When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the spot quite like the best buffalo chicken cheesesteak recipe. With its spicy, savory flavors and gooey melted cheese, this dish has quickly become a fan favorite in many homes.

I’ve found that perfecting the buffalo chicken cheesesteak involves more than just the right ingredients. It’s about the technique and little details that make this dish even better. If you love sweet and spicy flavors, don’t miss our irresistible Hot Honey Chicken recipe.

Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe

I’ve experimented with this recipe over time, and I can confidently say that the key to a great buffalo chicken cheesesteak lies in a few small but important steps.

Use Chicken Thighs for Moisture: While chicken breasts can work, I always prefer chicken thighs for this recipe. They’re more forgiving and retain moisture better, ensuring a juicy filling for the cheesesteak. If you’re using chicken breasts, make sure to watch your cooking time carefully to avoid drying out the meat.
Thinly Slice the Chicken: To get the right texture and taste, thinly slice the chicken before cooking. This allows the buffalo sauce to soak into the meat better, making each bite more flavorful. I like to pop the chicken in the freezer for about 30 minutes before slicing it. It makes the process much easier and helps achieve those thin, even cuts.
Don’t Skip the Onion Caramelization: Caramelized onions add a deep sweetness to the buffalo chicken cheesesteak that perfectly balances the heat of the buffalo sauce. Don’t rush this step. Let the onions cook slowly on medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes until they’re golden brown. The sweetness of the onions complements the spicy chicken, making the cheesesteak extra delicious.
Provolone Cheese is Key: Provolone is my cheese of choice for this buffalo chicken cheesesteak. It melts beautifully, creating a creamy, gooey texture that coats the chicken perfectly. While mozzarella is an alternative, I find provolone has a slightly sharper taste that balances the richness of the buffalo sauce.
Use Fresh Hoagie Rolls: When assembling the sandwich, opt for soft, slightly chewy hoagie rolls. Freshly baked rolls will hold up better against the saucy filling and ensure each bite has the perfect combination of bread and meat. I’ve tried different types of bread, but hoagie rolls always win when it comes to holding everything together.
Wrap the Sandwiches in Foil: A tip that I swear by is wrapping the sandwiches in aluminum foil before baking. This helps the cheese melt properly and softens the bread, making it easier to eat. It also ensures that everything stays warm and gooey until you’re ready to dig in.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak

Buffalo chicken cheesesteaks are hearty and satisfying on their own, but I love serving them with a few side dishes to complete the meal. Fries are always a classic choice, but if you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, an Asian chicken crunch salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheesesteak.

You can also serve it with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. The cool, creamy dressing helps to balance the heat from the buffalo sauce and adds an extra layer of flavor. If you prefer things on the spicier side, serve it with some extra buffalo sauce on the side for a little extra kick.

Storing Leftover Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks

I’m not going to lie—leftovers of this buffalo chicken cheesesteak are always a treat, and they store surprisingly well if you follow a few simple steps.

Store the Chicken Filling Separately: If you have leftover buffalo chicken filling, I recommend storing it separately from the hoagie rolls. This way, you can reheat the chicken without worrying about the bread getting soggy. Simply let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Reheat the Chicken Filling: When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little extra buffalo sauce to keep the chicken moist. Once it’s heated through, you can assemble the sandwich with fresh hoagie rolls.
Freezing Leftovers: You can also freeze the buffalo chicken filling for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed. The hoagie rolls don’t freeze as well, so I recommend using fresh rolls when you’re ready to enjoy your leftover buffalo chicken cheesesteak.

What to Do If You Don’t Have Provolone Cheese

If you’re in a pinch and can’t find provolone cheese, don’t worry! I’ve had success substituting it with mozzarella, cheddar, or even a mix of the two. While these cheeses have different melting properties, they’ll still give you that creamy, cheesy layer that’s essential for a great cheesesteak.

If you like things extra cheesy, go ahead and add a blend of cheeses for more flavor and texture.

Can You Make Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Spicier?

If you love heat, there are a few ways to take this buffalo chicken cheesesteak up a notch. You can add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for an extra spicy kick.

I’ve also tried adding a little hot sauce to the buffalo sauce for a more intense flavor. Just be cautious and taste as you go—buffalo sauce can be very spicy, so adjust accordingly to your tolerance.

How to Make the Sandwich Healthier

While this recipe is already a pretty indulgent treat, there are a few ways to make it a bit healthier without compromising too much on flavor.

Use Lean Chicken: For a leaner option, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just make sure not to overcook the chicken breasts, as they can dry out quickly.
Lighten Up the Sauce: You can also use a lighter version of buffalo sauce or make your own by diluting store-bought buffalo sauce with a little water or vegetable broth. This helps cut down on some of the calories while still maintaining the bold flavor.
Choose a Whole Wheat Roll: For a slightly healthier bread option, try using a whole wheat hoagie roll. This adds some fiber to the sandwich and makes it a bit more nutritious.

You can also explore our full collection of flavorful chicken recipes for easy weeknight dinners and family favorites.

When to Serve Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak

Buffalo chicken cheesesteaks are versatile enough to be served on different occasions. I love making them for a casual weeknight dinner, but they also make an excellent party dish. Whether you’re hosting a game day, a BBQ, or just a weekend gathering, buffalo chicken cheesesteaks will definitely be a crowd-pleaser.

If you’re looking to serve something a little different for your next meal or get-together, buffalo chicken cheesesteaks are an easy, flavorful option. And the best part is that they can be customized to fit your preferences, from the level of spice to the type of cheese.

Ben Carraoli