Are you craving that perfect combination of spicy buffalo chicken complemented by creamy, delicious cheese? You’re not alone! Buffalo chicken is a classic favorite, but finding the right cheese to pair with it can take your meal from good to absolutely mouthwatering.
I’ve spent years experimenting with different cheese combinations for my buffalo chicken dishes and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned. Whether you’re making buffalo chicken wings, dip pizza, or sandwiches, there’s a perfect cheese partner waiting to be discovered.
Why Cheese and Buffalo Chicken Are a Perfect Match
Before diving into specific cheeses let’s talk about why cheese and buffalo chicken work so well together
- The creaminess of cheese helps balance the spicy heat of buffalo sauce
- Cheese adds richness and texture to buffalo chicken dishes
- Different cheeses can either complement or contrast with buffalo flavors
- The right cheese can transform an ordinary buffalo chicken dish into something extraordinary
Top 12 Cheeses That Go Perfectly With Buffalo Chicken
1. Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is probably the most classic pairing with buffalo chicken. Its strong, pungent flavor stands up beautifully to the spicy heat of buffalo sauce.
Blue cheese has a distinctive aroma and creamy yet crumbly texture with blue-green veins running throughout. The salty, sharp flavor creates a perfect contrast to fiery buffalo chicken.
Try it with:
- Traditional buffalo wings with blue cheese dressing
- Buffalo chicken pizza topped with blue cheese crumbles
- Buffalo chicken salad with blue cheese
2. Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar is versatile and widely available, making it a practical choice for buffalo chicken. Young cheddar is milder, while aged cheddar offers a sharper flavor profile.
The meltability of cheddar makes it perfect for dishes where you want that gooey, stretchy cheese pull. Its flavor is strong enough to stand up to buffalo sauce without being overwhelming.
Great uses include:
- Buffalo chicken quesadillas with cheddar
- Buffalo chicken nachos topped with melted cheddar
- Buffalo chicken grilled cheese sandwiches
3. Mozzarella
Mozzarella has a milky, mild flavor with subtle grassy and floral notes. It’s less assertive than other cheeses but provides wonderful creaminess and that iconic cheese pull we all love.
Its mild flavor won’t compete with buffalo sauce, making it ideal when you want the buffalo flavor to be the star.
Perfect for:
- Buffalo chicken pizza with melted mozzarella
- Stuffed buffalo chicken breasts with mozzarella
- Buffalo chicken paninis with fresh mozzarella
4. Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack brings a slightly sweet, nutty flavor with a creamy, stringy texture when melted. It’s an incredibly versatile cheese that pairs beautifully with spicy foods like buffalo chicken.
The mild yet distinctive flavor makes it ideal for dishes where you want both flavor and excellent meltability.
Try using it in:
- Homemade creamy buffalo sauce with Monterey Jack
- Buffalo chicken tacos with shredded Monterey Jack
- Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers with Monterey Jack
5. Brie Cheese
Brie offers a rich, buttery flavor and creamy texture that contrasts nicely with spicy buffalo chicken. This soft French cheese with its white rind brings elegance to any buffalo chicken dish.
When selecting Brie, look for a wheel that has an even-colored rind without too much orange/red hue.
Delicious uses include:
- Buffalo chicken dip topped with slices of Brie
- Brie and buffalo chicken flatbreads
- Buffalo chicken sliders with melted Brie
6. Gorgonzola
Similar to blue cheese but with its own unique profile, Gorgonzola is crumbly, salty, and has a strong flavor that stands up well to buffalo chicken’s spiciness.
A little Gorgonzola goes a long way, so use it sparingly as a topping or mix-in for maximum impact.
Perfect for:
- Buffalo chicken pasta with Gorgonzola sauce
- Buffalo chicken wrap with Gorgonzola crumbles
- Buffalo chicken risotto finished with Gorgonzola
7. Feta Cheese
Feta brings a tangy, rich, and salty flavor that balances beautifully with buffalo chicken. Its crumbly texture adds interest to dishes where you want distinct pockets of cheese flavor.
The salty punch of feta helps cut through the spiciness of buffalo sauce.
Try it with:
- Buffalo chicken Greek salad with feta
- Buffalo chicken wraps with crumbled feta
- Buffalo chicken stuffed with feta
8. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese has a mild, sweet taste with a thick, creamy texture that’s perfect for creating rich, smooth buffalo chicken dips and spreads.
It helps temper the heat of the buffalo sauce while adding luxurious creaminess.
Great uses include:
- Buffalo chicken dip with cream cheese base
- Buffalo chicken stuffed mushrooms with cream cheese
- Buffalo chicken pinwheels with cream cheese
9. Goat Cheese
Goat cheese (or chèvre) offers a tangy flavor that pairs surprisingly well with buffalo chicken. Its creamy texture and distinctive taste create an interesting contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.
