Ingredients

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

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 and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat tenderizer. If the breasts are large, cut them in half for easier grilling.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, buffalo wing sauce, and honey.

Step 3: Toss the chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 48 hours for more flavor.

Step 4: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Grill the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side, flipping once. Brush extra buffalo sauce on the chicken while grilling to caramelize the sauce.

Step 6: During the last few minutes of grilling, add cheese slices on top of the chicken to melt if desired.

Step 7: Meanwhile, prepare the grinder slaw by mixing shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced red onion, and pepperoncini in a bowl.

Step 8: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, dried dill, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss to coat.

Step 9: Toast the brioche buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster.

Step 10: Assemble the sandwiches by layering grilled buffalo chicken, grinder slaw, and tomato slices on the buns. Add mayonnaise if desired.

Step 11: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches.

Tips & Variations

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for juicy, safe cooking.

Substitute brioche buns with ciabatta, sourdough, or gluten-free options to suit your preference.

Swap Havarti or Pepperjack cheese with blue cheese or sharp cheddar for more intense flavors.

Add sliced jalapeños or extra hot sauce for an extra spicy kick, or omit pepperoncini for a milder sandwich.

If you don’t have access to a grill, use a grill pan or bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich without a grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stove or bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (about 200°C) for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Air-frying is another option for a similar effect.

How spicy is the buffalo sauce in this recipe?

The buffalo sauce has a medium heat level, but you can adjust the spiciness by using milder sauce or adding more cayenne pepper to the marinade. If you prefer less heat, omit the pepperoncini from the slaw and select a milder wing sauce.