Buffalo-Style Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Tangy Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken breast seasoned with a Buffalo-inspired spice blend, topped with crunchy tangy slaw on a toasted bun. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat in a grill pan. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F, with nice grill marks.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage and 1 grated carrot in a bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tsp dijon mustard until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Toss the cabbage and carrot with the dressing until evenly coated to make the tangy slaw.
  5. Step 5: Assemble sandwiches by placing each grilled chicken breast on a toasted burger bun and topping with a generous scoop of the tangy slaw. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Buffalo-Style Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Tangy Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Buffalo-Style Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Tangy Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked paprika from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buffalo-Style Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Tangy Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Buffalo-Style Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Tangy Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Buffalo-Style Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Tangy Slaw?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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