If you are craving a sandwich that perfectly balances bold, tangy, and smoky flavors with a juicy, tender bite, then this Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the kind of meal that takes classic comfort food and elevates it with a zesty buffalo sauce, a hint of honey sweetness, and a crunchy, refreshing grinder slaw that keeps every bite exciting. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next barbecue, this recipe is an absolute showstopper that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one adds so much to the overall experience of the sandwich. From the savory, spice-rubbed chicken to the creamy, tangy slaw, every item plays a crucial role in delivering amazing taste and texture.

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, easily grilled to juicy perfection and perfect for soaking up sauce.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and enhances the marinade’s flavors.
2 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
2 teaspoons paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and vibrant color to the marinade.
2 teaspoons garlic powder: Infuses a rich, aromatic undertone that complements the buffalo sauce brilliantly.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a gentle sweetness and complexity.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Boosts the heat level just enough to keep things lively without overpowering.
1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce: Your essential spicy tang that defines this sandwich’s bold personality.
2 tablespoons honey: Balances the heat with a smooth sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when grilled.
4 brioche buns: Soft, buttery buns that cradle the sandwich perfectly, adding richness and texture contrast.
1 tomato, sliced: Adds juicy freshness and a pop of color to each bite.
Cheese slices (Havarti or Pepperjack): Optional, but highly recommended for an extra layer of creamy, melty goodness.
Grinder Slaw Ingredients: 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce, 1/4 red onion thinly sliced, 6 pepperoncini sliced, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly cracked pepper; combined they make a crunchy, tangy topping that elevates every bite.

How to Make Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Pound the Chicken

Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. If your chicken breasts are large, cut them in half to get the perfect portions that fit your buns just right. This step is all about prepping for that perfect grill sear.

Step 2: Create the Marinade and Marinate the Chicken

Whisk together olive oil, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, buffalo wing sauce, and honey in a bowl. The blend of spicy, smoky, sweet, and savory flavors creates a marinade that will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor. Toss the chicken in this mixture, cover it, and let it marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 48 hours if you want those flavors to get even deeper.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once. During the last few minutes, brush on additional buffalo sauce and if you’re using cheese slices, lay them on top so they melt perfectly over the chicken. The trick here is to get those gorgeous grill marks and a lovely caramelization from the sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Grinder Slaw

While the chicken is grilling, combine shredded iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced pepperoncini in a bowl. Mix mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, dried dill, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and cracked pepper to make the dressing, then toss it with the veggies. This slaw adds a refreshing crunch and tang that cuts through the richness of the buffalo chicken beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

Toast your brioche buns lightly to get that slight crisp and buttery aroma. Start with a layer of grilled chicken topped with melted cheese (if using), then add a generous helping of grinder slaw and fresh tomato slices. Finish with a touch of mayo if you like. The combination of textures and flavors makes each bite irresistibly delicious.

How to Serve Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Garnishes

Consider adding extra slices of pepperoncini or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and a burst of zesty flavor. Some blue cheese crumbles also pair wonderfully here, especially if you love the classic buffalo wing vibe.

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs brilliantly with crispy sweet potato fries, a side of celery sticks with ranch dip, or even a simple pickle spear. These sides complement the spicy and tangy notes without competing, making your meal perfectly balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches open-faced with extra slaw piled high, or slice the sandwich in half and secure with a colorful toothpick for parties. Wrapping each sandwich in parchment paper can also add a rustic, laid-back touch while keeping things neat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover grilled buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate to avoid sogginess, and store the slaw in a separate container to preserve its crunch.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the grilled chicken, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It should keep well for up to 2 months. Slaw and buns don’t freeze well, so it’s best to prepare those fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or oven to keep it tender and avoid drying out. A quick toast of the buns and fresh slaw on the side will bring your sandwich back to life as if it were freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! You can pan-sear the chicken breasts on the stove over medium-high heat or use a grill pan. Just be sure to get a nice caramelized crust by cooking each side 5-6 minutes until cooked through.

Is the honey necessary in the buffalo sauce marinade?

The honey adds a beautiful balance to the heat and acidity of the buffalo sauce. You can skip it if you prefer your sandwich extra spicy, but the slight sweetness really enhances the overall flavor.

What cheese works best for this sandwich?

Havarti and Pepperjack both melt well and add a creamy texture. Pepperjack adds a bit of extra heat, while Havarti is milder and buttery. You can also use mozzarella or cheddar, depending on your preference.

Can I make the grinder slaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen the flavors.

How spicy is this Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe?

The recipe has a moderate heat level thanks to the cayenne pepper and buffalo sauce. You can adjust the spice by using less cayenne or choosing a milder buffalo sauce if you prefer a gentler kick.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together smoky, spicy, sweet, and crunchy elements in every bite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve anytime you want to impress. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your favorites to make and share!