The tangy notes complement the vinegar component in most buffalo sauces.
Perfect for:
- Buffalo chicken salad topped with goat cheese crumbles
- Buffalo chicken flatbread with dollops of goat cheese
- Stuffed buffalo chicken breast with goat cheese
10. Parmesan
Parmesan has a rich, tangy, nutty, and sharp flavor that can really stand up to buffalo chicken’s boldness. As a hard cheese, it provides textural contrast when grated over dishes.
It can be used as a topping, in crusts, or incorporated into sauces.
Try using it in:
- Parmesan-crusted buffalo chicken tenders
- Buffalo chicken pasta with freshly grated Parmesan
- Buffalo chicken casserole with Parmesan topping
11. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta has a creamy, mild taste with a thick texture that works well with buffalo chicken. Its subtle sweetness helps balance the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
It’s particularly good in baked dishes or as a spread.
Delicious applications include:
- Buffalo chicken lasagna with ricotta layers
- Buffalo chicken dip with ricotta for extra creaminess
- Stuffed buffalo chicken shells with ricotta filling
12. Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese offers a sweet, mild, and nutty flavor profile that works well with buffalo chicken. Its characteristic holes and melting properties make it both visually interesting and functionally excellent.
The mild nature of Swiss cheese helps balance the bold flavors of buffalo sauce.
Great uses include:
- Buffalo chicken Swiss cheese sandwiches
- Buffalo chicken cordon bleu with Swiss
- Buffalo chicken patty melts with Swiss cheese
Best Cheese Combinations for Different Buffalo Chicken Dishes
Different buffalo chicken dishes call for different cheese approaches. Here are some suggestions:
For Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Base: Cream cheese + cheddar + blue cheese crumbles
- Why it works: Creates the perfect balance of creaminess, meltability, and classic buffalo flavor
For Buffalo Chicken Pizza
- Best combo: Mozzarella + blue cheese or feta
- Why it works: Mozzarella provides the stretch and melt, while blue cheese or feta adds pops of intense flavor
For Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
- Great option: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss
- Why it works: These melt well and have enough flavor to stand up to the buffalo sauce without overwhelming the sandwich
For Buffalo Chicken Wraps
- Try: Feta, blue cheese, or sharp cheddar
- Why it works: These add flavor in every bite without making the wrap soggy
How to Choose the Right Cheese for Your Buffalo Chicken
When selecting a cheese for your buffalo chicken dish, consider these factors:
- Heat level of your buffalo sauce – Milder cheeses for very spicy sauce, stronger cheeses for milder sauce
- Serving temperature – Some cheeses like blue and feta are great cold, others like cheddar and mozzarella are better melted
- Texture desired – Creamy, crumbly, or stretchy
- Supporting ingredients – What else is in your dish that might complement certain cheeses
My Personal Favorite Buffalo Chicken and Cheese Combos
After years of experimenting, I’ve found some combos that I keep coming back to:
- For game day wings: Blue cheese dressing (always!)
- For quick weeknight dinner: Buffalo chicken quesadillas with cheddar and Monterey Jack
- For impressing guests: Buffalo chicken stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in bacon
- For comfort food: Buffalo chicken mac and cheese with sharp cheddar and blue cheese crumbles
Buffalo chicken and cheese is truly one of food’s perfect partnerships! Whether you prefer the classic pairing with blue cheese or want to experiment with something different like Brie or goat cheese, there’s a cheese out there that will elevate your buffalo chicken experience.
The next time you’re preparing buffalo chicken, I hope you’ll try one of these cheese pairings to take your dish to the next level. And if you have a favorite buffalo chicken and cheese combo that I didn’t mention, I’d love to hear about it!
What’s your go-to cheese for buffalo chicken? Do you stick with the classic blue cheese, or have you discovered an unexpected pairing that works surprisingly well?
Let’s Make Buffalo Chicken!
Even though we all love buffalo chicken wings, and that creamy buffalo chicken dip, you can make shredded chicken with buffalo sauce easily in the Instant Pot. Its a great recipe for easy dinners during the week. Serve this buffalo chicken over a big bulky roll topped with sour cream and chopped green onions. You can also use this buffalo chicken to make a delicious buffalo chicken pizza, a perfect Friday evening dinner!
- Set the Instant Pot to “saute”.
- Add the butter to the Instant Pot and allow it to melt. Once the butter is melted, hit cancel on “saute” mode and place chicken breasts in the bottom of the pot. Top the chicken with the hot sauce.
