Buffalo Chicken Panini Recipe

Introduction

The Buffalo Chicken Panini is a perfect blend of spicy buffalo chicken and melty cheese, pressed between crispy sourdough bread. This sandwich combines bold flavors with a satisfying crunch, making it an ideal comfort food for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
• 8 slices sourdough bread
• 2 tbsp butter, softened

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the chicken breasts in a skillet or grill until fully cooked. Let them cool slightly, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken with the buffalo wing sauce in a bowl.
2. Step 2: In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, and crumbled blue cheese.
3. Step 3: Spread the cheese mixture evenly on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
4. Step 4: On 4 of the bread slices, layer 1/4 of the buffalo chicken and some of the sliced celery.
5. Step 5: Top each with the remaining bread slices, cheese side down, to form sandwiches.
6. Step 6: Preheat a panini press or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the outside of each sandwich with softened butter.
7. Step 7: Grill the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted.
8. Step 8: Cut the paninis in half and serve immediately. Enjoy your spicy, cheesy buffalo chicken panini!

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to match your preferred spice level.
• Serve with extra celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
• For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and cooking spray instead of butter.

Storage

Store leftover paninis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a panini press or a skillet to maintain the crispiness of the bread, or microwave briefly and then toast in a pan. Avoid storing for longer than 2 days to preserve flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can substitute sourdough with ciabatta, French bread, or your favorite sandwich bread. Just make sure it can hold up to grilling without getting soggy.

How spicy is this panini?

The heat level depends on the buffalo wing sauce you use. You can control the spice by using mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce according to your preference.

Buffalo Chicken Panini Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 150 reviews

This Buffalo Chicken Panini is a spicy and cheesy sandwich featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in buffalo wing sauce, layered with a creamy blend of cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar, and blue cheese crumbles. Grilled to a golden crisp in a panini press or grill pan, it’s the perfect handheld meal with a kick.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 paninis 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)

Cheese Spread

• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Sandwich

• 8 slices sourdough bread
• 2 tbsp butter, softened

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken breasts in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let the chicken cool slightly. Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces, then toss with buffalo wing sauce in a bowl until evenly coated.
2. Prepare Cheese Spread: In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, and crumbled blue cheese. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform, creamy cheese spread.
3. Assemble Sandwhiches: Spread the cheese mixture evenly on one side of each slice of bread. On four slices, layer a quarter of the buffalo chicken and some sliced celery over the cheese spread. Top with the remaining four slices of bread, cheese side down, to form sandwiches.
4. Grill the Paninis: Preheat a panini press or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the outside of each assembled sandwich with softened butter to ensure a golden, crispy crust. Place the sandwiches on the panini press or grill pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted through.
5. Serve: Remove the paninis from the heat, cut each sandwich in half diagonally, and serve immediately while warm. Enjoy with optional extra celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

• Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time without compromising flavor.
• Adjust the buffalo wing sauce amount to customize the spice level to your preference.
• Serve with extra celery sticks and your choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping to enhance the dish.
• For a lighter alternative, substitute low-fat cheese and use cooking spray instead of butter for grilling.

Keywords: Buffalo chicken panini, spicy chicken sandwich, grilled panini, buffalo wing sauce sandwich, cheesy chicken panini