Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches feature juicy, smoky grilled chicken breasts coated in a tangy and spicy buffalo wing sauce, topped with a refreshing grinder-style slaw made from shredded iceberg lettuce, red onion, pepperoncini, and a creamy herb dressing. Served on toasted brioche buns with optional melted cheese and sliced tomatoes, this sandwich is a flavorful and versatile meal perfect for any occasion, offering a lighter alternative to fried buffalo chicken without sacrificing bold flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s)
- 2 tablespoons honey
Sandwich Components
- 4 brioche buns
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Cheese slices (Havarti or Pepperjack)
Grinder Slaw
- 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 6 pepperoncini, sliced
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts using a meat tenderizer to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. If the breasts are large, cut them in half.
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, buffalo wing sauce, and honey. Toss the chicken breasts in this mixture, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 48 hours to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Preheat and oil the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and to achieve nice grill marks on the chicken.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once. During the final minutes, brush extra buffalo sauce onto the chicken to caramelize and enhance flavor. If using cheese slices, add them on top of the chicken during the last 1-2 minutes to melt.
- Prepare the grinder slaw: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced pepperoncini. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, dried dill, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mix and toss well to coat.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Toast the brioche buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster. On the bottom bun, layer grilled chicken with melted cheese if used, a generous portion of grinder slaw, and sliced tomatoes. Add mayonnaise if desired. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the sandwiches immediately, paired with your choice of side dishes such as crispy fries, salad, or potato wedges for a complete meal.
Notes
- For even cooking, pounding the chicken to an even thickness is essential.
- Marinate chicken for a minimum of 1 hour but up to 48 hours for best flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent overcooking.
- Customize the sandwich by using different cheeses such as blue cheese or sharp cheddar, or different bun types like ciabatta or gluten-free options.
- Adjust heat by varying the amount of cayenne pepper and buffalo sauce or omitting pepperoncini for a milder slaw.
- Grilling gives a smoky flavor and healthier cooking compared to frying but air frying or oven baking are possible alternatives.
- The grinder slaw adds refreshing crunch and balances the spicy chicken perfectly.
- Serve with sides like sweet potato fries, cucumber yogurt salad, or coleslaw for complementary flavors.
Keywords: Buffalo chicken sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, buffalo sauce, grinder slaw, spicy chicken sandwich, brioche buns, summer BBQ, easy weeknight meal
