Description
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are a healthier twist on the classic Buffalo wings flavor, featuring juicy, smoky grilled chicken breasts marinated in spicy buffalo sauce and honey. Assembled with tangy grinder slaw, fresh tomato slices, melty cheese, and served on toasted brioche buns, these sandwiches offer a perfect balance of bold, spicy, and refreshing flavors ideal for any casual meal or BBQ.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s)
- 2 tablespoons honey
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 brioche buns
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Cheese slices (Havarti or Pepperjack)
Grinder Slaw
- 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 to taste
- Freshly cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat tenderizer; if the breasts are large, cut them in half for uniform cooking.
- Make the Marinade and Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, buffalo wing sauce, and honey. Toss the chicken breasts in this mixture, cover, and refrigerate to marinate for at least 1 hour and up to 48 hours to develop flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, then oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side. During grilling, flip the chicken and brush additional buffalo sauce to caramelize on the surface, enhancing the sauce’s flavor and stickiness.
- Add Cheese: In the last few minutes of grilling, place cheese slices over the chicken breasts to melt nicely.
- Prepare the Grinder Slaw: Combine shredded iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced pepperoncini in a bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, dried dill, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Toss the dressing with the salad ingredients to create the slaw.
- Toast the Brioche Buns: Lightly toast the brioche buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden and slightly crisp.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: On each toasted bun, layer grilled buffalo chicken breast topped with melted cheese, a generous portion of grinder slaw, sliced tomatoes, and optional mayonnaise if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the balanced flavors of smoky, spicy chicken paired with fresh, tangy slaw in a soft brioche bun.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will yield deeper, more intense flavors.
- For less heat, reduce or omit cayenne pepper or buffalo wing sauce.
- Use fresh brioche buns for best texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or skillet can be used, but grilling imparts the best smoky flavor.
- The grinder slaw can be prepared a few hours ahead for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the marinade for desired sweetness balance.
- To melt cheese faster, cover the grill or use a lid temporarily.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo chicken sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, spicy chicken sandwich, BBQ sandwich, summer grilling, buffalo sauce
