If you are craving a bold, flavorful meal that excites your taste buds, you have to try these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches. They perfectly balance fiery heat and creamy tang, wrapped in a warm, toasted bun that’s packed with crunchy coleslaw and generous amounts of bleu cheese. Every bite bursts with layers of spice, zest, and cool creaminess, making this sandwich an irresistible favorite for game days, casual dinners, or anytime you want a sandwich that packs a punch. The blend of spices paired with the iconic buffalo sauce creates a truly crave-worthy sandwich experience.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple but never skimping on flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the spice rub that gives the chicken a deep kick to the coleslaw that adds crunch and balance. The bleu cheese components add creaminess and a tangy punch, while the buns provide that soft, toasty foundation for it all.

Sweet paprika: adds mild sweetness and vibrant color to the spice rub.
Cumin: brings earthiness that deepens the flavor profile.
Onion powder: provides subtle savory warmth without overwhelming the dish.
Garlic powder: delivers a classic, aromatic base that complements the spices.
Red chili powder: ramps up the heat for that spicy punch.
Cayenne pepper: sharp heat to energize the chicken’s flavor.
Coarse salt: essential to balance and enhance all the spices.
Black pepper: adds a hint of sharpness and depth.
Burger buns: soft yet sturdy to hold all the fillings without falling apart.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: juicy and lean, perfect for coating with the rub.
Flour: light coating that forms a slight crust and helps lock in moisture.
Coleslaw cabbage mix: adds crisp texture and freshness.
Bleu cheese dip: provides creamy, tangy richness to balance spice.
Bleu cheese crumbles: gives bursts of sharp, pungent cheese flavor.
Hot sauce: brings the iconic buffalo wing heat with just the right tang.

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub

Begin by combining sweet paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, red chili powder, cayenne pepper, coarse salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This mixture is the heart of your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches; it infuses the chicken with layers of smoky heat and aromatic flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub the spice blend evenly on both sides. Dredge each piece lightly in flour and shake off the excess for a thin coating. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through to 165˚F. This method seals in juiciness while building a flavorful crust.

Step 3: Toast the Buns and Prepare the Slaw

While the chicken cooks, toast the burger buns until they develop a light golden color—this adds a lovely crunch and keeps the buns from getting soggy. At the same time, toss the coleslaw cabbage mix with a cup of bleu cheese dip to create a creamy, crunchy topping that complements the spicy chicken perfectly.

Step 4: Make the Buffalo Bleu Cheese Sauce

Mix the remaining bleu cheese dip with the hot sauce until smooth and well combined. This creamy, spicy sauce will be spread on the buns and drizzle over the assembled sandwich for that authentic Buffalo wing flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Start by spreading the buffalo bleu cheese sauce generously on each bun half. Place a spice-rubbed chicken filet on the bottom half, then pile on the bleu cheese crumbles and coleslaw mix evenly. Add more bleu cheese crumbles on top and finish with a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat. Cap it with the top bun and get ready for a flavor explosion!

How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Garnishes

A few fresh garnishes can elevate your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches to the next level. Consider adding thinly sliced green onions or fresh celery sticks on the side—they add a crisp, refreshing contrast that cuts through the heat and richness. A sprinkle of extra bleu cheese crumbles right before serving also adds gorgeous texture and tang.

Side Dishes

These sandwiches pair wonderfully with classic sides like seasoned sweet potato fries, crunchy pickles, or a simple garden salad dressed in vinaigrette. For a more indulgent touch, creamy mac and cheese or crispy onion rings complement the spicy, cheesy flavors and make for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches stacked high on a wooden board garnished with celery sticks and a small bowl of extra buffalo bleu cheese sauce for dipping. You can also cut the sandwiches in half and skewer them with colorful toothpicks for easy sharing. Wrap each sandwich in parchment paper tied with twine for a fun picnic or casual party vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover chicken separate from the buns to avoid sogginess. Store cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep coleslaw and sauces in separate containers as well to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

If you want to save the chicken for longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the chicken alone without toppings or bread to preserve the quality when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken thighs gently in a skillet or oven until heated through. Reheat the buns briefly in the oven or toaster oven to restore their toastiness. Assemble fresh with cold coleslaw and sauce to enjoy your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches like they’re freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving to cook, making them a delicious alternative that works beautifully with the spicy rub and buffalo sauce.

How spicy are these sandwiches?

These sandwiches have a lively kick thanks to cayenne, chili powder, and buffalo hot sauce, but you can always adjust the heat by reducing or increasing these ingredients according to your taste.

What if I don’t like bleu cheese?

If bleu cheese isn’t your thing, try substituting with ranch dressing or a milder cheese sauce for a creamy, tangy alternative that still complements the spicy chicken.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your burger buns are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy buns, toast them well, and keep wet ingredients like sauces and slaw separate until just before assembling. Adding a spread on the bun can also create a moisture barrier.

Final Thoughts

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are a game changer for anyone who loves a punch of flavor wrapped up in a hearty sandwich. Their perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and texture makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and discover your new favorite way to enjoy buffalo chicken with a fun and tasty twist!

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are packed with bold flavors from a homemade spice rub and tangy buffalo hot sauce, balanced perfectly with creamy bleu cheese and crisp coleslaw. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a flavorful rub, lightly floured, and pan-seared to juicy perfection before being piled high on toasted burger buns with bleu cheese dip, crumbles, and a refreshing cabbage slaw. Perfect for a hearty lunch or game day treat.

Instructions

Make the rub: In a small bowl, combine the sweet paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, red chili powder, cayenne pepper, coarse salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed.
Prepare to cook chicken: Heat 3 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking.
Season and coat chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels to remove moisture. Rub the spice mix liberally over both sides of each chicken breast. Pour the flour onto a plate and dredge the rubbed chicken breasts through the flour, coating both sides evenly and tapping off excess flour.
Cook chicken: Add the floured chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook for 5 minutes on one side without moving to get a good sear. Flip the chicken and cook another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare buns and slaw: While the chicken is cooking, toast the burger buns on a dry skillet or under a broiler until slightly golden and crisp. In a bowl, mix the coleslaw cabbage mix with 1 cup of the bleu cheese dip to create a creamy slaw. Set aside.
Make bleu cheese hot sauce mix: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of bleu cheese dip with 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, stirring until fully blended.
Assemble sandwiches: Spread the bleu cheese hot sauce mix generously on the cut sides of all bun halves. Place one cooked chicken breast on each bottom bun. Top each with about 1 1/2 cups bleu cheese crumbles and an equal portion of the coleslaw mixture. Sprinkle the rest of the bleu cheese crumbles on top and drizzle with additional hot sauce to taste. Cover with the top buns and serve immediately.

Notes

If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking; you may pound them slightly if needed.
Use gluten-free flour if you need this sandwich to be gluten free.
Buns can be toasted in a toaster oven or on a grill for extra flavor.
Store leftover components separately for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Sandwich
Method: Pan Frying
Cuisine: American