Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak: The Ultimate Spicy & Cheesy Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak: Just the name alone conjures up images of saucy, spicy, cheesy goodness, doesn’t it? Forget choosing between a classic Philly cheesesteak and your favorite buffalo wings – with this recipe, you get the best of both worlds in one unbelievably delicious sandwich! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you.

While the exact origins of the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak are a bit hazy, it’s safe to say it’s a relatively modern invention, born from the American love affair with both the iconic Philly cheesesteak and the tangy, fiery flavor of Buffalo chicken wings. The cheesesteak itself, of course, has a rich history in Philadelphia, dating back to the early 20th century. Combining that classic comfort food with the bold kick of Buffalo sauce was simply a stroke of genius!

What makes this Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The tender, juicy chicken, coated in that signature spicy Buffalo sauce, is balanced by the creamy, melted cheese and the soft, slightly chewy roll. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home, making it a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing game day snack. Get ready to experience a sandwich that will quickly become a new favorite!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Buffalo Sauce:
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is recommended)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• For the Cheesesteak:
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
• 4 hoagie rolls
• 8 slices provolone cheese (or your favorite cheese for melting)
• Optional Toppings:
• Blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing
• Chopped celery
• Shredded lettuce

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, we need to get the chicken ready. If your chicken breasts are very thick, I recommend slicing them in half horizontally to make them thinner. This will help them cook faster and more evenly.
2. Now, let’s season the chicken. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together well.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss them to coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture. Make sure every piece is nicely covered.
4. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
5. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
6. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender.
7. Now, it’s time to shred the chicken. You can use two forks to pull it apart, or you can roughly chop it into smaller pieces. I prefer shredding it for a more authentic cheesesteak texture.

Making the Buffalo Sauce:

1. While the chicken is resting, let’s whip up the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
2. Heat the sauce over low heat, stirring constantly, until everything is well combined and the sauce is smooth. This should only take a minute or two.
3. Remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside.

Combining Chicken and Buffalo Sauce:

1. Now, let’s bring the chicken and buffalo sauce together. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the buffalo sauce.
2. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the sauce. Make sure every piece is nicely covered in that delicious buffalo flavor!

Cooking the Onions and Peppers:

1. Next, we’ll prepare the onions and peppers. Heat the olive oil in the same skillet you used to cook the chicken over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet.
3. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly caramelized. This should take about 8-10 minutes. You want them to be tender and flavorful.
4. Season the onions and peppers with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the Cheesesteaks:

1. Now, it’s time to assemble the cheesesteaks! Preheat your oven’s broiler.
2. Open up the hoagie rolls and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Divide the buffalo chicken mixture evenly among the hoagie rolls.
4. Top each cheesesteak with two slices of provolone cheese (or your favorite cheese). Make sure the cheese covers the chicken well.
5. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for a minute or two, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!
6. Remove the cheesesteaks from the oven.
7. Divide the cooked onions and peppers evenly among the cheesesteaks.

Serving:

1. Serve the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks immediately.
2. Optional: Drizzle with blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing, and top with chopped celery and shredded lettuce if desired.
3. Enjoy your delicious and spicy Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak!

Conclusion:

This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak isn’t just another sandwich; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need it in your life. The combination of juicy, shredded chicken, that tangy buffalo sauce kick, and the creamy, melted cheese all nestled in a perfectly toasted roll is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies every craving, from savory to spicy to comforting. I’ve made this countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s game night, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a fun weekend lunch.

But what truly makes this recipe a must-try is its versatility. While the classic version is fantastic on its own, there are so many ways to customize it to your liking. Feeling adventurous? Add a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese for an extra layer of tangy flavor. Want to cool things down a bit? A dollop of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing on top works wonders. For a vegetarian twist, you could easily substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit or even seasoned cauliflower.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Combo: Serve your Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak with a side of crispy fries and a cold drink for the ultimate comfort food experience.
* Salad Sensation: Transform the cheesesteak filling into a delicious salad topping. Simply toss it with mixed greens, chopped celery, carrots, and your favorite dressing.
* Pizza Perfection: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture over pizza dough, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake for a unique and flavorful pizza.
* Quesadilla Creation: Use the filling to create a quick and easy quesadilla. Just spread it between two tortillas with cheese and grill until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
* Spicy Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the heat. For a milder version, use a mild buffalo sauce or mix it with a little ranch dressing. For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
* Cheese Choices: While provolone is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a creamy cheese sauce.
* Bread Options: While a hoagie roll is traditional, you can also use a baguette, ciabatta roll, or even a pretzel roll for a different texture and flavor.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor – everything you could want in a satisfying meal. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to experience the best Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak you’ve ever had.

I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create delicious and easy-to-follow recipes that everyone can enjoy. Happy cooking!

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