8/21/2026
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Celery & Carrot Blue Cheese Slaw
Serves 4
Buffalo Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied
- ½ cup hot sauce
- ¼ lb unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 pieces focaccia
- Lettuce or mixed greens, optional
Celery & Carrot Blue Cheese Slaw
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 2 celery stalks, finely sliced
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
- Prepare the Buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, sirachi, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Warm gently and whisk until smooth. Whisk in cold butter until melted. Season to taste.
- Prepare the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Coat the chicken. Remove the chicken from the heat and toss generously with the warm Buffalo sauce. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Make the slaw. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, Dijon, and honey. Season with salt and pepper. Add the carrot, celery, and blue cheese, tossing gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Build the sandwich. Toast the focaccia lightly. Place the Buffalo chicken on the bottom half and top generously with the celery, carrot, and blue cheese slaw. Finish with the remaining focaccia.
Chef's Note
The secret to a great Buffalo chicken sandwich is balance. The sauce should have enough heat to make itself known, but the butter, honey, and creamy blue cheese slaw should keep it from becoming overwhelming. The celery and carrot aren't just there for colour—they provide the fresh crunch that makes the whole sandwich work.
And yes, you can adjust the hot sauce to suit your own tolerance. After all, we're making sandwiches, not conducting a heat endurance competition.