Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Blue Cheese Apple Slaw – The Ultimate Guide
A spicy, smoky twist that balances heat with a crisp, creamy crunch.
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Blue Cheese Apple Slaw
Give your next meal or barbecue an unforgettable twist with grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches finished with a crisp, refreshing blue cheese apple slaw. This guide blends classic buffalo wing flavor into a grilled sandwich that’s just as satisfying as your favorite game-day snacks. From the spicy marinated chicken to the creamy slaw and tangy blue cheese, every bite is packed with contrast and flavor, making this a go-to recipe for summer entertaining or easy weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wing Flavor in Sandwich Form: Satisfies cravings for classic buffalo wings in a convenient handheld form.
- Grilled for Extra Depth: The smoky char from grilling amplifies the spicy buffalo sauce.
- Homemade Blue Cheese Apple Slaw: Creamy, tangy slaw balances the heat and adds a refreshing crunch.
- Quick & Easy Prep: Minimal effort required—perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Table of Contents
- Essential Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Directions
- Serving Tips & Variations
- Nutrition Facts
- Frequently Asked Questions
Essential Ingredients
Below you’ll find a breakdown of every ingredient you need to build the ultimate grilled buffalo chicken sandwich, including both the perfectly balanced marinade and crisp apple slaw topping.
For the Sandwiches
- Hot Sauce: The backbone of all great buffalo recipes (Frank’s Red Hot is especially recommended for its classic flavor and consistency).
- Unsalted Butter: Melted, it softens the heat of the sauce and adds a rich, glossy finish.
- Ketchup: Contributes sweetness and rounds out the tangy buffalo marinade.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The base protein—about 1.5 lbs total.
- Hamburger Buns: Soft buns toasted until lightly golden and sturdy enough to hold all the toppings.
- Ranch Dressing: For spreading on buns, mellowing spice, and adding creaminess.
For Blue Cheese-Apple Slaw
- Savoy Cabbage: Shredded and packed (1 cup) for a tender, slightly sweet slaw base.
- Apple: A small, crisp apple, sliced thin for crunch and subtle tartness.
- Celery Ribs: Thinly sliced, fresh bite and garden aroma.
- Crumbled Blue Cheese: About 1 1/2 oz (1/3 cup); adds creamy tang.
- Flat-Leaf Parsley: Coarsely chopped, adds freshness.
- Shallot: Thinly sliced for a mellow onion flavor.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness to the slaw.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: For tang and to balance blue cheese.
- Sugar: Just enough to temper acidity—1/2 tsp.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Balanced seasoning.
| Component | Key Ingredients | Flavor/Texture Role |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Marinade | Hot Sauce, Butter, Ketchup | Spicy, Tangy, Rich |
| Grilled Chicken | Chicken Breasts | Juicy, Mild Char |
| Slaw Base | Cabbage, Apple, Celery | Crunchy, Refreshing |
| Slaw Dressing | Blue Cheese, Olive Oil, Vinegar | Creamy, Tangy |
| Assembly | Buns, Ranch, Slaw, Chicken | Layered, Balanced |
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Make the Blue Cheese Apple Slaw
- Add shredded cabbage, sliced apple, celery, blue cheese, parsley, and shallot to a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
- Sprinkle in sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Toss everything until slaw is evenly coated and blue cheese is distributed throughout.
- Let the slaw rest while you prepare the chicken—this helps the flavors blend and the cabbage soften just slightly.
2. Marinate the Chicken
- Whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and ketchup in a large bowl.
- Set aside 1/4 cup of this mixture for later drizzling.
- Add chicken breasts to the remaining sauce mixture, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly.
- Marinate for at least 20 minutes for maximum flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Place chicken directly on the grill; cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Optional: For additional flavor, sprinkle with buffalo or barbecue seasoning before grilling.
- While the chicken grills, add hamburger buns to the grill for 1 to 2 minutes, just long enough to toast.
