If you’re craving a show-stopping sandwich that combines bold heat, cool creaminess, and an irresistible crunch, let me introduce you to the Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich. This crowd-pleaser brings together juicy, zesty grilled chicken and a tangy, ranch-infused coleslaw, all piled high on a soft bun. Expect the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and refreshing flavors in every single bite—making this sandwich an unforgettable centerpiece for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings alike.

Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to making an amazing Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich lies in a handful of simple, purposeful ingredients. Each one adds a distinct layer, ensuring your sandwich is bursting with flavor, texture, and just the right hint of color. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless to keep things tender and fuss-free, ready to soak up all the buffalo flavor.
Buffalo sauce: This tangy, spicy sauce is the heart and soul of the dish, providing both heat and vibrant orange color.
Olive oil: Just a splash helps the marinade cling to the chicken and keeps it juicy through grilling.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle savory depth to the chicken without overwhelming the other flavors.
Smoked paprika: Gives a hint of smokiness and beautiful color to the marinade.
Salt and pepper: Essential for rounding out all of the flavors in both the chicken and the slaw.
Coleslaw mix: Shredded cabbage and carrots add unbeatable crunch and a refreshing bite.
Ranch dressing: Creamy and herby, this is the perfect counterbalance to spicy buffalo sauce in your coleslaw.
Apple cider vinegar: Brightens up the slaw, giving it a little tang and keeping things light.
Sandwich buns: Soft, slightly toasted buns make the ideal carrier for all that zesty goodness.
Optional toppings: Sliced pickles, red onion, or extra ranch can push your Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich over the top.

How to Make Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining your chicken breasts with buffalo sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl or zip-top bag. Give everything a good mix—using your hands works best—to make sure the chicken gets thoroughly coated in all that spicy, savory marinade. Let this rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra flavor punch). The wait is the hardest part but truly pays off in tender, flavor-packed chicken.

Step 2: Whip Up the Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw

While the chicken is soaking up its marinade, assemble the coleslaw. In a medium bowl, toss together your coleslaw mix with ranch dressing, a splash of buffalo sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir until the slaw is completely coated and looks beautifully creamy, with streaks of the ranch and buffalo dressing weaving through the fresh cabbage and carrots. Chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve—for maximum crunch and flavor blending.

Step 3: Grill to Juicy Perfection

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. When hot, lay down the marinated chicken breasts—listen for that satisfying sizzle! Grill for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, flipping just once, until they’re perfectly charred and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you love a crisp bun, now’s the time to toast them for a minute or two, just until they’re golden and lightly crunchy.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

Grab your buns and layer each bottom half with a grilled chicken breast. Then, crown the chicken with a generous scoop of your chilled buffalo ranch coleslaw. Now is your moment to add extra toppings—maybe some snappy pickles, a few slices of red onion, or a drizzle of more ranch. Cap it all with the top bun and press down gently. Your Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich

Garnishes

This sandwich is already a stunner, but a few thoughtful garnishes can make it even more inviting. Sprinkle on sliced green onions or a pinch of fresh chopped parsley for color and a hint of garden-fresh flavor. A light dusting of extra smoked paprika or fresh-cracked black pepper adds a little gourmet flair right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich with crispy sweet potato fries, classic potato chips, or a simple mixed green salad for a complete meal. If you want a cooling side, crunchy celery sticks with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing make a nod to traditional buffalo wings.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these sandwiches into sliders for parties by using small buns and cutting the chicken into petite pieces—your guests will love snacking on them while mingling! Or, for a fun twist, serve the grilled chicken and slaw open-faced on hearty sourdough or even piled onto a bed of romaine lettuce for a lighter, fork-and-knife meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with an extra Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich (or just leftover components), store the grilled chicken and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will stay juicy for up to three days, while the coleslaw is best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal crunch.

Freezing

While the slaw doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy dressing, the grilled chicken can absolutely be frozen! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat as needed.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 350°F oven with a splash of broth or water to keep them moist. Reassemble your Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich with fresh coleslaw and enjoy—all the original flavors will shine through!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and just as flavorful when grilled. They work wonderfully in the Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich and can handle all that saucy goodness without drying out.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

If you’re a serious spice lover, add a dash of cayenne pepper to your marinade or use an extra-hot buffalo sauce. You can even add sliced jalapeños among your toppings for more heat.

Can I make the coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes! The coleslaw can be made up to a day in advance. In fact, chilling it overnight helps the flavors meld, but add the dressing close to serving time if you prefer extra crunch.

What’s the best way to toast the buns?

Lightly butter the inside of each bun and place them face down on a hot grill or skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden. Toasted buns hold up beautifully against the juicy chicken and creamy slaw.

Can I make a vegetarian version?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for crispy baked tofu or a meatless patty and proceed with the same marinade and grilling method. The Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich flavors will still shine!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sandwich that’s big on flavor and perfect for sharing, don’t hesitate—give the Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich a try. It’s simple, satisfying, and bound to score rave reviews from everyone at your table!

Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating)
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Buffalo Ranch Coleslaw Topped Chicken Sandwich combines the zesty flavors of buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and crunchy coleslaw in a delicious grilled chicken sandwich. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup buffalo sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the coleslaw:

2 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
¼ cup ranch dressing
2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

For serving:

4 sandwich buns
Optional toppings like sliced pickles, red onion, or extra ranch dressing

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Instructions

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine the chicken breasts with buffalo sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Prepare the coleslaw: Mix together the coleslaw mix, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss until fully coated and refrigerate until ready to use.
Grill the chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Toast the buns if desired.
Assemble the sandwich: Place grilled chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a generous scoop of buffalo ranch coleslaw and any additional toppings. Add the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in buffalo sauce for a quicker version.
Serve with sweet potato fries or a side salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American