Introduction
Buffalo Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that combines the spicy and tangy flavors of buffalo sauce with fresh, crunchy vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner and offers a healthy twist on traditional buffalo chicken wings. Bursting with flavor and texture, it’s sure to please both your taste buds and your health-conscious side.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Buffalo Sauce:
– 1/2 cup Frank’s hot sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Chicken:
– 1 pound chicken breast tenders
Salad:
– 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
– 1 cup shredded carrot
– 1 cup diced cucumber
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Dressing:
– 1/2 cup buttermilk ranch dressing
– 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce (from above)
Prep Time
30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time
20-25 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 1 hour (including marinating)
Yield
Serves 4
Directions
1. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Frank’s hot sauce, honey, smoked paprika, and salt until well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the prepared buffalo sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Reserve the remaining buffalo sauce for later use. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
4. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk ranch dressing with the reserved buffalo sauce. Stir until smooth and set aside.
5. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded carrot, diced cucumber, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and dried dill weed. Toss the vegetables until evenly mixed.
6. Add Chicken and Dressing: Add the sliced buffalo chicken pieces to the salad. Drizzle the prepared buffalo ranch dressing over the top. Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
7. Serve: If desired, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the salad before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Salad!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together Frank’s hot sauce, honey, smoked paprika, and salt until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken tenders in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the prepared buffalo sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Reserve the remaining buffalo sauce for later use. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk ranch dressing with the reserved buffalo sauce. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded carrot, diced cucumber, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and dried dill weed. Toss the vegetables until evenly mixed.
Add Chicken and Dressing
Add the sliced buffalo chicken pieces to the salad. Drizzle the prepared buffalo ranch dressing over the top. Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
Serve
If desired, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the salad before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Salad.
Notes
Chicken Temperature
Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it is safely cooked.
Marinating Time
For the best flavor, consider marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes if time permits.
Serving Suggestions
This salad can be served with additional sides like avocado or tortilla chips for added texture.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing can be kept separately to maintain freshness.
Cook techniques
Making Buffalo Sauce
Whisk together hot sauce, honey, smoked paprika, and salt in a bowl until fully combined to create a robust flavor profile for your dish.
Marinating Chicken
Place chicken tenders in a bag or dish, pour half of the buffalo sauce over, and ensure even coating. This step enhances chicken flavor and tenderness.
Baking Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet and bake marinated chicken for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Preparing Salad Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, mix chopped romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, diced cucumbers, diced red onions, halved cherry tomatoes, and dried dill weed for a crunchy and refreshing base.
Making Buffalo Ranch Dressing
Combine buttermilk ranch dressing with reserved buffalo sauce in a bowl, stirring until smooth for a spicy and creamy dressing.
Assembling the Salad
Incorporate sliced buffalo chicken pieces into the salad mix and drizzle with the buffalo ranch dressing. Toss gently to achieve a uniform coating of flavors.
Serving the Salad
Add crumbled blue cheese on top if desired, and serve immediately for optimal freshness and taste.
FAQ
Can I use another type of chicken besides tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or even rotisserie chicken, adjusting cooking times as necessary for larger cuts.
What if I prefer a milder flavor?
You can reduce the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce or add more honey for sweetness to balance the heat.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
You can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but it’s best to add the chicken and dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
Is blue cheese mandatory for this salad?
No, blue cheese is optional. You can omit it or substitute it with another cheese like feta or cheddar if preferred.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the texture may change.
Conclusion
This Buffalo Chicken Salad combines the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors, making it a delicious and satisfying meal. The marinated chicken tenderloins paired with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing create a vibrant dish that works well for lunch or dinner. Enjoy the bold flavors and the crunch of fresh ingredients in this delightful salad.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Combine the Buffalo chicken with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and blue cheese in a tortilla wrap for a convenient on-the-go meal.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Substitute chicken with cauliflower florets, toss in the buffalo sauce, and bake until crispy for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Spread creamy ranch dressing on a pizza crust, top with buffalo chicken, mozzarella cheese, and bake until bubbly—great for game day!
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with buffalo chicken and cheese, cook until crispy, and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad
Grill the marinated chicken for added smoky flavor, then serve over mixed greens with avocado and your choice of dressing for a lighter version.
