from burning while keeping it extra gooey.

For a restaurant-style melt, finish the sandwich under a broiler for 1-2 minutes after assembling. This adds a final layer of texture and blends the cheese into the chicken.

Building the Ultimate Cheesesteak

To keep the sandwich from getting soggy, always layer the vegetables under the chicken. The sautéed onions and peppers act as a barrier, preventing the bread from absorbing too much sauce too quickly. If you like extra sauce, drizzle it on top just before serving rather than mixing it into the chicken.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is already a winner, but there are plenty of ways to get creative with the presentation.

Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Sliders

For party-friendly portions, use slider buns instead of hoagie rolls. Prepare the chicken as usual, then assemble mini sandwiches. Place them in a baking dish, brush the tops with garlic butter, and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes for a warm, melty finish.

Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Wrap

For a lighter take, swap the hoagie roll for a large tortilla. Fill with buffalo chicken, cheese, and veggies, then wrap tightly. Grill on a skillet for a crisp outer shell, or eat it as a soft wrap.

Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Bowl

Skip the bread entirely and turn this into a low-carb meal. Serve the buffalo chicken over a bed of rice, quinoa, or even roasted cauliflower. Top with cheese, sautéed vegetables, and a drizzle of ranch for a balanced meal.

Freezing and Storing Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak

Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated for later.

Storing in the Refrigerator

If you have leftovers, store the chicken mixture separately from the bread. Place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Store the hoagie rolls at room temperature to prevent them from getting too hard.

Freezing for Future Meals

Buffalo chicken freezes well. To freeze:

1. Cook the chicken and toss it in buffalo sauce.

2. Let it cool completely.

3. Store in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Reheating Without Drying Out

For best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet with a splash of buffalo sauce to restore moisture. If using a microwave, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second bursts to prevent dryness.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak can be adjusted for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.

Leaner Protein Choices

If you want a lower-fat option, use ground chicken or turkey instead of sliced chicken breast. These proteins cook quickly and absorb buffalo sauce just as well.

Whole Wheat or Low-Carb Bread

For a fiber boost, choose whole wheat hoagie rolls instead of white. If you’re cutting carbs, opt for lettuce wraps or a keto-friendly tortilla instead of bread.

Lightened-Up Sauces

Buffalo sauce is naturally low in calories, but ranch and blue cheese dressings can add extra fat. To lighten them up, mix ranch with Greek yogurt for added protein and a creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is a crowd-pleaser that fits many occasions.

Game Day Feasts

Buffalo flavors and sports go hand in hand. Serve these cheesesteaks alongside fries, onion rings, or chips and dip for the ultimate game-day spread. Offer extra hot sauce for those who like extra heat.

Family Dinners

For a casual family meal, pair the cheesesteak with a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the spice. Serving everything family-style allows everyone to customize their sandwiches.

Party Buffets

Make a large batch of buffalo chicken and set up a build-your-own cheesesteak bar with different cheeses, toppings, and condiments. Guests can assemble their sandwiches exactly how they like them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Shred the rotisserie chicken and toss it with warm buffalo sauce before assembling.

2. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Provolone, white American, or pepper jack work best.

3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook the chicken with buffalo sauce on low for 4 hours, then shred.

4. How do I make it extra spicy?

Add cayenne pepper or use an extra-hot buffalo sauce.

5. What’s a good side dish for this sandwich?

French fries, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad pair perfectly.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store the cooked chicken and reheat before assembling.

7. Do I have to use a hoagie roll?

No, you can use ciabatta, baguettes, or even pita bread.

8. Can I make this without butter?

Yes, replace it with olive oil or omit it for a lighter version.

9. What’s the best way to toast the bread?

Brush with butter and toast in a skillet or under a broiler.

10. Can I use grilled chicken instead?

Absolutely! Grilled buffalo chicken adds a smoky flavor.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is a delicious, spicy, and cheesy twist on the classic sandwich. Whether for a quick meal, game-day snack, or party platter, this recipe delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures every time. Try it today and experience the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch!

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