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 wings colliding head-on with the cheesy, savory goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak. It’s a culinary mashup of epic proportions, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

While the traditional Philly cheesesteak boasts a rich history rooted in the heart of Philadelphia, the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is a more modern, playful interpretation. It takes the iconic elements of the original – thinly sliced meat, melted cheese, and a soft roll – and infuses them with the bold, tangy flavors of buffalo chicken. Think of it as a delicious tribute to two American comfort food staples!

What makes this sandwich so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The tender, juicy chicken, coated in a spicy buffalo sauce, is beautifully complemented by the creamy, melted cheese and the satisfying chew of the roll. The heat from the buffalo sauce is tempered by the richness of the cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize to your liking – add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for an extra layer of deliciousness. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing game-day snack, this Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is guaranteed to be a winner!

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 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, if preferred)
• 1/4 cup celery, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook evenly and quickly.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the flattened chicken breasts. Make sure every part of the chicken is covered with the seasoning.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed to shred the chicken quickly.

Making the Buffalo Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Be careful not to burn the butter.
2. Combine the Ingredients: Once the butter is melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the hot sauce, white vinegar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk everything together until well combined.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Return the saucepan to low heat and simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Assembling the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks:

1. Sauté the Onions: While the buffalo sauce is simmering, heat the vegetable oil in a separate large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and lightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the buffalo sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
3. Add Chicken to Onions: Add the buffalo chicken to the skillet with the onions. Stir to combine.
4. Prepare the Rolls: While the chicken is heating, lightly toast the hoagie rolls if desired. This will help prevent them from getting soggy.
5. Assemble the Cheesesteaks: Open each hoagie roll and place a generous amount of the buffalo chicken and onion mixture inside.
6. Add the Cheese: Top the chicken with slices of provolone cheese. Make sure the cheese covers the entire surface of the chicken.
7. Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled cheesesteaks under a broiler for a minute or two, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch them carefully to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
8. Add the Toppings: Remove the cheesesteaks from the broiler or skillet. Drizzle with blue cheese dressing (or ranch dressing) and sprinkle with thinly sliced celery (if using).
9. Serve Immediately: Serve the buffalo chicken cheesesteaks immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak isn’t just another sandwich; it’s an experience! The perfect blend of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken creates a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, making it a must-try for any weeknight dinner or weekend gathering. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll understand why I’m so excited about it.

But don’t just take my word for it! The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone is a classic, but Monterey Jack or even a sharp cheddar would add a unique twist. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some crumbled blue cheese on top – the tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the buffalo sauce.

Looking for serving suggestions? This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Crispy fries, onion rings, or a simple coleslaw are all excellent choices. For a lighter option, serve it with a side salad dressed with a creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try cutting the cheesesteak into smaller pieces and serving it as an appetizer with celery sticks and carrot sticks for dipping.

Want to kick up the heat? Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce or use a hotter variety of hot sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, use a less spicy buffalo sauce or add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cheesesteak. You can even grill the chicken for a smoky flavor.

For those who are watching their carb intake, consider serving the Buffalo Chicken mixture over a bed of lettuce or in a low-carb wrap. You can also use cauliflower rice as a base for a healthier and equally delicious meal.

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 the kind of meal that brings people together, sparks conversation, and leaves everyone feeling satisfied. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a spicy kick!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed. This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is a game-changer, and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create and share delicious recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking! I’m excited to see your creations!

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