Spicy Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak

This buffalo chicken cheesesteak brings the perfect combination of fiery buffalo sauce and melty cheese to transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering sandwich experience. The recipe delivers that beloved buffalo chicken wing flavor in handheld form, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.

I first made these sandwiches during football playoffs last season when we needed something more substantial than wings but still wanted that buffalo flavor. Now my spouse requests them anytime friends come over to watch sports.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast Freezing briefly makes it easier to slice thinly which is crucial for authentic cheesesteak texture
• Hoagie rolls Look for soft rolls with a slightly crusty exterior for the perfect balance
• Unsalted butter Allows you to control saltiness while adding richness to both the bread and chicken
• Garlic powder Infuses flavor throughout without the risk of burning like fresh garlic
• Kosher salt Coarser than table salt provides better seasoning control
• Yellow onion Adds sweetness when caramelized that balances the spicy buffalo sauce
• Pickled jalapenos Provides extra heat and tang optional but highly recommended
• Franks RedHot The classic buffalo wing sauce with the perfect balance of heat and tanginess
• Provolone cheese Mild flavor melts beautifully without competing with the buffalo sauce
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing Traditional buffalo wing accompaniment that cools the heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken

Place chicken breast in freezer for 30-45 minutes until firm but not frozen solid. This makes it much easier to achieve paper thin slices which is the secret to tender meat in every bite. Once partially frozen remove and slice as thinly as possible then chop into small pieces about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Season with garlic powder and salt letting it sit to absorb flavors.

Prepare the Bread

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Take your hoagie rolls and generously butter the interior surfaces. Sprinkle with garlic powder for an extra flavor dimension. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet ready for a quick toast just before assembly. This prevents soggy bread once the saucy chicken is added.

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add two tablespoons of butter and watch carefully until melted. Add the sliced onions and jalapenos if using and sauté for 7-8 minutes. Look for the onions to become soft translucent and slightly golden around the edges. This develops sweetness that will balance the spicy buffalo sauce. Transfer to a bowl cover to keep warm.

Toast the Rolls

Place prepared hoagie rolls in the preheated oven for exactly five minutes. This creates a light toasty exterior while maintaining a soft interior perfect for holding all the fillings without falling apart. The butter will melt creating a moisture barrier against the sauce.

Cook the Chicken

Return to the same skillet used for onions keeping all those flavorful bits. Increase heat to high and add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for 5 minutes tossing occasionally to ensure even browning. The chicken should develop some caramelized edges while remaining juicy inside. High heat is essential for this step.

Create Buffalo Sauce Coating

Reduce heat to medium and add another tablespoon of butter to the hot skillet. Once melted pour in the Franks RedHot sauce. Stir continuously until every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the vibrant orange sauce. The butter enriches the sauce creating that classic buffalo flavor that clings to the chicken.

Melt the Cheese

Layer the provolone cheese slices directly on top of the hot chicken in the skillet. Allow it to melt completely becoming gooey and integrated with the buffalo sauce. This creates the ultimate cheesy buffalo chicken mixture where every bite contains melted cheese.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Use a spatula to carefully transfer generous portions of the buffalo chicken and cheese mixture to each warmed hoagie roll. Top with the reserved onion and jalapeno mixture distributing evenly among all sandwiches. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired before serving immediately while hot.

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The Franks RedHot sauce is truly the star ingredient here. I discovered that allowing it to reduce slightly in the pan with the chicken creates an intensified flavor that really makes these sandwiches special. My brother in law who claims to be a buffalo sauce connoisseur declared these better than his favorite restaurant version.

Make Ahead Options

This sandwich works surprisingly well as a meal prep option. Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture completely then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. When ready to serve simply reheat the mixture in a skillet until hot throughout assemble on freshly toasted rolls and enjoy. The flavors actually develop nicely after a day in the refrigerator.

Spice Level Adjustments

The beauty of homemade buffalo chicken cheesesteak is controlling the heat level precisely to your preference. For a milder version reduce the Franks RedHot to 1/4 cup and skip the jalapenos. For those who love intense heat increase to 1/2 cup of hot sauce and add a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning. You can also serve extra hot sauce on the side for individual adjustments.

Serving Suggestions

These hearty sandwiches pair perfectly with lighter sides to balance the meal. Traditional options include celery and carrot sticks with extra blue cheese dressing for dipping. For a more substantial spread consider serving alongside crispy french fries sweet potato fries or a simple green salad with ranch dressing. Cold beverages like iced tea or light beer complement the spiciness particularly well.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this sandwich?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, though the texture may differ slightly. If using rotisserie or leftover chicken, simply chop it, heat it in the skillet, and proceed with adding the buffalo sauce and cheese. This saves time but may result in slightly drier meat compared to cooking from raw.

→ What's the best cheese to use for a Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak?

Provolone is ideal as it melts beautifully and complements the spicy buffalo flavor. However, you could substitute with American cheese for extra creaminess, pepper jack for additional heat, or blue cheese crumbles for a classic buffalo chicken flavor pairing.

→ How spicy is this sandwich?

Using Frank's RedHot creates a medium spice level that most people find enjoyable. For milder heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce or substitute with a milder buffalo sauce. To increase spiciness, add cayenne pepper, more jalapeños, or a few drops of a hotter sauce like Tabasco to the mix.

→ Can I make these sandwiches ahead for a party?

For best results, prepare components separately up to a day ahead: cook the chicken with buffalo sauce, sauté the vegetables, and store refrigerated. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet, toast the rolls, and assemble fresh. This maintains the ideal texture and prevents the bread from becoming soggy.

→ What sides pair well with Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks?

Classic pairings include french fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Celery and carrot sticks with additional ranch or blue cheese dressing also complement the buffalo flavors perfectly, creating a complete meal reminiscent of traditional buffalo wing accompaniments.

→ How do I get the chicken sliced very thin?

Partially freezing the chicken breast for 30-45 minutes firms it up, making it much easier to slice thinly. Use a sharp knife and cut against the grain. If you prefer not to slice your own, ask your butcher to thinly slice chicken breast for you, or look for pre-sliced chicken stir-fry strips at your grocery store.