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Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 27 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Salad featuring tender, spicy buffalo chicken atop a fresh bed of mixed greens, crisp vegetables, and tangy blue cheese, perfect for a satisfying and healthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Seasoning

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Buffalo Sauce

  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is recommended)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Salad Base & Toppings

  • 8 cups mixed greens (romaine, iceberg, or your favorite blend)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup crumbled blue cheese (or ranch dressing, for a milder flavor)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Avocado, diced
  • Cucumber, sliced
  • Bell peppers, diced
  • Tortilla strips or croutons

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Ensure chicken breasts are relatively even in thickness (about 1/2-inch). Pound lightly with a meat mallet if needed for even cooking.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts thoroughly.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method: Pan-Frying – heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Grilling – preheat grill to medium-high, grill chicken 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through. Baking – preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), bake seasoned chicken on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until done.
  4. Let the Chicken Rest: Remove the cooked chicken from heat and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes to retain juices and ensure tenderness.
  5. Shred or Dice the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces or dice into cubes depending on your preference.
  6. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, melt the unsalted butter carefully without burning.
  7. Combine the Ingredients (Buffalo Sauce): Whisk the melted butter, hot sauce, white vinegar, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper in the saucepan until smooth and well combined.
  8. Coat the Chicken: Add the shredded or diced chicken into the buffalo sauce mixture and toss gently to coat the pieces evenly with the spicy sauce.
  9. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded carrots, diced celery, and thinly sliced red onion, mixing well for a colorful base.
  10. Add the Buffalo Chicken: Spoon the buffalo-coated chicken over the prepared salad base evenly distributing the spicy protein.
  11. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese (or drizzle ranch dressing for a milder option), halved cherry tomatoes, chopped green onions, and any optional toppings such as avocado, cucumber, bell peppers, and tortilla strips or croutons to add texture and flavor diversity.
  12. Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately to keep the greens crisp and fresh. If preparing ahead, store the buffalo chicken separately and add to the salad just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper amounts in seasoning and sauce to your spice tolerance.
  • Use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese for a milder taste.
  • To keep salad fresh when prepping ahead, keep buffalo chicken separate and add before serving.
  • Grilling adds a smoky flavor, while baking and pan-frying provide convenience and a juicy texture.
  • Optional toppings like avocado and bell peppers add creaminess and crunch for extra nutrition and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Buffalo chicken salad, spicy chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, buffalo sauce recipe, easy chicken salad

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/buffalo-chicken-salad-recipe/