Imagine biting into a crispy, golden-brown sandwich that combines the classic comfort of grilled cheese with the fiery excitement of buffalo chicken. This isn't just any ordinary sandwich - it's a flavor explosion that will transform your lunch or dinner into an epic culinary experience. Perfect for those who crave a little heat and a lot of cheesy goodness, this Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Panini will have your taste buds dancing and your hunger completely satisfied.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (blue cheese or cheddar)
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 slices of your favorite bread, 1 cup of cooked and shredded chicken, 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce, 1 cup of shredded cheese (choose between blue cheese or cheddar), and 2 tablespoons of butter.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. This will give your filling a spicy kick.
- Preheat a panini press or a skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, you will need to flip the sandwiches halfway through cooking.
- While the panini press or skillet is heating, take one slice of bread and spread a thin layer of butter on one side. This will help achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Place the buttered side of the bread down on a clean surface. On top of this slice, layer half of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly.
- Add half of the shredded cheese on top of the buffalo chicken, ensuring it covers the chicken well.
- Take the second slice of bread and spread butter on one side. Place the buttered side down on top of the cheese, creating a sandwich.
- If using a panini press, place the sandwich in the press and close it. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- If using a skillet, carefully place the sandwich in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Then, carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.
- Once the sandwiches are cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a minute. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut.
- Slice the sandwiches in half and serve hot. You can pair them with a side of celery sticks or carrot sticks and a dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Tips
- Choose your cheese wisely: While the recipe suggests blue cheese or cheddar, you can experiment with different cheese combinations for unique flavors.
- Control the heat: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to match your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Ensure even cooking: If using a skillet, press the sandwich gently with a spatula to create an even, crispy surface.
- Butter is key: Make sure to spread butter evenly on the bread's exterior for that perfect golden-brown crunch.
- Let it rest: Allowing the sandwich to rest for a minute after cooking helps the cheese set and makes cutting easier.
- Get creative with sides: Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing, or pair with celery and carrot sticks for a classic buffalo chicken experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 600kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 48g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
