Best Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is a delicious fusion of two iconic dishes: the classic Philly cheesesteak and spicy buffalo chicken. This recipe brings together tender chicken strips, zesty buffalo sauce, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all nestled in a soft hoagie roll. It’s a perfect meal for game day, a casual dinner, or whenever you’re craving something hearty with a bit of heat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Thinly slice the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken slices and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Buffalo Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, add butter to the skillet, and pour in the buffalo sauce. Stir the chicken to coat it evenly in the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and fully coats the chicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Peppers
- Cook the Veggies: In a separate skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions (and bell peppers, if using) and sauté until they are soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- Season: Sprinkle the cooked onions and peppers with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesesteaks
- Prepare the Rolls: Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Place them on a baking sheet and lightly toast them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
- Layer the Ingredients: Fill each hoagie roll with a generous portion of buffalo chicken, then top with sautéed onions and peppers.
- Add the Cheese: Place two slices of provolone cheese over the chicken and veggies in each sandwich.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the filled hoagies to the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the cheesesteaks from the oven, and if desired, drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Enjoy: Serve the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks immediately with extra buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes
- French Fries: A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo flavors.
- Coleslaw: A cool and crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the heat of the buffalo chicken.
- Potato Chips: Keep it simple with a side of your favorite potato chips.
Beverage Pairings
- Cold Beer: A cold beer like a pale ale or lager pairs beautifully with the bold, spicy flavors of the sandwich.
- Lemonade: For a non-alcoholic option, a glass of refreshing lemonade helps to balance the heat.
Tips for Success
Choosing the Right Chicken
- Boneless, Skinless Breasts: Thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they cook quickly and evenly.
- Substitute with Thighs: If you prefer a juicier cut, chicken thighs work well too and add more flavor.
Adjusting the Heat Level
- Control the Spice: If you like your buffalo chicken on the milder side, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder variety.
- Kick It Up: For an extra spicy sandwich, add a few dashes of hot sauce or increase the amount of buffalo sauce.
Cheese Options
- Provolone vs. Cheddar: Provolone is a great melting cheese, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Extra Cheese: Don’t be shy with the cheese! If you’re a cheese lover, add an extra slice or two.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is a mouthwatering fusion that delivers on flavor and comfort. The tender chicken coated in zesty buffalo sauce, paired with melted cheese and caramelized onions, creates a sandwich that’s both satisfying and packed with bold, spicy goodness. Whether you’re a fan of cheesesteaks or buffalo chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the buffalo chicken and sauté the onions and peppers ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply assemble the sandwiches and melt the cheese in the oven.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Provolone is a classic choice for cheesesteaks, but mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack are also great options.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can lighten the recipe by using a whole grain or low-carb hoagie roll and reducing the amount of cheese. Grilled chicken breasts can also be used instead of sautéed for a leaner option.
Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other toppings like sliced jalapeños, pickles, or even a handful of arugula for a fresh twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before assembling the sandwiches.
Best Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is a delicious fusion of two iconic dishes: the classic Philly cheesesteak and spicy buffalo chicken. This recipe brings together tender chicken strips, zesty buffalo sauce, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all nestled in a soft hoagie roll. It's a perfect meal for game day, a casual dinner, or whenever you're craving something hearty with a bit of heat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken with the Buffalo sauce, coating the chicken well. Let it marinate while you prepare the other ingredients, or for at least 10 minutes. - Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Cook the Chicken:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the marinated chicken slices to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly crispy around the edges. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Assemble the Cheesesteaks:
Preheat the oven to broil. Slice the hoagie rolls open and place them on a baking sheet. Divide the cooked chicken evenly among the rolls. Top with the cooked onions and peppers. - Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and vegetables. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Drizzle extra Buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve the Buffalo chicken cheesesteaks hot.