Ingredients

  • 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup Buffalo wing sauce, such as Frank's RedHot, plus more if desired
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced
  • 1 36 -inch loaf soft French or Italian bread
  • 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh dill
  • 1/4 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

  • Preheat the broiler.
  • Season the chicken with salt and black pepper; sprinkle with the brown sugar, paprika and cayenne.
  • Warm the vegetable oil in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook half of the chicken in the skillet until golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side; transfer to a plate.
  • Cook the rest, then return all the chicken to the skillet.
  • Add the wing sauce and bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium and cook until the chicken registers 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, about 10 minutes.
  • Let cool, then shred and return to the skillet.
  • Add more wing sauce if desired, then broil until crisp and caramelized, about 4 minutes.
  • Combine the carrots, celery and tomatoes in a bowl and season with salt and black pepper.
  • Make the ranch dressing: Combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, garlic, dill, honey, mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper in a bowl.
  • Split open the bread lengthwise.
  • Put the blue cheese crumbles on the bottom, then add the chicken and veggies.
  • Cut into small sandwiches and serve with the ranch dressing on the side.
  • Photograph by Con Poulos