If you crave fiery, cheesy comfort on crusty toasted bread, this Buffalo Chicken Panini will be your new obsession. Tender, juicy chicken is braised in peppery hot sauce, then layered with melted mozzarella, tangy blue cheese, and luscious caramelized onions, all embraced between golden ciabatta rolls. The Buffalo Chicken Panini is quick, incredibly satisfying, and destined to become a go-to favorite for lunch or casual dinners with a flavorful twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the Buffalo Chicken Panini so irresistible is how a handful of easy-to-find ingredients come together to create complex flavor and texture. Each item has a purpose: from the savory hit of the chicken, the creaminess of the cheeses, the zing from hot sauce, to that irresistible crunch from toasted bread.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay super juicy and tender even after braising and grilling, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Hot sauce: Your favorite Buffalo-style hot sauce gives the chicken classic heat and tangy depth—don’t be shy if you love it spicy!
- Red onion: Sliced thin and slowly caramelized, these add a sweet, mellow contrast to the fiery filling.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch helps coax out that deep caramel sweetness in the onions.
- Crumbled blue cheese: Provides the signature sharp, creamy, and slightly funky note that balances out the heat beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, binding the filling and lending that irresistible cheesy pull when you slice the panini.
- Minced cilantro (optional): A sprinkle adds a burst of color and fresh, herbal brightness.
- Ciabatta rolls: Their sturdy, airy texture crisps up gloriously in the press and stands up to all the saucy, cheesy filling.
- Butter or butter spray: Essential for that golden, crisp crust and buttery aroma as the panini toasts.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Panini
Step 1: Braise the Chicken
Start by adding the sliced chicken thighs, hot sauce, and a pat of butter into a large saucepan. Set it over medium-high heat and bring everything up to a gentle boil. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat, cover, and let the chicken simmer away for about 15 minutes. This not only ensures the chicken cooks through but lets it soak up all the spicy, tangy flavors that make Buffalo Chicken Panini unforgettable.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
While the chicken simmers, melt a bit of butter in a saute pan over medium heat. Toss in the thinly sliced red onions and cook them for about 13 minutes, frequently stirring, until soft and translucent. Stir in the sugar and continue to sauté for another 10 minutes. Slow cooking is key here—it coaxes out maximum sweetness, heightening the whole panini eating experience.
Step 3: Preheat Your Panini Press
Before assembling, get your panini press or grill pan nice and hot. Preheating ensures the bread gets that coveted crisp exterior while the insides become warm and gooey. If you don’t have a press, a cast iron skillet with a heavy pan on top works beautifully too!
Step 4: Assemble the Panini
Time for the fun part! Lightly spray or brush the cut sides of your ciabatta rolls with butter. Place the bottom halves onto the grill. Layer generously with those sweet caramelized onions, a crumble of blue cheese, and that luscious braised chicken. Don’t forget to spoon over a little of the spicy cooking sauce for extra Buffalo flavor. Add a mound of shredded mozzarella and, if you like, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro before crowning it with the top half of the ciabatta, also brushed with butter.
Step 5: Grill to Golden Perfection
Close the panini press and let the magic happen for about 5 minutes. The cheese should ooze and melt, and the ciabatta turns a deep gold with a subtle crunch. If you’re using a skillet, press down with another heavy pan and flip once for even browning.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Panini
Garnishes
The finishing touches can really make your Buffalo Chicken Panini pop. Sprinkle on a bit of fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a lively color contrast. A handful of crumbled blue cheese scattered over the top before serving adds a gourmet, restaurant-worthy flair. If you like things extra zippy, offer a drizzle of extra hot sauce or a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dip.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve your Buffalo Chicken Panini with simple, refreshing sides. A crisp green salad with celery and carrots echoes the classic Buffalo combo and cools things down. Sweet potato fries or crunchy kettle chips are a satisfying match. Or try serving with a tangy slaw for bright crunch that sets off the rich, spicy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice each Buffalo Chicken Panini into halves or even quarters for easy sharing at parties or game day. Stack mini paninis as sliders for a playful appetizer spread! Present alongside ramekins of colorful dipping sauces or a board of fresh celery sticks for an eye-catching, interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Buffalo Chicken Panini, let them cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Place them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. For the best results, store any leftover braised chicken, onions, and cheese separately and assemble just before reheating to maintain optimal texture.
Freezing
Want to enjoy Buffalo Chicken Panini later? Assemble the sandwiches up to the grilling step, then wrap each tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to eat, no need to thaw—just grill straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to ensure the center heats through and the exterior crisps up.
Reheating
To revive that freshly-pressed perfection, reheat your Buffalo Chicken Panini in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. If you have a panini press, reheat until the cheese is melty and bread is crisped. Microwaving is quick in a pinch, but will soften the crust rather than crisp it.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well if you prefer leaner meat, just be sure to slice it thin and watch closely so it stays moist during cooking. Adjust simmer time slightly if needed for smaller pieces.
What’s the best hot sauce for Buffalo Chicken Panini?
Classic Buffalo-style hot sauces like Frank’s RedHot are always a hit, but you can experiment with your favorite brand or make it milder or hotter to suit your taste. For a smoky twist, try adding a splash of chipotle sauce.
Can I make the Buffalo Chicken Panini without a panini press?
Certainly! A grill pan, regular skillet, or even a cast iron pan with a heavy lid can substitute nicely. Press the sandwich down with another pan for that signature crispy finish.
How can I make this panini healthier?
Opt for whole wheat rolls, reduce the amount of cheese, or use light butter. Swapping in Greek yogurt mixed with herbs makes a lighter dipping sauce on the side. You can also load up on extra veggies like spinach or roasted peppers inside your panini.
Is this panini spicy?
The Buffalo Chicken Panini definitely packs heat, but you control how fiery it gets by adjusting the amount and type of hot sauce you use. If you’re sensitive to spice, use a mild sauce or add extra cheese and veggies to mellow things out.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crave-worthy, crowd-pleasing sandwich with a punch of flavor and melty cheese, make this Buffalo Chicken Panini your next kitchen adventure. It’s quick, customizable, and absolutely bursting with character—so go ahead, gather your favorite people and share the deliciousness!
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Buffalo Chicken Panini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: lunch
- Method: grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Buffalo Chicken Panini is a delicious pressed sandwich featuring chicken braised in hot sauce, caramelized onions, and a blend of cheeses, all packed between ciabatta rolls. This recipe offers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and cheesy flavors in every bite, making it a must-try for any buffalo chicken enthusiast.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken thighs, sliced into 1/2″ strips
- 1 cup hot sauce
Caramelized Onions:
- 1 large red onion, sliced into thin rings
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced cilantro (optional)
- 4 ciabatta rolls
Instructions
- Braise Chicken: In a large saucepan, combine chicken, hot sauce, and butter. Boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked.
- Caramelize Onions: In a saute pan, heat butter and saute onions until soft. Stir in sugar and continue cooking until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- Prep Panini: Preheat panini griddle. Assemble sandwiches by layering bread with onions, blue cheese, chicken, and cooking sauce. Top with mozzarella, cover with another slice of bread, and grill in the panini press for 5 minutes until cheese melts and bread is toasted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 panini
- Calories: 546 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 2360mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 146mg
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