This Buffalo Chicken Salad is a fun mix of spicy chicken, fresh greens, and creamy dressing. It’s a tasty way to enjoy your chicken without the usual mess!
I love how crunchy and zesty it is, especially on warm days. This salad is perfect for lunch, and I sometimes enjoy it as a dip with some chips! Yum! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken is key for this salad. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re vegetarian, consider using chickpeas or tofu as a substitute to keep that protein boost!
Buffalo Sauce: This gives the salad its signature kick. You can mix hot sauce with melted margarine or butter to create your own. If you prefer something milder, try a sweet barbecue sauce instead.
Romaine Lettuce: It’s crunchy and refreshing! You can swap it for mixed greens or spinach, but romaine gives the best texture. If you want something heartier, kale is a great option too.
Blue Cheese: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you’re not a fan, try feta cheese or omit it altogether for a lighter version. Ranch dressing can substitute if you prefer a creamier touch!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Coated in Buffalo Sauce?
Coating the chicken in buffalo sauce is simple but important for flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with warm, shredded chicken as the sauce clings better.
- In a mixing bowl, add your chicken and pour in the buffalo sauce.
- Toss everything together using two forks. This blends the sauce evenly over each piece of chicken.
- For a more intense flavor, let the chicken marinate in the sauce for 15-30 minutes before assembling the salad.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (hot sauce mixed with melted butter)
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad is super quick to make! You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep time—perfect for a busy lunch or dinner. Just mix, chop, and serve! If you want the flavors to meld a bit, consider letting the chicken chill in the buffalo sauce for about 15 minutes before assembling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by shredding your cooked chicken breast if it’s not already shredded. In a mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken and pour the buffalo sauce over it. Use a fork or spoon to toss the chicken in the sauce, making sure every piece is coated nicely. This will give your salad a flavorful kick!
2. Set Up the Base:
Take your chopped romaine lettuce and arrange it evenly in serving bowls or on plates. This crisp lettuce will be the base for your delicious toppings.
3. Add the Chicken:
Now it’s time to add that zesty buffalo chicken! Spoon the buffalo-coated chicken right on top of the romaine. It should be generous and cover the greens nicely.
4. Top It Off:
Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the chicken for a bit of creaminess, followed by the chopped red onion and sliced green onions for extra crunch and a pop of color. You’ll love the layers of flavor!
5. Dressing It Up:
If you like dressing, this is the time to add a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top! It adds even more flavor and creaminess to the dish. Adjust the amount according to your taste!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After assembling, serve the Buffalo Chicken Salad immediately so that the lettuce stays crisp. Enjoy your spicy, tangy, and delicious salad!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred it and mix it with the buffalo sauce before proceeding with the salad.
What If I Don’t Like Blue Cheese?
No problem! You can either omit the blue cheese entirely or substitute it with feta cheese or shredded cheddar. If you prefer a creamier flavor, ranch dressing is a good alternative!
How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
If you love a bit more heat, try using a hotter variety of buffalo sauce or add chopped jalapeños for an extra kick. You could also sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the chicken before serving.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the lettuce fresh, consider storing the chicken separately and combine right before eating!