- Set the Instant Pot to “saute”. Add the butter to the Instant Pot and allow it to melt. Once the butter is melted, hit cancel on “saute” mode and place chicken breasts in the bottom of the pot. Top the chicken with the hot sauce.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the cooking time to 22 minutes on high pressure. Make sure the knob is set to the sealing position on the lid of the Instant Pot.
- After the cooking is complete, carefully quick release the remaining pressure.
- Open the Instant Pot and shred the chicken to your liking. Place the shredded chicken back in the sauce and serve immediately.
The good thing about buffalo chicken dip is that you can use canned chicken, leftover rotisserie chicken, or chicken breasts. If you make some meal prep, you can use some leftover chicken breast and mix it in with the rest of the dip ingredients.
If you want to be healthy, of course you can dip carrot sticks and celery sticks in the dip. My favorite things to dip are tortilla chips or homemade crackers.
Yes! You can make this in the slow cooker or crock pot. Add the cream cheese, canned chicken, spicy hot sauce, and ranch dressing into the slow cooker. Set the crock pot to 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.
Did you make this recipe and love it?
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How To Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip is so easy to make! All you need is chicken, cream cheese, your favorite hot sauce, and few other simple ingredients that are easily found in your local grocery store.
My favorite way to make Buffalo chicken dip is in the Instant Pot. Heres how you do it!
- Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts and ½ cup of chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
- Cover the Instant Pot and set to “High” pressure for 20 minutes (30 minutes if your chicken is frozen).
- After the cooking is completed, release the pressure.
- Take the chicken out of the Instant Pot and place it on a cutting board. Shred the chicken into small pieces.
- Discard the liquid left in the Instant Pot.
- Place the Instant Pot insert back in the Instant Pot.
- Turn the Instant Pot on “Sauté”.
- Add the cream cheese, ranch, and hot sauce to the Instant Pot. Stir until melted.
- Add the chicken and sharp cheddar cheese back into the Instant Pot and stir until completely combined.
- Optional step- Transfer the dip to an oven safe baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese and blue cheese crumbles. Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve!
NY’s Best Kept Secret: Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak | Cookin’ Somethin’
FAQ
What cheese goes well with Buffalo Chicken?
There are many different types of cheese that go well with buffalo chicken. Some of the most popular choices include cheddar, mozzarella, and blue cheese. These cheeses all have a strong flavor that can stand up to the spicy chicken. Still looking for ideas? Then simply keep scrolling! 1. Cheddar
What is the best cheese for Buffalo chicken wraps?
The key to a good buffalo chicken wrap is to find a cheese that can stand up to the heat of the buffalo sauce. A sharp cheddar or pepper jack would be a great choice. You could also use a crumbly blue cheese or a creamy ranch dressing to cool things down.
Can you eat Swiss cheese and Buffalo Chicken together?
One of the best ways to enjoy Swiss cheese and buffalo chicken together is in a grilled cheese sandwich. The cheese will melt nicely and complement the flavors of the chicken. You could also add some chopped green onions or crumbled blue cheese to the sandwich for an extra bit of flavor.
What goes well with buffalo sauce chicken?
Ranch dressing Ranch is another classic flavour that complements buffalo sauce chicken perfectly. It’s made with soured buttermilk, and has a distinctive taste with hints of garlic and onion. Adding fresh green herbs helps the white sauce to look more appealing, and dill, parsley, and chives are good choices.
What cheese goes well with Hunters Chicken?
Try a mountain cheese such as Emmental, Comte or Gruyere. Any of our fantastic fully flavoured English cheeses such as Gloucester, Derby or Red Leicester melt well and would bring a lovely richness to the dish. Hunters Chicken really is best made fresh and eaten straight out of the oven, so I don’t recommend making it ahead.
What kind of cheese goes well with Buffalo sauce?
Blue cheese is the best cheese to pair with buffalo sauce, offering a tangy, pungent flavor that complements the heat and richness of buffalo wings, but other cheeses like sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack can also be used to mellow the spice and create a different flavor profile for dips and sandwiches.
What cheese is good on a buffalo chicken sandwich?
Start with a toasted bun and layer on green leaf lettuce, sliced vine ripe tomatoes, sliced red onion and dill pickle chips. Next, add the grilled buffalo chicken. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can add a bit of ranch, mozzarella or provolone cheese, crumbled blue cheese or even blue cheese dressing.
What kind of cheese is served with buffalo wings?
Even as ranch dressing became the preferred side for many U.S. wing restaurants in recent decades, Buffalo has always sworn by its blue cheese – just as The Anchor Bar first plated it all those decades ago.
What cheese should I use for buffalo chicken dip?
The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is made with 5 simple ingredients – chicken, creamy ranch dressing, cream cheese, hot sauce, and cheddar cheese. This is an easy buffalo chicken dip that is a favorite game day appetizer!