Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak: The Ultimate Spicy & Cheesy Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your sandwich expectations! Imagine the fiery kick of buffalo chicken, the creamy richness of melted cheese, and the satisfying chew of a perfectly toasted roll, all colliding in one unforgettable bite. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s an experience.

While the classic Philly cheesesteak boasts a long and storied history, the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is a more modern, and arguably more daring, interpretation. It takes the iconic elements of the original and infuses them with the bold, tangy flavors of buffalo wings, a beloved American bar food staple. Think of it as a culinary mashup that celebrates both tradition and innovation.

People adore this dish for its sheer deliciousness and satisfying texture. The spicy buffalo sauce, often made with a blend of hot sauce, butter, and vinegar, provides a thrilling heat that’s balanced by the cool, creamy cheese. The tender, shredded chicken offers a delightful contrast to the slightly crispy roll, creating a symphony of sensations in every mouthful. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing game-day snack, the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is a guaranteed winner. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more!

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 (or more, to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Buffalo Sauce:
• 1 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is recommended)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• For the Cheesesteaks:
• 4 hoagie rolls (about 6-8 inches long)
• 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced
• 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing (or ranch dressing, if preferred)
• 1/4 cup celery, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)

Preparing the Chicken

1. First, we need to get our chicken ready. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
2. Now, slice the chicken breasts thinly against the grain. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. This will make them cook quickly and evenly, and also make them easier to eat in the cheesesteak.
3. In a large bowl, toss the sliced chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. I like to use my hands to really massage the spices in.

Making the Buffalo Sauce

1. While the chicken is marinating (even just for a few minutes helps!), let’s whip up the buffalo sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you want it spicier, add more cayenne pepper. If you want it tangier, add a little more vinegar. If you want it richer, add a touch more melted butter.

Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before adding the vegetables.
2. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers (if using) to the skillet and cook until they are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Stir them occasionally to prevent them from burning. We want them to be nice and tender.
3. Remove the cooked onions and peppers from the skillet and set them aside in a bowl.
4. Add the seasoned chicken to the same skillet and cook until it is cooked through and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to cook the chicken in a single layer, if possible. If you have too much chicken to fit in the skillet at once, cook it in batches.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, add the cooked onions and peppers back to the skillet.
6. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Assembling the Cheesesteaks

1. Now for the best part – assembling the cheesesteaks! Preheat your oven’s broiler.
2. Open up the hoagie rolls and spread a generous amount of blue cheese dressing (or ranch dressing) on the inside of each roll.
3. Divide the buffalo chicken and vegetable mixture evenly among the hoagie rolls.
4. Top each cheesesteak with slices of provolone cheese. Make sure the cheese covers the entire surface of the chicken mixture.
5. Place the cheesesteaks on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly under the broiler.
6. Remove the cheesesteaks from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
7. If desired, sprinkle the cheesesteaks with thinly sliced celery for a little extra crunch and flavor.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the buffalo sauce to control the spice level. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Cheese Options: Provolone cheese is the classic choice for cheesesteaks, but you can also use other cheeses like mozzarella, American, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to your cheesesteaks, such as mushrooms, jalapeños, or banana peppers.
• Bread Options: If you can’t find hoagie rolls, you can use other types of bread, such as French bread or Italian bread. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the filling.
• Make it a Wrap: For a lighter option, you can use large tortillas instead of hoagie rolls to make Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak wraps.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can also make the buffalo chicken in a slow cooker. Simply combine the chicken, buffalo sauce ingredients, and spices in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken with two forks before assembling the cheesesteaks.
• Air Fryer Option: After assembling the cheesesteaks, you can air fry them for a crispy exterior. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Make Ahead: The buffalo chicken mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before assembling the cheesesteaks.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve your Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks with a side of french fries, onion rings, or a simple salad.

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak isn’t just another sandwich; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy, spicy, and savory, all nestled in a warm, toasted roll. The juicy, shredded chicken, the tangy buffalo sauce, the cool ranch dressing, and the melted provolone cheese – it all comes together in a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Trust me, this is one recipe you absolutely need in your repertoire.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, it’s packed with flavor, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or something to impress your friends at a barbecue, this Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak delivers every single time. It’s a step up from your average sandwich, offering a satisfying and exciting meal that’s both comforting and a little bit adventurous. The combination of textures and tastes is simply irresistible. The slight kick from the buffalo sauce is perfectly balanced by the creamy ranch and the gooey cheese, creating a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to make it your own. For a spicier kick, try using a hotter buffalo sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a less spicy sauce or add a touch of honey to the ranch dressing.

Here are a few serving suggestions and variations to get you started:

* Serving Suggestions: Serve your Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak with a side of crispy fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad. It also pairs perfectly with a cold beer or a refreshing glass of lemonade. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of coleslaw or potato salad.
* Variations:

* Blue Cheese Twist: Substitute the ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a bolder, tangier flavor. Crumble some extra blue cheese on top for an extra punch.
* Veggie Boost: Add some sautéed bell peppers and onions to the cheesesteak for added flavor and nutrients.
* Spicy Ranch: Mix a little bit of buffalo sauce into your ranch dressing for a spicy kick.
* Chicken Tender Sub Version: Use crispy chicken tenders instead of shredded chicken for a different texture.
* Make it a Wrap: Skip the roll and wrap the filling in a large tortilla for a lighter option.
* Pizza Style: Use the buffalo chicken mixture as a topping for homemade pizza.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors. The possibilities are endless!

I’m confident that you’ll love this Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak as much as I do. It’s a recipe that I keep coming back to time and time again, and I know it will become a favorite in your household too.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I can’t wait to hear about your experience! Please, try this recipe and share your photos and feedback in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. Your input is invaluable, and I’m always looking for new ways to improve and refine my recipes. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak!

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