This Buffalo Chicken Salad is a zesty treat packed with shredded chicken, crisp greens, and a bold buffalo sauce. It’s not your average salad—it’s a flavor explosion!
I love how it feels like a party on my plate. Add some crunchy tortilla chips on top for an extra fun crunch. Trust me, you’ll want seconds… or maybe thirds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless is ideal for grilling. You can opt for rotisserie chicken to save time. Just shred it and toss in the buffalo sauce!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: I love Frank’s RedHot for its perfect kick! If you prefer a milder taste, try mixing it with some ranch dressing. For a homemade option, combine hot sauce with melted butter.
Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, but iceberg or mixed greens work too. For a different twist, use baby spinach for a nutrient boost.
Blue Cheese: This gives a strong flavor contrast. If you’re not a fan, feta cheese is a great alternative. It’s milder and still creamy.
How Do You Get the Chicken Grill Marks Just Right?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but here are my handy tips:
- Make sure your grill is hot before placing the chicken on it. This helps get nice grill marks.
- Avoid flipping the chicken too soon; let it cook for about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C) for safety and juiciness.
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing ensures it stays juicy! Enjoy your flavorful salad!
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta as alternative)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and grilling the chicken, and another 10 minutes assembling the salad. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a hearty lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, season the chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper and drizzle them with olive oil to keep them juicy on the grill.
2. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re completely cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, take them off the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Buffalo Sauce:
While your chicken is resting, take a bowl and toss the grilled chicken with the buffalo wing sauce. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce for that delicious kick!
4. Chop and Arrange the Salad:
Slice the grilled chicken into thick pieces. In a large salad bowl or on plates, start arranging the chopped romaine lettuce as your base. Then, add the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, and red onion in sections on top of the lettuce to make it colorful and appealing.
5. Final Touches:
Place the sliced buffalo chicken right in the center of your salad. Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese generously over the top, and then drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing to your liking.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the buffalo chicken salad immediately. Enjoy the vibrant and spicy flavors, and don’t forget to dig in while it’s fresh!
This salad melds the spicy, tangy flavors of buffalo chicken with fresh, crisp vegetables, and the coolness of creamy dressing for a satisfying meal. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly. Just shred or slice the chicken and toss it with the buffalo wing sauce before adding it to the salad.
What If I Don’t Like Blue Cheese?
No problem! Feta cheese is a great alternative, offering a similar creaminess without the strong flavor. You can also use shredded cheddar cheese for a milder taste.
How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
To amp up the heat, use spicier buffalo sauce or add sliced jalapeños on top. You can even mix in some hot sauce with the ranch dressing for an added kick!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time! Store the chopped vegetables separately in the fridge and toss them with the grilled chicken and dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.