Name: Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!); 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion (thinly sliced); 1 bell pepper (thinly sliced); 4 hoagie rolls (split open); 4 slices provolone cheese (or your favorite melty cheese); Optional toppings: ranch dressing (blue cheese dressing, sliced jalapeños, or crumbled blue cheese)

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Craving the rich flavors of a cheesesteak but want to switch things up? This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is here to save the day! Packed with shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, caramelized onions, sautéed peppers, and gooey melted cheese, this sandwich is a flavor-packed upgrade to the traditional beef version. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party or just looking for a satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

I remember the first time I made this sandwich—it was one of those “what can I do with leftover chicken?” moments. I decided to toss it in buffalo sauce and pile it onto a hoagie roll with all the fixings. The result? A spicy, cheesy masterpiece that quickly became a family favorite. Now, it’s my go-to recipe whenever I need something quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe

This sandwich is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

Bold Flavors: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and savory veggies creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap cheeses, or add extra toppings to make it your own.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe comes together in no time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, dinner, or a weekend treat, this sandwich fits the bill.
Kid-Friendly (with tweaks): Dial back the spice for kids or let them assemble their own sandwiches with their favorite toppings.

How to Make It

Making this Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is as easy as sautéing, assembling, and devouring. Here’s an overview of how we’ll bring this recipe to life:

We’ll start by preparing the chicken—shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly here. Toss the chicken in your favorite buffalo sauce to give it that signature tangy, spicy kick.

Next, we’ll sauté sliced onions and bell peppers until they’re soft and caramelized, adding sweetness and texture to balance the heat of the buffalo sauce.

Once the veggies are ready, we’ll assemble the sandwiches. Layer the buffalo chicken and sautéed veggies onto hoagie rolls, then top with slices of provolone or your favorite melty cheese.

Pop the sandwiches under the broiler or in a skillet to melt the cheese until it’s gooey and golden.

For an extra touch, drizzle a little ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top before serving. Each bite will be a perfect harmony of spicy, cheesy, and savory goodness.

Make Ahead Method

If you’re someone who loves being prepared (and let’s face it, life is so much easier when you are), this Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak recipe is perfect for make-ahead cooking. Here’s how you can plan ahead and save yourself some time:

Prepare the Chicken in Advance: One of the best things about this recipe is that you can prep the chicken a day or two ahead of time. Start by shredding rotisserie chicken or cooking your own chicken breasts and shredding them. Toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until evenly coated, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This step not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together, making the chicken even tastier when you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Sauté the Veggies Ahead of Time: Sautéed onions and peppers are a key component of this sandwich, and they can be prepped in advance to save time. Cook the onions and peppers in a skillet over medium heat until they’re soft and caramelized, then let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches, simply reheat the veggies gently in a skillet or microwave.

Assemble and Freeze: If you’re prepping for the future, you can assemble the sandwiches without the cheese and freeze them for later. Layer the buffalo chicken and sautéed veggies onto hoagie rolls, then wrap each sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the sandwiches in the fridge overnight, then bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Add the cheese during the last few minutes of baking to melt it perfectly.

This make-ahead method is especially handy during busy weeks or when you’re prepping for a party. It allows you to break the process into manageable steps without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Pro Tips

Here are some insider tips to take your Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak from great to absolutely outstanding:

Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver when you’re short on time. It’s already cooked, tender, and flavorful, making it perfect for shredding. Plus, it’s widely available at most grocery stores. If you prefer to cook your own chicken, poach or bake boneless, skinless chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred them with two forks or your hands.

Adjust the Spice Level to Your Taste: Buffalo sauce comes in varying levels of heat, so choose one that suits your preference. For a milder sandwich, mix buffalo sauce with a little ranch dressing or mayonnaise to tone down the spice. If you love heat, add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or even sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Choose the Right Cheese for Melting: Provolone is classic and melts beautifully, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses. Mozzarella is stretchy and gooey, cheddar adds a sharp tang, and pepper jack brings a spicy twist. For a decadent option, try a mix of cheeses like provolone and gouda for added depth of flavor.

Toast the Hoagie Rolls: Toasting the hoagie rolls before assembling the sandwiches adds texture and prevents them from getting soggy. You can lightly toast them in the oven, under the broiler, or even in a skillet with a little butter for extra flavor. Just be careful not to over-toast—soft rolls are key to balancing the hearty filling.

Add Extra Toppings for Flavor and Texture: While the classic combo of chicken, veggies, and cheese is delicious on its own, feel free to get creative with additional toppings. Crumbled blue cheese adds a tangy, creamy element, while pickled banana peppers or sliced jalapeños bring extra heat. For a fresh touch, top the sandwiches with a handful of arugula or spinach.

Serve with Dipping Sauces: Ranch and blue cheese dressing are classic pairings with buffalo flavors, but don’t stop there. A creamy garlic aioli, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo can elevate the sandwich to new heights. Serve the sauces on the side for dipping or drizzle them directly over the sandwiches.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly sliced onions and bell peppers will always yield better results than pre-sliced or frozen veggies. They caramelize beautifully and add a natural sweetness that balances the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.

Reheat Leftovers Properly: If you have leftover components (chicken, veggies, cheese), store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and veggies gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling the sandwiches. To reheat fully assembled sandwiches, wrap them in foil and bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Storage Options

Once you’ve made these sandwiches, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh:

Room Temperature: Store assembled sandwiches at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Beyond that, they should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
Refrigerator: Store leftover components (chicken, veggies, cheese) separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble and reheat the sandwiches when ready to eat.
Freezer: Freeze the assembled sandwiches (without cheese) wrapped tightly in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake in the oven to melt the cheese.

Tools For This Recipe

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make these sandwiches, but having the right tools can make the process smoother:

Skillet: A large skillet is perfect for sautéing the onions and peppers.
Tongs or Forks: Handy for shredding the chicken quickly.
Broiler or Oven-Safe Skillet: Use this to melt the cheese evenly and get that golden finish.
Hoagie Rolls: Choose soft, fresh rolls for the best texture.

FAQs!

Can I use grilled chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken works beautifully in this recipe and adds a smoky flavor. Just shred or slice it before tossing it in buffalo sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein like tofu or seitan. Toss them in buffalo sauce for the same spicy kick.

What kind of buffalo sauce should I use?

Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite brand. For a milder option, mix buffalo sauce with ranch or mayo.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! If you don’t have hoagie rolls, try sub rolls, ciabatta, or even wraps for a handheld version.

How do I reheat leftovers?

To reheat, wrap the sandwich in foil and bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the filling is heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this sandwich. Here are some ideas:

Add Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky element that pairs beautifully with the buffalo sauce.
Swap the Veggies: Try sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a different twist.
Make It Spicier: Add sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
Try Different Cheeses: Pepper jack, gouda, or even brie can add unique flavors to the sandwich.
Turn It Into a Wrap: Skip the hoagie roll and wrap the filling in a tortilla for a portable option.

Wrapping It Up: A Bold and Flavorful Sandwich

There’s nothing quite like the combination of spicy buffalo chicken, caramelized veggies, and melty cheese piled high on a soft hoagie roll. This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is proof that you don’t need beef to make a killer cheesesteak. Whether you’re serving it for game day, dinner, or just because, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Now it’s your turn! Whip up a batch of these sandwiches and let me know how they turned out in the comments below. Did you stick to the classic recipe, or did you try one of the variations? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you!