This Buffalo Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of spicy chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing. It’s a great choice for a lunch that’s both healthy and filling!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up! Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a meal that’s both crunchy and a little spicy. Perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here, but you can swap them for rotisserie chicken for less cooking time. Just shred the pre-cooked chicken and toss it in buffalo sauce.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This is crucial for that spicy flavor. If you want a milder kick, try a hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot mixed with a little butter or use a homemade hot sauce.
Lettuce: Romaine adds a nice crunch, but you can also use mixed greens, iceberg, or spinach if you’ve got any on hand. Each will give a slightly different texture to the salad.
Cheese: Blue cheese adds a bold flavor but isn’t for everyone. Feta is a great milder substitute, or you can skip the cheese altogether for a lighter salad!
How Can I Perfectly Cook the Chicken?
Cooking chicken breasts to juicy perfection is key to this salad. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your grill or skillet is hot before you add the chicken. This helps sear the outside.
- Let the chicken cook for 5-7 minutes on each side without moving it. This helps to get a nice golden crust.
- Use a meat thermometer if you have one; chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Resting the chicken for 5 minutes after cooking keeps it juicy, so don’t skip this step!
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup cucumber slices
- 1 hard-boiled egg, quartered
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes cooking the chicken and prepping the veggies, and then just a few minutes assembling everything. It’s a quick and satisfying option for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and brush them with olive oil to keep them moist. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear. Once done, remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding or slicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce, making sure it’s well coated. This will add that spicy kick we love in Buffalo chicken salads!
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl or individual serving bowls, arrange the chopped romaine lettuce as the base. Then, add the cherry tomatoes, slices of red onion, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and quarters of hard-boiled egg around the bowl for a colorful display. Place the buffalo chicken in the center of the salad to make it the star of the show.
4. Add the Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese on top of the salad for that creamy flavor contrast. Drizzle your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top to finish it off.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Give the salad a gentle toss to combine the ingredients, if desired, or serve it as is for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Salad immediately for the best flavor and texture!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken that you have on hand works perfectly. Just shred the chicken and toss it with buffalo sauce to flavor it up before adding it to the salad.
What If I Don’t Like Blue Cheese?
No problem! Feel free to substitute the blue cheese with feta or omit cheese altogether. If you still want a bit of creaminess, consider adding avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt instead.
How Long Will Leftovers Keep?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
Can I Make This Salad Spicy or Mild?
Definitely! Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to your spice preference. If you want it milder, you can mix the buffalo sauce with some ranch dressing or opt for a milder hot sauce.