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This smoky buffalo chicken sandwich is my go-to for laid-back weekend lunches or simple dinners. The spicy chicken pairs so well with a crisp, tangy slaw that really makes it pop. It comes together fast using stuff you probably already have in your kitchen.
I whipped this up when I wanted buffalo wings without the mess. It quickly turned into a favorite for satisfying a spicy fix without much hassle.
What You Need
- Buffalo wing sauce: pick a fresh bottle for that tangy punch
- Cayenne pepper: just enough to bring the heat without going overboard
- Paprika and garlic powder: give a rich, savory base
- Mayonnaise and red wine vinegar: make a creamy, tangy slaw to cool things down
- Shredded iceberg lettuce: for fresh crunch
- Kosher salt: to bring out the flavors
- Brioche buns: soft and buttery, hold it all together without getting soggy
- Dried dill and oregano: add a nice herbal touch to the slaw
- Olive oil: keeps things moist and helps spices stick
- Red onion and pepperoncini: for a punch of sharpness and brightness
- Chicken breasts: pounded flat to cook evenly and stay tender
- Honey: gives a slight sweetness to balance the spice
How To Make It
- Prep The Chicken:
- Flatten chicken breasts gently using a rolling pin or meat mallet so they cook evenly and stay juicy. If breasts are big, cut them in half first.
- Mix The Marinade:
- Whisk together olive oil, kosher salt, paprika, garlic and onion powder, cayenne, buffalo sauce, and honey until smooth.
- Marinate The Chicken:
- Coat each chicken piece with the marinade, cover, and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. More time (up to two days) means deeper flavor.
- Fire Up The Grill:
- Get the grill hot on medium-high. Oil the grill grates so nothing sticks.
- Grill The Chicken:
- Place the chicken on the grill, cooking about 5-6 minutes each side. In the last couple of minutes, brush more buffalo sauce on and add cheese if you want. Close the lid to melt the cheese and get a nice glaze on the sauce.
- Whip Up The Slaw:
- Mix mayo, red wine vinegar, dried dill, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded lettuce, thin red onion slices, and pepperoncini until everything’s nicely coated.
- Build The Sandwiches:
- Toast the brioche buns lightly on the grill or a pan. Stack grilled chicken, a big scoop of slaw, tomato slices, and extra mayo if you like. Serve right away.
I love how the sharp buffalo sauce works with the crunchy slaw here. It reminds me of summer cookouts with friends when everyone digs the mix of heat and fresh flavors. The pepperoncini add a bright kick I never leave out.
Keep It Fresh
Put leftover grilled chicken and slaw in separate airtight containers and refrigerate. Chicken stays good for up to 4 days, slaw for about 2 to 3 days. Warm chicken gently so it doesn’t dry out. Best to put sandwiches together fresh before serving.
Switch It Up
Try chicken thighs instead of breasts if you want something juicier and richer. Swap iceberg for cabbage or kale in the slaw to mix up the crunch. Use BBQ sauce in place of buffalo sauce for a milder smoky taste.
Serving Tips
Serve sandwiches with sweet potato fries or a light side salad. Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess. Blue cheese dressing on the side is great for dipping.
Bold spicy chicken meets crisp tangy slaw here for a quick meal that hits the spot every time.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → How long do I need to marinate the chicken?
Leaving it in the marinade for an hour is enough to get good flavor but going up to two days will make it even tastier.
- → Which spices work best with buffalo chicken?
A mix of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and kosher salt gives the chicken a smoky, spicy boost that goes well with buffalo sauce.
- → What helps the chicken cook evenly?
Making sure the chicken breasts are all the same thickness by pounding them helps keep them juicy and cooks evenly on the grill.
- → Can I swap out brioche buns?
Definitely, buns like ciabatta or kaiser rolls work well and hold up nicely against the moist chicken and crunch slaw.
- → What’s in the grinder-style slaw?
It’s made with shredded iceberg lettuce, pepperoncini, thinly sliced red onion, tomato slices, and a zesty mayo-vinegar dressing with herbs for a fresh and crunchy touch.
- → How do I change the spice level?
You can make it hotter or milder by adding less or more cayenne and buffalo wing sauce to match your taste.