If you’re craving a bold, satisfying meal that combines crispy, spicy chicken with a creamy, tangy crunch, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Blue Cheese Slaw Recipe. Imagine juicy, buttermilk-marinated chicken breasts fried to golden perfection, coated in vibrant buffalo wing sauce, and topped with a refreshing slaw featuring crumbled blue cheese. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of heat, creaminess, and texture that’s downright irresistible. Whether it’s for a game day treat or a comforting dinner, this recipe is an absolute must-try that brings the flavors of your favorite wing joint right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Blue Cheese Slaw Recipe lies in simple, well-chosen ingredients that each play a unique role in crafting its unforgettable flavor and texture. From the buttermilk bath that tenderizes the chicken to the spicy buffalo sauce and tangy blue cheese slaw, every element adds something special to this crowd-pleasing sandwich.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to an even thickness for quick, even cooking and juicy results.
- Buttermilk: Adds acidity and moisture to tenderize the chicken while infusing subtle flavor.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika: These spices give the marinade a warm, savory base that deepens the taste.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the crispy coating that shouts “fried chicken!” with every bite.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying as it heats evenly and crisps the chicken beautifully.
- Buffalo wing sauce: The signature spicy and tangy sauce that brings the heat and bold flavor.
- Brioche buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns toasted to hold all the delicious fillings without sogginess.
- Shredded coleslaw mix: Adds refreshing crunch and balances the spice with cool freshness.
- Crumbled blue cheese: Brings creamy, pungent richness that’s a classic partner for buffalo flavors.
- Mayonnaise: Helps bind the slaw and adds smoothness without overpowering.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds tang and brightness to the slaw for contrast and zip.
- Celery seed (optional): Adds an extra layer of flavor reminiscent of classic blue cheese dressing.
- Butter lettuce or pickles (optional): Additional crisp and tang to customize your sandwich to your liking.
How to Make Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Blue Cheese Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook uniformly. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Submerge the chicken breasts in this mixture and let them soak up those spices for at least an hour—overnight if you have time for even more tenderness and flavor.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Once marinated, remove the chicken breasts and allow any excess marinade to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in a seasoned flour mixture; this coating will turn delightfully crispy when fried. The flour acts as the crunchy shell that locks in juicy, tender chicken inside.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each chicken breast for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil while retaining that crispy crust.
Step 4: Make the Blue Cheese Slaw
In a bowl, toss shredded coleslaw mix with crumbled blue cheese, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, celery seed (if using), and season with salt and pepper. This slaw combines creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements that perfectly complement the spicy chicken.
Step 5: Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
Gently toss the hot fried chicken breasts in the buffalo wing sauce until they’re well coated and glistening with that signature spicy glaze. This step ensures every bite delivers its signature bold buffalo flavor.
Step 6: Assemble Your Sandwiches
Toast the brioche buns lightly to add a bit of buttery crispness. Layer the bottom bun with buffalo chicken, then pile on the blue cheese slaw. Add optional butter lettuce or pickles for an added crunch and tang before topping with the bun. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture experience.
How to Serve Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Blue Cheese Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, add some fresh celery sticks or a sprinkle of chopped scallions on top of the slaw. These garnishes keep things crisp and colorful, brightening up each bite with fresh flavor and texture that complements the richness of the sandwich beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these sandwiches with classic fries, crispy sweet potato fries, or even a simple garden salad. The spice from the buffalo chicken really shines when accompanied by something cool and crunchy, making any of these options perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the fried buffalo chicken sandwiches open-faced on rustic wooden boards with small bowls of extra blue cheese dressing or ranch for dipping. For a fun twist, slice the sandwich in half and secure with a toothpick topped with an olive or a slice of pickle. This makes the dish more shareable and visually enticing for gatherings or game day parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover fried buffalo chicken sandwiches should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To avoid sogginess, keep the blue cheese slaw separate in another container and add it fresh when ready to eat. Properly stored, the components will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the chicken, keep it separate from the buns and slaw. Wrap the cooked, chilled chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 1 month in the freezer. Avoid freezing the slaw as it will lose texture upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the fried buffalo chicken in a skillet or oven at 350°F until heated through to maintain its crispiness. Reheat the buns separately or toast fresh buns if preferred. Add the blue cheese slaw fresh after warming for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?
Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to dial up or tone down the spice level. For a milder version, use less sauce or substitute with a mild buffalo sauce, and add extra blue cheese slaw for balance.
Is there a healthier way to prepare the chicken?
Yes! Instead of frying, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for around 20 minutes or use an air fryer. These methods reduce the oil content while still delivering a crispy exterior.
What can I substitute for blue cheese if I don’t like it?
If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, ranch dressing works wonderfully as an alternative in the slaw. It keeps the creamy tang while appealing to those who prefer a milder flavor.
Can I prepare the slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make the blue cheese slaw up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This lets the flavors meld, but for best crunch, add any additional fresh ingredients just before serving.
What type of buns work best in this recipe?
Brioche buns are ideal due to their soft texture and slight sweetness, which complements the spicy buffalo chicken and tangy slaw beautifully. However, sturdy sandwich rolls or even pretzel buns can also make a delicious choice.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Blue Cheese Slaw Recipe really is a game changer. It perfectly balances crispy, spicy, creamy, and crunchy elements in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a cozy night in, these sandwiches promise a flavor-packed experience that everyone will be talking about. I can’t recommend trying this enough — get your apron on and dive into this fantastic, flavor-packed creation!
Print
Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Blue Cheese Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
These Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Blue Cheese Slaw feature crispy, juicy fried chicken breasts tossed in spicy buffalo wing sauce, layered on toasted brioche buns with a creamy, tangy blue cheese coleslaw. Perfect for game day or a flavorful weeknight meal, this recipe combines classic American comfort food with a zesty twist.
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Breading & Frying
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for frying (1–2 inches deep)
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
Blue Cheese Slaw
- 2 cups shredded coleslaw mix
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon celery seed (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly
- 4 brioche buns, toasted
- Butter lettuce or pickles for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness if needed to ensure they cook uniformly. In a bowl, mix together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Submerge the chicken breasts in this marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Coat the chicken: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Lift the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Fry the chicken: Heat 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the breaded chicken breasts carefully for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and a meat thermometer reads 165°F internally. Once cooked, transfer chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the blue cheese slaw: In a small bowl, combine shredded coleslaw mix, crumbled blue cheese, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, optional celery seed, salt, and pepper. Toss well to incorporate all flavors evenly.
- Toss chicken in buffalo sauce: Place the fried chicken breasts in a bowl and coat them thoroughly with the buffalo wing sauce, ensuring every bite will have a spicy kick.
- Assemble the sandwiches: On each toasted brioche bun, layer the buffalo-coated fried chicken breast, top with a generous helping of blue cheese slaw, and add butter lettuce or pickles if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, consider baking or air-frying the chicken instead of frying.
- You can substitute ranch dressing for blue cheese if preferred.
- Serve these sandwiches with fries, potato chips, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
