Buffalo Chicken Caesar Grilled Cheese

My neighbor once knocked on my door at noon holding a bottle of hot sauce and a confused look. She'd seen a recipe online, tried making it, and couldn't figure out why it tasted flat. I invited her in, pulled out some leftover rotisserie chicken, and we threw together what became this sandwich. The moment that first bite hit, spicy and creamy and crunchy all at once, she just laughed and said she was never making regular grilled cheese again.

I made these for a game night once, cutting them into halves and stacking them on a board. They disappeared faster than the actual wings I'd ordered. One friend, who never eats sandwiches because she says they're boring, went back for seconds and asked if I'd cater her birthday. I didn't, but I did write the recipe down on a napkin for her, and she still texts me photos every time she makes it.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breast, shredded: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here, it's already seasoned and tender, and you skip the whole cooking step.
• Buffalo sauce: Don't be shy with this, it's what gives the sandwich its personality, and a little extra for drizzling at the end makes all the difference.
• Unsalted butter, melted: This helps the buffalo sauce cling to the chicken and adds a silky richness that balances the heat.
• Provolone or mozzarella cheese: Both melt beautifully and stay creamy without getting greasy, provolone has a bit more tang if you want that.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: It adds a salty, nutty layer that makes the whole thing taste more complex than it actually is.
• Caesar dressing: Use the good stuff, not the watery kind, because it's doing double duty as flavor and moisture.
• Romaine lettuce, thinly shredded: It brings a fresh crunch that cuts through all the richness and keeps the sandwich from feeling too heavy.
• Sturdy country bread or sourdough: You need something that can hold up to all the filling and the heat without turning into mush.
• Unsalted butter, softened: This goes on the outside for that golden, crispy crust that makes grilled cheese worth eating.

Instructions

Coat the chicken:

In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and melted butter until every piece is slicked and glossy. The butter helps the sauce stick and keeps the chicken from drying out when it hits the heat.

Prep the bread:

Lay out all eight slices and spread Caesar dressing evenly on one side of each. Don't skimp, this is the creamy backbone of the whole sandwich.

Build the layers:

On four slices, start with a slice of provolone, then pile on the buffalo chicken, a handful of shredded lettuce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Top with another slice of provolone to lock everything in.

Close and butter:

Press the remaining bread slices on top, Caesar side down, then spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich. This is what gives you that crispy, golden shell.

Grill to perfection:

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and grill the sandwiches for three to four minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula. You want the bread deep gold and the cheese fully melted and oozing.

Finish and serve:

Let them cool for a minute so you don't burn your mouth, then slice and serve. Drizzle extra buffalo sauce on top if you like things spicy.

Pin it

There's something about the way the buffalo heat sneaks up on you, then gets smoothed out by the Caesar and the cheese. My brother, who claims he hates anything spicy, ate two of these without complaining once. I didn't say anything, but I did notice he grabbed the hot sauce bottle on his way out, so I think I converted him.

Making It Your Own

If you want more crunch, toss in some thinly sliced red onion or celery before you close the sandwich. I've also swapped provolone for sharp cheddar when I'm feeling bold, and it turns the whole thing a little more intense. Once I added pickled jalapeños because I had them open in the fridge, and it became my favorite version for a few weeks straight.

What to Serve Alongside

These are rich, so I usually keep the sides simple. A handful of kettle chips, a small Caesar salad, or even just some crunchy pickles work perfectly. If you're drinking, a crisp lager or a light wheat beer cuts through the richness without competing. I've also served them with celery sticks and ranch, which felt a little silly but tasted exactly right.

Storage and Leftovers

Honestly, these don't last long enough to worry about storage, but if you do have extras, wrap them in foil and reheat in a skillet over low heat. The microwave will make them soggy, and nobody wants that. You can also prep the buffalo chicken mixture ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to three days, then assemble and grill fresh when you're ready.

• Store any leftover filling separately from the bread to keep things from getting mushy.
• If you're meal prepping, wrap uncooked sandwiches tightly and freeze them, then grill straight from frozen over low heat.
• Leftover Caesar dressing keeps for a week and works great on actual salads or as a dip for veggies.

Pin it

This sandwich has pulled me out of more what's for dinner slumps than I can count. It's messy, it's satisfying, and it never gets old.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of bread works best for this sandwich?

Sturdy country bread or sourdough are ideal choices because they hold up well to grilling and won't fall apart when loaded with fillings. The thickness and structure prevent sogginess while creating that crispy golden exterior.

→ Can I prepare the buffalo chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and butter up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then assemble and grill the sandwiches fresh when ready to serve.

→ What's the best way to prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Layer the provolone cheese first against the bread before adding the buffalo chicken mixture. This creates a seal that helps contain the other ingredients. Grill over medium heat rather than high to allow the cheese to melt gradually without rushing.

→ How can I make this sandwich spicier?

Use a hotter buffalo sauce variety, increase the amount of buffalo sauce coating the chicken, or add sliced jalapeños to the filling. You can also mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the Caesar dressing for extra heat.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with this sandwich?

A crisp Caesar salad, coleslaw, or fresh vegetable sticks pair perfectly. For beverages, serve with a cold lager, crisp white wine, or iced tea to complement the bold buffalo and creamy Caesar flavors.

→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves preparation time. Simply shred the chicken and toss it with the buffalo sauce and melted butter following the same instructions.