This Buffalo Chicken Salad is a tasty blend of spicy chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing. Perfect for a light meal, it brings the heat without weighing you down!
If you’re like me, you might add a sprinkle of blue cheese on top, because why not? This salad is great for lunch, and it’s a fun way to enjoy the classic buffalo flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is best for easy shredding. You can also use rotisserie chicken for speed. Just skip the baking step and shred it straight into the salad.
Buffalo Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice. If you prefer less heat, try a milder sauce or even BBQ sauce for a different flavor twist!
Romaine Lettuce: The crunch of romaine is perfect here, but feel free to mix it up with spinach or mixed greens if you want something different.
Blue Cheese: Love the tangy flavor? Blue cheese is a great pick! If you’re not a fan, feta or goat cheese work well, too.
How Do I Shred Chicken Perfectly?
Shredding chicken might seem tricky, but it’s super easy! After baking, let the chicken sit for a few minutes to cool down a bit. This helps it stay juicy, and it’s safer to handle.
- Use two forks or your hands to pull the chicken apart into shreds.
- Work with the grain of the meat for long, beautiful shreds.
- Don’t worry if some pieces are smaller. It all adds to the texture!
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
Time Needed:
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook. The total time is around 35 minutes from start to finish before you can enjoy this fresh meal!
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). For easy cleanup, line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps them roast better! Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Bake the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken on your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the top for added flavor and moisture. Bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked. You’ll know it’s ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time keeps it juicy. Then, shred the chicken using two forks, mixing it up into delicious, bite-sized pieces.
5. Toss with Hot Sauce:
In a bowl, add your freshly shredded chicken and pour in the buffalo hot sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in spicy goodness.
6. Build Your Salad:
In serving bowls, create a base with the chopped romaine lettuce. Add the diced red onion on top for a crunchy kick.
7. Add the Chicken and Toppings:
Top your salad with the buffalo shredded chicken. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles and sliced green onions over everything for extra flavor and garnish.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Buffalo Chicken Salad immediately. If you like, include ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side or drizzled over the top for that extra creamy texture.
Enjoy your fresh, flavorful Buffalo Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water until fully thawed.
How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, use a hotter buffalo sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the shredded chicken. For even more flavor, you could incorporate some chopped jalapeños into the salad!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain the salad’s freshness. To reheat, warm up the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stove.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken, mix it with the hot sauce, and store it in the fridge separately from the greens. Just assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve to keep the lettuce crisp!