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This hearty Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak sandwich transforms traditional Philly cheesesteak flavors with a spicy buffalo twist that delivers an irresistible combination of creamy cheese and tangy heat. The perfect balance of comfort food and bold flavors makes this a weeknight dinner hero.
I first created this recipe when my teenagers had friends over for a game night and needed something filling that would please everyone. The sandwiches disappeared faster than I could make them and now they're requested whenever we have casual gatherings at home.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Thin sliced for faster cooking and more tender results
- Buffalo sauce: The authentic combination of hot sauce and butter creates that classic wing flavor
- Hoagie rolls: With a slightly crisp exterior and soft interior to hold all the fillings
- Provolone cheese: Traditional for cheesesteaks with excellent melting properties
- Blue cheese crumbles: For that authentic buffalo wing flavor experience
- Butter: For toasting the rolls to golden perfection
- Bell peppers and onions: Adds sweetness that balances the spicy sauce
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: For cooling creaminess
- Garlic powder: Enhances all other flavors without overpowering
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the rolls:
- Split hoagie rolls lengthwise without cutting completely through. Brush the inside lightly with melted butter and toast in a 350°F oven for 2 minutes until just beginning to crisp. The toasting creates a moisture barrier that prevents the rolls from getting soggy once filled.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- Cook thinly sliced bell peppers and onions in a tablespoon of butter over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. The natural sweetness of these vegetables creates a perfect contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.
- Cook the chicken:
- Add thinly sliced chicken to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes until no longer pink. Use two spatulas to chop and separate the chicken into smaller pieces while cooking to mimic the texture of a traditional cheesesteak.
- Add the buffalo sauce:
- Pour buffalo sauce over the chicken and vegetables mixture stirring thoroughly to coat every piece. Let it simmer for 2 minutes allowing the flavors to meld together and some of the sauce to reduce and thicken.
- Assemble the sandwiches:
- Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the toasted rolls packing it in firmly. Top each with slices of provolone cheese and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles.
- Melt the cheese:
- Place the assembled sandwiches back in the oven for 3 minutes until cheese is completely melted and bubbly. For an extra golden top broil for the final 30 seconds watching carefully to prevent burning.
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The blue cheese crumbles really make this sandwich special in my opinion. I discovered this trick at a small sandwich shop in Chicago where they mixed the blue cheese directly into the buffalo sauce creating pockets of creamy tanginess throughout the sandwich. My teenage son who usually picks out blue cheese actually loves it prepared this way.
Best Bread Options
The bread you choose makes a significant difference in your Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak experience. Traditional Amoroso rolls from Philadelphia are ideal if you can find them but any good quality hoagie roll with a slightly chewy texture works beautifully. The key is finding bread sturdy enough to hold the saucy filling without falling apart. I prefer rolls with a slightly crusty exterior and soft interior for the perfect textural contrast. Avoid super soft sandwich bread that will quickly become soggy under the weight of the fillings.
Make Ahead Tips
This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak recipe is perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights. You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture up to two days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve simply reheat the mixture in a skillet until warmed through adding a splash of water or additional buffalo sauce if needed to refresh the sauciness. Toast your rolls and assemble the sandwiches just before serving. For family gatherings I often prep everything in advance then set up a sandwich bar allowing everyone to build their own with their preferred amount of cheese and sauce.
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Perfect Pairings
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks call for sides that complement their bold spicy flavor profile. Classic french fries are an obvious choice but sweet potato fries offer a pleasant sweet contrast to the tangy buffalo sauce. A simple side salad with cucumber ranch dressing provides a cool refreshing element that balances the sandwich heat. For a lighter option roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower work surprisingly well. Beverage pairings matter too cold beer specifically a crisp lager or wheat beer cuts through the richness perfectly. For non alcoholic options try lemonade or a citrus soda which provides similar palate cleansing effects against the spicy cheesy goodness.
Spice Level Management
One of the beauties of this recipe is how easily you can adjust the heat level to suit different preferences. For a family with varying spice tolerances I often prepare the basic chicken and vegetable mixture without buffalo sauce then divide it before adding sauce to each portion. Use mild buffalo sauce and less of it for those who prefer gentler heat or mix hot buffalo sauce with a bit of ranch dressing to tame the fire while maintaining flavor. For true heat seekers add a few drops of extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to their portion. Remember that blue cheese helps cool the palate so adding more for those sensitive to spice creates a more balanced experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is the best bread to use?
Choose sturdy hoagie rolls or sub rolls that can hold the fillings securely. Toasting can add a pleasant crunch without making the bread soggy.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the Buffalo chicken mixture ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and toast the sandwiches just before serving.
- → What cheeses work best for this sandwich?
Provolone, mozzarella, and crumbled blue cheese are traditional options. Feel free to experiment with cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for unique twists.
- → How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain the crispy bread texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. Use a vegetarian-friendly Buffalo sauce for a similar kick.