Buffalo Chicken Ranch Grilled Cheese

The first time I made these, my brother took one bite and immediately asked if I could double the batch for his poker night. There is something almost dangerous about how quickly four grown men can demolish what was supposed to be a quick lunch.

Last winter my neighbor caught the smell drifting through our shared hallway and knocked on my door thinking I had ordered takeout. She could not believe something this indulgent came from a frying pan instead of a delivery bag.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and saves so much time on prep
• 1/3 cup buffalo sauce: Franks RedHot is the classic choice but use whatever hot sauce you keep in your pantry
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted: This helps the buffalo sauce cling to every shred of chicken
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated: The sharpness cuts through the richness of everything else
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated: Totally optional but that extra melt factor is worth it
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing: The cool creaminess that balances all that spicy heat
• 8 slices sourdough or hearty white bread: Sourdough holds up better than softer breads when piled with ingredients
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Room temperature butter spreads so much more evenly
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions: Fresh onion on top adds a little pop of color and bite

Instructions

Toss the chicken:

Mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and melted butter until every piece is coated in that orange glaze

Prep the bread:

Spread a thin layer of ranch on one side of each bread slice

Build the sandwiches:

Layer half the cheddar, the buffalo chicken, mozzarella if using, then the remaining cheddar on four slices

Close them up:

Top with the remaining bread slices ranch side down

Butter the exterior:

Spread softened butter on the outside of both sides of each sandwich

Grill to perfection:

Cook in a hot skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and melty

Finish and serve:

Slice in half, sprinkle with green onions, and eat while still hot

Pin It

My daughter requested these for her birthday lunch instead of cake. That is the kind of endorsement that matters more than any restaurant review.

Making It Your Own

Blue cheese dressing instead of ranch creates this incredible sharp contrast to the sweet heat of the buffalo sauce.

The Bread Choice

Sourdough gives you that crispy crunch that holds up under all those toppings while white bread stays classic and nostalgic.

Serving Ideas

Celery sticks on the side make everything feel complete. Something cool and crisp alongside all that warmth.

• A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness
• Extra ranch on the side never hurt anyone
• These reheat surprisingly well in a toaster oven

Pin It

Four sandwiches never seems like enough once people get their first taste. Maybe make an extra one just in case.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best?

Sourdough or hearty white bread holds up well to grilling and provides sturdy support for the generous filling. Avoid soft sandwich bread that may become soggy.

→ Can I make the buffalo chicken ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the buffalo chicken mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before assembling for even melting.

→ How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?

Ensure your chicken isn't overly saucy, spread ranch thinly, and grill immediately after assembly. The butter on the outside creates a protective barrier that keeps the bread crisp.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves prep time. Simply shred about 2 cups of meat, removing skin and bones, then toss with buffalo sauce as directed.

→ What can I serve with these sandwiches?

Celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a crisp green salad provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy sandwich. A side of coleslaw also complements the flavors beautifully.

→ How spicy are these sandwiches?

The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce choice. Frank's RedHot offers moderate heat suitable for most tastes. Adjust by using more or less sauce, or add jalapeños for extra kick.