Buffalo Chicken Ranch Grilled Cheese Recipe – Ready in 20 Minutes

Looking for a quick and tasty meal? My Buffalo Chicken Ranch Grilled Cheese is the perfect choice. It’s a spicy grilled cheese that turns a simple lunch into a fun meal. The mix of buffalo chicken, creamy ranch, and melted cheese is ready in under 20 minutes.

I’ve made this recipe to be full of flavor but easy to make. It’s great for a satisfying lunch or a dinner that everyone will love. The crispy bread, spicy chicken, and gooey cheese make every bite exciting.

Key Takeaways

  • Quick and easy recipe – ready in 20 minutes
  • Perfect balance of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch
  • Great for lunch, dinner, or game day snacking
  • Customizable with different cheese and bread options
  • Satisfies cravings for both grilled cheese and buffalo chicken lovers

Ingredients for the Buffalo Chicken Ranch Grilled Cheese

Making a great ranch buffalo chicken sandwich starts with top-notch ingredients. These ingredients add explosive flavor to your grilled cheese. Let’s explore the key parts that make this sandwich a culinary delight.

Chicken Preparation

The chicken is the star of the blue cheese buffalo melt. You’ll want to use:

  • Tender, cooked chicken breasts (shredded or chopped)
  • Fresh rotisserie chicken for convenience
  • Boneless, skinless chicken cooked to golden perfection

When making chicken for your Frank’s RedHot grilled cheese, chop it finely and cook it well. A tip: Mix the chicken with Frank’s RedHot sauce for more flavor.

Choosing the Right Cheese

The cheese you pick is key to a great grilled cheese. Go for a mix of:

  • Sharp cheddar for robust flavor
  • Muenster for creamy melting
  • Crumbled blue cheese for tangy depth

The right cheese blend makes the sandwich rich and melty. It pairs well with the spicy buffalo chicken.

Selecting the Bread

Choose a sturdy bread that can handle the fillings:

  • Thick-cut sourdough
  • French bread
  • Artisan white bread

Ranch Dressing Variations

Ranch dressing adds a cool, creamy touch to the spicy chicken. You can use:

  • Homemade buttermilk ranch
  • Store-bought classic ranch
  • Light ranch for a healthier option

The right ranch dressing makes your sandwich go from good to amazing.

Easy Buffalo Chicken Ranch Grilled Cheese recipe with premium ingredients
Quick 20-minute Buffalo Chicken Ranch Grilled Cheese with authentic Frank’s RedHot

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating the ultimate comfort food recipes starts with mastering the technique. I’ll guide you through making an easy lunch idea. It turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

Making the Buffalo Chicken Filling

Begin by making your buffalo chicken mixture. Shred cooked chicken and mix with buffalo sauce until the meat is evenly coated. The key to a delicious Kraft cheese buffalo sandwich is balancing the spice and flavor.

  • Shred 1 cup of cooked chicken
  • Add 2-3 tablespoons of buffalo sauce
  • Mix until chicken is fully covered

Assembling the Grilled Cheese

Layer your ingredients for maximum flavor. Spread a thin layer of ranch dressing on each bread slice. This enhances the taste of these easy lunch ideas.

  1. Butter the outside of bread slices
  2. Place Kraft cheese on bottom slice
  3. Add buffalo chicken mixture
  4. Top with additional cheese

Grilling Techniques for Perfect Toast

Achieving the perfect grilled cheese requires patience and technique. Use low heat for crispy bread and melted cheese.

Cooking StepTimeTemperature
First Side5 minutesLow heat
Second Side5 minutesLow heat

Pro tip: Watch for golden-brown coloration and cheese melting as your indicators of a perfectly grilled sandwich.

Buffalo Chicken Ranch Grilled Cheese cross-section showing melted cheese layers
Perfect Buffalo Chicken Ranch Grilled Cheese with melted sharp cheddar cheese layers

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

To make the buffalo ranch chicken grilled cheese perfect, think beyond the sandwich. Pair it with sides that match its bold flavors. Sweet potato fries or a light salad can balance the sandwich’s taste.

For drinks, choose something that cuts through the creamy sauce. An IPA beer pairs well with the fries. Or, try sparkling water with lemon for a non-alcoholic choice.

Best Side Dishes to Complement

My favorite sides are coleslaw, roasted vegetable sticks, or potato chips. They add texture and contrast the warm cheese. Pickles or quick-pickled veggies add a zesty touch.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store the buffalo ranch mix in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, use a skillet to keep the bread crispy and cheese melted. Wrap it in foil and warm at medium heat to avoid burning.

FAQ

What type of chicken works best for this Buffalo Chicken Ranch Grilled Cheese?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is great for convenience. It adds flavor right away. Grilled or baked chicken breast lets you control the seasoning and tenderness.

Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Yes, you can! To make it spicier, add more Frank’s RedHot Sauce or buffalo sauce. For a milder taste, mix ranch dressing with the buffalo sauce. You can pick mild or hot buffalo sauce based on your taste.

What cheeses melt best in this grilled cheese?

Use sharp cheddar for flavor and monterey jack or provolone for melting. These cheeses make the sandwich creamy and gooey, perfect with buffalo chicken.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! Make the buffalo chicken filling ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. Then, just assemble and grill the sandwich for a quick meal.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free bread and choose gluten-free buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Brands like Frank’s RedHot and hidden Valley offer gluten-free options.

What are some recommended side dishes?

Try crispy sweet potato fries, a light garden salad, coleslaw, or veggie sticks with ranch dressing. These sides complement the spicy sandwich and make a complete meal.

How long should I grill the sandwich?

Grill each side for 2-3 minutes over medium heat. This makes the sandwich golden-brown and the cheese melted. Use a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan for best results.

Can I use pre-cooked or canned chicken?

While it’s possible, fresh or rotisserie chicken is better for flavor and texture. If using canned chicken, drain it well and mix with buffalo sauce. Fresh or rotisserie chicken tastes more authentic and delicious.

Print
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Buffalo Chicken Ranch Grilled Cheese recipe with melted sharp cheddar and Frank's RedHot sauce

Buffalo Chicken Ranch Grilled Cheese Recipe – Ready in 20 Minutes


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  • Author: Chef Crenn
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x

Description

A spicy and creamy Buffalo Chicken Ranch Grilled Cheese that combines tender buffalo chicken, cool ranch dressing, and melted cheese between crispy golden bread. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day snacking.


Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

3 tablespoons Frank’s RedHot buffalo sauce

2 tablespoons ranch dressing

4 slices sourdough bread

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Muenster cheese, sliced

2 tablespoons butter, softened

Extra ranch dressing for spreading


Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until evenly coated

2. Butter one side of each bread slice

3. Spread ranch dressing on the unbuttered side of 2 bread slices

4. Layer sharp cheddar cheese on ranch-spread bread

5. Add buffalo chicken mixture on top of cheese

6. Top with Muenster cheese slices

7. Place remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing out

8. Heat cast iron skillet over medium-low heat

9. Grill sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted

10. Remove from heat and let cool for 1 minute before slicing

Notes

For best results, use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor

Adjust buffalo sauce amount to taste preference

Keep heat at medium-low to prevent burning while ensuring cheese melts completely

Serve immediately while cheese is still gooey

Can be stored in refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in skillet

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
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