Introduction
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is a bold and flavorful twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, combining tender, spicy buffalo chicken with melted cheese and sautéed peppers and onions all nestled inside a soft hoagie roll. This dish balances the fiery heat of buffalo sauce with the rich creaminess of cheese, delivering a mouthwatering sandwich experience that’s perfect for game day, casual dinners, or whenever you crave something comforting yet exciting. With its roots in iconic American comfort food, the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak offers a satisfying fusion of spicy wings and classic sandwich flavors, elevating the cheesesteak into a new realm of bold taste and texture.
The History of Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak
The original cheesesteak hails from Philadelphia, dating back to the 1930s, where it became a beloved staple featuring thinly sliced beefsteak and melted cheese served on a hoagie roll. Buffalo chicken, on the other hand, emerged from Buffalo, New York in the 1960s as a simple yet spicy preparation of deep-fried chicken wings tossed in a tangy cayenne pepper sauce. The combination of these two iconic American foods—Buffalo chicken and Philly cheesesteak—came about as creative cooks sought to add new flavors and heat to the traditional sandwich. Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak has gained popularity for its fusion of cultures, combining the savory richness of cheesesteak with the unmistakable zest of buffalo sauce, making it a modern classic loved by fans of both spicy and hearty meals.
Ingredients Breakdown
Key components include shredded or thinly sliced cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, thinly sliced sautéed onions and bell peppers, provolone or mozzarella cheese for melty richness, hoagie rolls or sub buns for the perfect handheld vessel, and optional add-ons such as ranch or blue cheese dressing for cooling contrast. The buffalo sauce is typically a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter, providing that signature tangy heat. Using fresh vegetables adds crunch and sweetness to balance the spice. Quality bread that is soft yet sturdy helps hold all the flavorful fillings together without getting soggy.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prepare the chicken: Cook chicken breasts or thighs by grilling, baking, or sautéing until fully cooked, then shred or slice thinly. Toss the chicken in buffalo sauce to coat evenly.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, cook thinly sliced onions and bell peppers with a bit of oil until soft and slightly caramelized.
- Warm the rolls: Lightly toast the hoagie rolls to enhance texture and prevent sogginess.
- Assemble the sandwich: Layer the buffalo chicken on the bottom half of the roll, add sautéed peppers and onions on top, and then pile on slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese.
- Melt the cheese: Place the assembled sandwich under a broiler or in a hot oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Add finishing touches: Optionally drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing for added creaminess and coolness.
- Serve immediately: Serve hot with your favorite side such as fries, celery sticks, or a crisp salad.
Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak
Use fresh, quality chicken for the best texture and flavor. Shred the chicken finely so every bite is coated with buffalo sauce. Adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of hot sauce used. Don’t skip toasting the rolls; it adds great texture and keeps the sandwich from becoming soggy. Sauté the onions and peppers slowly to bring out their natural sweetness, which balances the spicy buffalo sauce. Use provolone cheese for a classic flavor or mozzarella for a milder, gooier melt. If you prefer less spice, serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side rather than inside. Serve the sandwich immediately after melting the cheese for the best texture.
Variations and Customizations
Swap chicken for turkey or even beef for a different protein base while keeping the buffalo flavor intact. Add jalapeños or banana peppers for an extra kick. Incorporate mushrooms or spinach into the vegetable mix for added nutrition and flavor. Try different cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey jack for varied melty textures and tastes. For a low-carb option, serve the filling over lettuce wraps or in a bowl instead of a bun. Make it vegetarian by substituting buffalo cauliflower bites for the chicken. Add crispy bacon or avocado slices for additional layers of flavor and texture.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak can be high in calories, sodium, and saturated fats, especially with the combination of buffalo sauce, cheese, and bread. To make it healthier, use grilled chicken breast, opt for whole-grain or low-carb buns, and control the amount of cheese and sauce. Incorporating plenty of sautéed vegetables adds fiber and nutrients while balancing the richness. Choose low-fat or reduced-fat cheese varieties and consider using a homemade buffalo sauce with less butter to reduce fat content. Pairing the sandwich with a side of fresh vegetables or a salad can help round out the meal. Moderation is key for those monitoring sodium intake, as buffalo sauce and cheese can be quite salty.
FAQ
Q: Can I make buffalo sauce from scratch?
A: Yes! Buffalo sauce typically combines hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) with melted butter; you can adjust the ratio to your preferred heat and richness.
Q: What cheese works best for melting?
A: Provolone and mozzarella are classic choices for cheesesteaks because they melt smoothly and have mild flavors that complement buffalo chicken.
Q: Can I prepare this sandwich ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance, but assembling and melting the cheese just before serving yields the best texture and flavor.
Q: How spicy is Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak?
A: The heat level depends on how much hot sauce you use. You can adjust it to be mild or very spicy based on your preference.
Q: What are good sides to serve with this sandwich?
A: Traditional sides include fries, celery sticks, carrot sticks, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter plus extra for spreading on the bread
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder plus additional for seasoning the bread
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ yellow onion sliced (can be substituted with white onion)
- ½ cup sliced pickled jalapeños roughly chopped (optional; can be replaced with banana peppers)
- 3/8 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
Instructions
- Place the chicken breast in the freezer for 30 to 45 minutes to firm up. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread butter inside the hoagie rolls and sprinkle with garlic powder. Arrange the rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and set aside. Remove the chicken from the freezer and slice it as thinly as possible, then chop into smaller pieces about ¼ to ½ inch. Toss the chicken with garlic powder and salt, then set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt two tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced onions and jalapeños, sautéing for 7 to 8 minutes until the onions are softened and slightly translucent. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and set aside. Bake the hoagie rolls for about five minutes. Meanwhile, return the skillet to high heat and add the chicken, cooking for 5 minutes and tossing occasionally until browned and cooked through. Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet, and stir until melted. Pour in the Frank’s RedHot sauce and mix until the chicken is evenly coated. Place the provolone cheese slices over the chicken and cook until the cheese melts. Use a spatula to transfer the cheesy buffalo chicken to the toasted hoagie rolls, top with the onion and jalapeño mixture, and serve warm.