Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Grinder Slaw are a perfect mix of spicy, smoky, and crunchy all in one bite! The tender grilled chicken coated in tangy buffalo sauce gives a nice kick, while the fresh, crisp grinder slaw adds a cool and crunchy contrast that makes every mouthful exciting and satisfying.
I love making these sandwiches when I want something quick but full of flavor. The buffalo sauce has just the right amount of heat without being overwhelming, and the homemade slaw is my little secret weapon to balance it out. Sometimes, I even toss in some melted cheese or a few pickles to make it even better. It’s so easy to prepare, but it feels like a treat every time.
These sandwiches are great for casual dinners or weekend get-togethers with friends. I usually serve them with a side of fries or a simple salad, and everyone always asks for seconds. It’s the kind of meal that’s simple, tasty, and brings a little fun to the table with its bold flavors and satisfying crunch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless breasts or thighs for tender, juicy meat. Thighs add a bit more flavor and stay moist. If you prefer, shredded rotisserie chicken works great too for a shortcut.
Buffalo Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade lets you adjust the heat. If you want less spice, use half buffalo sauce and half BBQ sauce or a mild hot sauce.
Bread: Texas toast or thick white bread grills beautifully and holds the fillings well. For a lighter option, try sandwich rolls or brioche buns. Gluten-free bread works fine too.
Grinder Slaw: The mix of cabbage, carrots, and pickles with a creamy, tangy dressing adds crunch and balances the spicy chicken. You can swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a healthier twist or use vegan mayo.
Blue Cheese: This adds a creamy sharpness that pairs well with buffalo flavor. If you’re not a fan, crumbled feta or no cheese at all also tastes great.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor and Texture in Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches?
Here’s how to make sure your sandwich is full of flavor and perfectly balanced:
- Cook the Chicken Gently: Poaching in water or broth keeps it juicy. Avoid boiling hard to prevent dryness.
- Shred While Warm: Shredding right after cooking makes it easier and keeps the meat tender.
- Coat Chicken Evenly: Mix buffalo sauce thoroughly so every bite is flavorful but not soggy.
- Grill Bread Right: Use medium heat and brush with olive oil or butter. Grill until golden and crisp for a nice contrast to creamy slaw and saucy chicken.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: Put slaw on last to keep it crunchy and avoid sogginess.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or saucepan – I like this for poaching the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Forks or stand mixer – perfect for shredding cooked chicken easily and quickly.
- Mixing bowls – essential for preparing the slaw and tossing the chicken with buffalo sauce.
- Skillet or griddle – great for grilling the bread until golden and crispy.
- Basting brush or spoon – handy for brushing or mixing oil when grilling bread.
- Spatula or tongs – for flipping bread and handling the grilled sandwiches.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time or for extra flavor.
- Mix blue cheese crumbles into the slaw for a tangy, creamy bite, or sprinkle on top.
- Add sliced celery or chopped scallions to the slaw for extra crunch and freshness.
- Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce or a milder hot sauce if you prefer less heat.
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Grinder Slaw
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sandwich:
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 sandwich buns or slices of bread (Texas toast or thick white bread)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for grilling bread)
For the Grinder Slaw:
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (a mix of green and purple cabbage)
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- 2 tbsp chopped pickles (or pickle relish)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. Around 15-20 minutes to cook and shred the chicken, a few minutes to prepare the slaw, and another 5-7 minutes for grilling the bread and assembling the sandwiches. Quick and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Start by placing your chicken breasts or thighs into a pot filled with water or chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside (about 15-20 minutes), or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also grill the chicken if you prefer a smoky flavor.
2. Shredding the Chicken:
Once cooked, use two forks or a stand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes it perfect for mixing with the buffalo sauce.
3. Making Buffalo Chicken:
Place the shredded chicken into a bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over it. Toss gently until the chicken is fully coated with the spicy sauce.
4. Preparing the Grinder Slaw:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped pickles. Add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the slaw is evenly mixed and creamy.
5. Grilling the Bread:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush both sides of your sandwich buns or bread slices with olive oil or butter. Grill each side for 2-3 minutes until the bread is golden brown and slightly crispy.
6. Assembling the Sandwiches:
Place a generous scoop of buffalo chicken on the bottom half of your grilled bread. Spoon some of the creamy grinder slaw over the chicken. If you like, sprinkle some blue cheese crumbles on top for extra tang and richness.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Top your sandwich with the other half of the bread. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the perfect mix of spicy buffalo chicken with cool, crunchy slaw!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps the chicken cook evenly and shred easily.
How Can I Make the Slaw Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the grinder slaw up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh and crunchy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken gently and toast the bread again for the best texture before serving.
Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Buffalo Sauce?
Definitely! Mix the buffalo sauce with some mild BBQ sauce or extra mayonnaise to tone down the heat if you prefer a milder flavor.