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4. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread a generous layer of ranch dressing on each toasted bun bottom.
- Place grilled buffalo chicken breast on the bun.
- Top with a scoop of blue cheese apple slaw.
- Drizzle reserved buffalo sauce mixture over the chicken and slaw for extra punch.
- Finish with the top half of the bun. Serve immediately for warm, melty, and flavorful results.
Serving Tips & Variations
Make your buffalo chicken sandwiches stand out with these expert tips and popular customizations.
- Cheese Options: Add a slice of provolone or cheddar to each chicken breast for gooey, melty goodness before assembling the sandwich.
- Spicy Add-ons: Increase heat by mixing finely chopped jalapeños into the slaw or drizzling additional hot sauce before closing the sandwich.
- Bread Choices: Swap classic buns for ciabatta, brioche, or multigrain rolls for an artisanal twist.
- Air Fryer Alternative: Use an air fryer for a crispy, less smoky finish if grilling isn’t available.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute with grilled cauliflower or breaded chickpea patties. Use a buffalo-style sauce to marinate and grill as directed.
- Meal Prep: Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor and prep slaw a few hours ahead so flavors meld.
Perfect Pairings
- Serve with sweet potato fries, classic coleslaw, or a crisp garden salad.
- Pair with cold lager, cider, or sparkling lemonade to cool the heat.
- Offer pickles, sliced onions, or extra ranch on the side.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Sandwich (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Sodium | 1500mg |
*Values are estimates and will vary with ingredient brands and quantities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How spicy is this buffalo chicken sandwich?
Most versions use classic hot sauces (like Frank’s Red Hot) which deliver a medium level of heat balanced by butter and ketchup. If you want a milder sandwich, reduce the hot sauce or add extra ranch and slaw.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken or leftovers?
Yes. Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken can be tossed in the buffalo marinade just before grilling or heating, then served as directed.
What’s the ideal grill temperature for chicken?
Medium-high (about 400°F–450°F) is optimal. Chicken cooks through in 5–7 minutes per side, developing nice grill marks without drying out.
What can I substitute for blue cheese in the slaw?
Try feta, goat cheese, or shredded sharp cheddar for a tangy but less pungent alternative.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
- Don’t overcook: Grill just until internal temp hits 165°F.
- Marinate at least 20 minutes (or up to overnight).
- Let chicken rest a few minutes before slicing and assembling.
Is the slaw best served fresh?
Slaw is tastiest after chilling for 20–30 minutes but can be made up to 2 hours ahead. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Pro Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
- Double up marinade: Reserve extra sauce for drizzling—don’t reuse leftover chicken marinade for food safety.
- Toast buns gently: Use grill or oven for 1–2 minutes to prevent sogginess.
- Customize toppings: Add crispy onions, fresh tomato, lettuce, or extra herbs for color and crunch.
- Slice chicken for easy eating: For thick breasts, slice thinly after grilling for more manageable sandwiches.
Recipe Summary Table
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Make Blue Cheese Apple Slaw |
| 2 | Marinate Chicken |
| 3 | Grill Chicken & Buns |
| 4 | Assemble Sandwiches & Serve |
Final Thoughts
Making grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches with blue cheese apple slaw lets you level up crowd-pleasing flavors with simple, fresh ingredients and easy grilling. Whether hosting a summer cookout or planning a weeknight meal, this recipe offers everything: spice, crunch, creaminess, and smoky char. Adjust seasoning, toppings, and slaw details to suit your taste, then enjoy a perfect balance in every bite.
References
- https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a305/grilled-buffalo-chicken-sandwiches-recipe-clx0315/
- https://www.mysequinedlife.com/buffalo-chicken-grilled-cheese/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13DZHeSShD8
- https://www.countrysidecravings.com/grilled-buffalo-chicken-sandwich/
- https://americanmadegrills.com/blogs/recipes/grilled-buffalo-chicken-sandwiches
- https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g417/summer-sandwiches-0807/
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