Name: Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 (like Frank’s brand), plus more for brushing; 2 tablespoons honey; Brioche buns; 1 tomato, sliced; Cheese slices, like Havarti or Pepperjack; 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce; 1/4 red onion, very thinly sliced; 6 pepperoncini, sliced; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon red vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon dried dill; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 5 reviews

If you are craving a sandwich that packs a punch with layers of flavor, texture, and just the right amount of heat, then this Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant buffalo sauce, grilled to perfection, topped with melty cheese, crunchy slaw, and all nestled inside a soft brioche bun. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, creamy, and fresh elements that will light up your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this recipe combines simplicity with bold flavors, making the ultimate grilled buffalo chicken sandwich one you’ll be eager to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds about seven pieces of raw chicken covered evenly in a thick, bright orange marinade mixed with visible chunks of onions and spices. The marinade is smeared along the inside of the bowl, leaving streaks of deep orange and red. The chicken pieces are plump and glossy with the sauce, varying slightly in shape and size, and resting in the center of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, bright and clean, enhancing the vibrant color of the marinade. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe lies in how straightforward yet impactful the ingredients are. Each component plays a vital role, from the perfectly spiced chicken marinated in buffalo sauce and honey, to the crunchy iceberg lettuce slaw, the creamy herbed mayo, and the soft, buttery brioche buns that bring everything together.

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounded evenly for quick, juicy cooking and perfect sandwich fit.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and assists in absorbing the marinade flavors.
2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the savory elements.
2 teaspoons paprika: Adds smokiness and a subtle depth of flavor to the chicken.
2 teaspoons garlic powder: Infuses aromatic savoriness throughout.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Gives a gentle sweetness and complexity.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings that signature kick without overwhelming heat.
1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s brand), plus more for brushing: The star ingredient delivering bold spicy-tangy flavor.
2 tablespoons honey: Balances the heat with a touch of smooth sweetness.
Brioche buns: Soft, slightly sweet bread that holds all the fillings together beautifully.
1 tomato, sliced: Fresh and juicy, adding contrast and color.
Cheese slices, like Havarti or Pepperjack: Melts perfectly and pairs wonderfully with buffalo’s heat.
4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce: Crisp and crunchy to add refreshing texture.
1/4 red onion, very thinly sliced: Sharpness and bite to cut through the richness.
6 pepperoncini, sliced: Adds tangy zest and slight tartness.
1/3 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the tasty slaw dressing.
1 tablespoon red vinegar: Provides bright acidity in the slaw dressing.
1/2 teaspoon dried dill: Brings a subtle herbal note.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory depth in the slaw.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Earthy flavor complementing the buffalo spices.
Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper: To taste, rounding out and seasoning everything perfectly.

How to Make Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by pounding your chicken breasts with a flat meat tenderizer until they reach an even thickness of about 3/4 inch. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. If your breasts are too large, slicing them in half helps them fit comfortably on the buns and into the marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Whisk together olive oil, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, buffalo wing sauce, and honey in a mixing bowl. Toss the chicken in this vibrant marinade so every piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, but feel free to plan ahead and let it marinate up to 48 hours for even deeper flavor infusion.

Step 3: Heat the Grill and Cook the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Whether you’re outdoors or indoors, make sure the cooking surface is prepped and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for 5 minutes on the first side. Flip it over and brush liberally with extra buffalo wing sauce. Cook another 5 minutes, then flip once more and brush the other side with sauce before adding cheese slices on top to melt.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

Remove your perfectly grilled chicken from the heat and transfer it to a plate. Toast the brioche buns lightly to add a touch of crunch and warmth. Spread additional mayo if you like, layer on slices of fresh tomato, add the cheesy buffalo chicken, and top it with the crunchy iceberg lettuce slaw for that perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Step 5: Make the Slaw

In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, red vinegar, dried dill, garlic powder, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Toss this dressing with thinly sliced red onion and pepperoncini, then let it rest for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Add shredded iceberg lettuce just before assembling the sandwiches to keep it crisp and fresh.

How to Serve Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe

A sandwich with four main layers sits on a white marbled surface with a toasted top bun leaning in the foreground. The sandwich base is a golden brown bun, topped with a layer of creamy pale yellow sauce and a slice of fresh red tomato. Above this, a thick, grilled piece of meat with a charred orange-brown color is topped with melted white cheese that is slightly dripping on one side. On top of the cheese is a heap of creamy coleslaw with shredded pale green cabbage and thin slices of pinkish-purple onion, giving it a textured and colorful look. The background is softly blurred with two bottles, one orange and one dark brown, adding depth to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like extra pepperoncini slices, a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or dill, or a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing can elevate your sandwich presentation and taste. These additions provide a cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken and add visual interest.

Side Dishes

This Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe shines when paired with crispy sweet potato fries, crunchy celery sticks with blue cheese dip, or even a fresh coleslaw. These sides complement the heat and add variety to your meal, making for a satisfying and well-rounded lunch or dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the chicken sliced on toasted crostinis with slaw piled high as an appetizer. Or turn it into a lunch bowl by layering the grilled buffalo chicken over greens, tomatoes, and slaw with a drizzle of dressing. Presentation is your playground—letting your creativity run wild keeps this recipe exciting every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover grilled buffalo chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the freshness and crispness for up to three days, so you can enjoy the delicious flavors again without losing texture or taste.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken by wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic and placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Use within two months for best quality. Keep in mind that the fresh slaw does not freeze well, so it’s best to prepare that fresh each time.

Reheating

Reheat the frozen or refrigerated chicken gently on a grill pan over medium heat or in the oven to avoid drying it out. Add fresh slaw when ready to serve for that delightful crunch and creaminess. Avoid microwaving, as it can result in soggy bread and unevenly heated chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I make this milder?

You can reduce the cayenne pepper and buffalo sauce amount or substitute with a milder wing sauce to make the sandwich less spicy while still flavorful and delicious.

Is it possible to make this sandwich gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply swap the brioche buns for gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, and double-check your buffalo sauce and other condiments to ensure they’re gluten-free.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At minimum, one hour ensures good flavor penetration, but marinating overnight up to 48 hours will give you an even bolder taste and more tender results.

Can I prepare the slaw ahead of time?

Mixing the slaw dressing and ingredients other than the lettuce up to a day ahead is fine. Add the shredded lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe is a beautiful marriage of simple ingredients and bold flavors that you’ll fall in love with instantly. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a weekend cookout, this sandwich serves up juicy, spicy, and crunchy goodness in every bite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and treat yourself to this fantastic recipe that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite.