Introduction
Buffalo Chicken Salad is a delightful fusion of spicy, tangy flavors and fresh, crisp vegetables. This dish combines tender pieces of chicken coated in a zesty buffalo sauce with a medley of vibrant salad ingredients, creating a satisfying meal that is both healthy and indulgent. Whether enjoyed for lunch or dinner, this salad is sure to please anyone looking for a bold and refreshing dish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Buffalo Sauce:
– ¼ cup Frank’s hot sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon salt
Salad:
– ½ cup buttermilk ranch dressing
– 1 pound chicken breast tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into ¾-inch thick pieces)
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, shredded
– 1 large carrot, shredded
– 1 cucumber, diced
– ½ red onion, diced
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 teaspoon dill weed
– ⅓ cup blue cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400ºF to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of Frank’s hot sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix well to create a flavorful buffalo sauce.
Step 3: Create Buffalo Ranch Dressing
Take 2 tablespoons of the buffalo sauce and mix it with ½ cup of buttermilk ranch dressing. This will be your buffalo ranch dressing. Refrigerate until it’s time to use.
Step 4: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breast tenders or cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts (¾-inch thick pieces) on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the chicken generously with the remaining buffalo sauce.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
Step 6: Let the Chicken Rest
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 7: Prepare the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the shredded romaine lettuce, shredded carrot, diced cucumber, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dill weed, and ⅓ cup of blue cheese. Toss the ingredients together to mix well.
Step 8: Combine Chicken and Salad
Add the sliced chicken to the salad mixture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring the chicken is well distributed.
Step 9: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the buffalo ranch dressing over the salad just before serving to add flavor and moisture.
Notes
Storage
Store any leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adjust Spice Level
Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce to suit your spice preference; add more if you like it spicier, or reduce for a milder flavor.
Additional Ingredients
Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, avocado, or corn for more texture and flavor.
Protein Alternatives
You can substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a different protein source or a vegetarian option.
Cook techniques
Preparing Buffalo Sauce
Combine hot sauce, honey, paprika, and salt in a small bowl until mixed thoroughly.
Creating Buffalo Ranch Dressing
Mix two tablespoons of buffalo sauce with buttermilk ranch dressing and refrigerate.
Baking Chicken
Place chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with buffalo sauce before baking in the oven.
Resting and Slicing Chicken
Allow the baked chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Assembling the Salad
In a large bowl, mix shredded lettuce, carrot, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, dill weed, and cheese.
Tossing the Salad
Add sliced chicken to the salad and toss gently for even distribution.
Serving the Salad
Drizzle buffalo ranch dressing over the salad just before serving for flavor.
FAQ
What type of chicken can be used for this recipe?
You can use chicken breast tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into ¾-inch thick pieces.
Can I make the buffalo sauce in advance?
Yes, buffalo sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
Is there a substitute for blue cheese?
You can substitute with your favorite cheese if blue cheese is not preferred.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the buffalo sauce?
To adjust spiciness, reduce the amount of hot sauce or add more honey for sweetness.
Can I use a different type of dressing for the salad?
Yes, any creamy dressing can work, but ranch pairs best with the flavors of the buffalo sauce.
Conclusion
This Buffalo Chicken Salad combines spicy, tangy flavors with fresh vegetables for a delightful and satisfying meal. The creamy buffalo ranch dressing enhances the taste, making it perfect for a quick dinner or lunch. Enjoy this vibrant dish that balances healthiness with bold flavors!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Substitute chicken with cauliflower florets, toss in the buffalo sauce, and bake until crispy for a vegetarian option.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Wrap sliced buffalo chicken, lettuce, ranch dressing, and tomatoes in a tortilla for a convenient on-the-go meal.
Buffalo Chickpea Salad
Replace chicken with canned chickpeas for a plant-based version, mixing in the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing for added flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Top your favorite pizza dough with buffalo chicken, mozzarella cheese, red onion, and a drizzle of ranch dressing before baking.
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with buffalo chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and drizzle with ranch dressing for a delicious appetizer.
Buffalo-Style Stuffed Peppers
Stuff bell peppers with a mixture of ground chicken, buffalo sauce, and cheese, then bake until the peppers are tender.
