Introduction
Buffalo chicken salad is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines spicy buffalo chicken with fresh, crisp vegetables. It’s a perfect meal for lunch or dinner, offering both protein and nutrients while satisfying your taste buds. This recipe is simple to prepare, featuring a homemade buffalo sauce that elevates the chicken to new heights. Let’s dive into the detailed ingredients you’ll need to create this 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 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: 4 servings
Now that you have all the ingredients and necessary information, you’re ready to create a delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad that will impress your family and friends!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400ºF.
Step 2: Prepare 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. Stir until well mixed to create the buffalo sauce.
Step 3: Mix Dressing
Take 2 tablespoons of the prepared buffalo sauce and mix it with ½ cup of buttermilk ranch dressing. Once combined, refrigerate this mixture until you are ready to use it later.
Step 4: Prepare Chicken
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 1 pound of chicken breast tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into ¾-inch thick pieces) on the baking sheet and brush the chicken with the remaining buffalo sauce.
Step 5: Bake Chicken
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 6: Rest and Slice Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 7: Prepare Salad
In a large bowl, combine shredded romaine lettuce, 1 shredded large carrot, 1 diced cucumber, ½ diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes (1 pint), and 1 teaspoon of dill weed. Add ⅓ cup of blue cheese or your preferred cheese to the mix.
Step 8: Assemble Salad
Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad mixture and drizzle with the buffalo ranch dressing you prepared earlier. Toss gently to combine.
Notes
Storage
If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Chicken Alternatives
You can substitute chicken breast tenders with rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken for a quicker option.
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas and adjust the buffalo sauce accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs well with fresh crusty bread or can be served with tortilla chips on the side for added crunch.
Customize
Feel free to add or substitute any desired vegetables like bell peppers or avocado to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the salad.
Cook techniques
Making Buffalo Sauce
Combine Frank’s hot sauce, honey, paprika, and salt in a small bowl until well mixed.
Preparing Chicken
Place chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush generously with buffalo sauce.
Baking Chicken
Bake at 400ºF for approximately 10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Resting Chicken
After baking, allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Combining Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix shredded romaine lettuce, shredded carrot, diced cucumber, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, dill weed, and blue cheese.
Assembling the Salad
Add sliced chicken on top of the salad and drizzle with buffalo ranch dressing.
FAQ
Can I use a different hot sauce?
Yes, you can substitute with any hot sauce of your preference to achieve desired heat levels.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk ranch dressing?
While buttermilk ranch adds creaminess, you can use any salad dressing you enjoy.
Can I prepare the buffalo sauce in advance?
Yes, buffalo sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
What can I use instead of blue cheese?
Feel free to use your favorite cheese or omit it if you prefer a dairy-free option.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Consider using grilled chicken instead of baked and adding more vegetables to the salad.
Conclusion
This Buffalo Chicken Salad combines the bold flavors of spicy buffalo sauce with the freshness of a crunchy salad. It’s a perfect dish for those who enjoy a kick in their meals while keeping it healthy and satisfying. The blend of ingredients creates a delightful balance, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Buffalo Tacos
Use the buffalo sauce to marinate shrimp or fish and serve in warm tortillas with cabbage slaw and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a spicy seafood taco.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Toss cauliflower florets in the buffalo sauce and roast until crispy for a delicious vegetarian appetizer.
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with buffalo chicken, cheese, and your choice of veggies, then grill until golden and melty for a hearty twist.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Combine buffalo chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and ranch dressing in a wrap for a portable meal perfect for lunches.
Buffalo Meatball Subs
Prepare meatballs with buffalo sauce, then serve on a sub roll topped with blue cheese and diced celery for delicious sandwiches.
