If you love spicy, tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Buffalo Chicken Salad! It’s everything you crave in a buffalo wings platter—bold, zesty chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy blue cheese—tossed together in a salad that’s hearty enough to be the main event. Whether you’re looking to shake up your weekday lunches or impress your friends at the next get-together, this Buffalo Chicken Salad is the ultimate answer for anyone who adores big flavors and simple, fresh ingredients in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Buffalo Chicken Salad comes together with a handful of staple ingredients that each bring their own special spark to the table. From juicy chicken breasts and crunchy veggies to that classic tangy heat, every component is there to create a lively combination of texture and flavor you’ll crave again and again.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and perfect for soaking up all that bold buffalo flavor; slice them evenly for bite-sized perfection.
- Hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot): The heart and soul of buffalo chicken, bringing just the right kick and tangy brightness.
- Unsalted butter: Melted together with hot sauce, it mellows the heat and gives that irresistible buttery depth found in classic buffalo wings.
- Garlic powder: Adds a touch of savory complexity to the buffalo sauce; don’t skip it!
- Salt: Brings out the flavors in both the chicken and the sauce; a little goes a long way.
- Romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, it’s the ideal leafy base to balance the salad’s spice.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursts of juicy sweetness to offset the heat—halve them for the brightest pops of color.
- Shredded carrots: Adds subtle sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color.
- Diced celery: This classic addition gives extra crunch and a taste that practically screams buffalo chicken.
- Thinly sliced red onion: Slightly sharp and sweet, it livens up every bite.
- Crumbled blue cheese: Creamy, tangy, and perfectly cooling alongside the spicy chicken.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: For drizzling over (and dippable bites), use your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Let’s start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, this step makes clean-up much easier. As the oven heats up, pat your chicken breasts dry to allow the sauce to stick better and help them bake up perfectly juicy inside.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, your favorite hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot truly delivers the classic flavor), garlic powder, and salt. This fiery, buttery elixir is the secret to that authentic, irresistible buffalo chicken taste!
Step 3: Coat and Bake the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts right on the prepped baking sheet, then brush them generously with the buffalo sauce mixture. Get every surface, because you want maximum flavor in every bite. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The aroma wafting from your oven will be deliciously tempting!
Step 4: Rest and Slice the Chicken
Once baked, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes—this keeps each piece wonderfully juicy. Then, slice or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces so they’re easy to toss and eat in the salad.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine your gorgeous bed of chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, diced celery, and sliced red onion. Give it a gentle toss so everything is evenly distributed. Top with the warm, saucy buffalo chicken pieces, then sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese for creamy, tangy richness.
Step 6: Dress and Serve
Time for the finishing touch! Drizzle the Buffalo Chicken Salad with your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing, and don’t hesitate to add an extra swirl of buffalo sauce if you love it extra spicy. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm—it’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Salad
Garnishes
Finish your Buffalo Chicken Salad with a few thoughtful garnishes to boost both the visual appeal and the taste. A sprinkle of extra blue cheese crumbles, a handful of crunchy tortilla strips, or a few chopped scallions add layers of flavor and color. If you’re a spice lover, a drizzle of extra hot sauce or a pinch of cracked black pepper can be the perfect bold finishing touch.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, serve Buffalo Chicken Salad alongside toasted bread, garlic knots, or warm pita wedges. A light soup like classic tomato or a simple potato salad complements the heat and creates a hearty, satisfying table. Don’t forget a cool, tall drink—you’ll appreciate something refreshing with all that buffalo zing!
Creative Ways to Present
Buffalo Chicken Salad shines in so many forms! Stuff it into whole grain wraps or pitas for delicious lunch wraps, or layer it in mason jars for portable picnics and meal prep. For a party-ready appetizer, spoon small portions onto lettuce cups or endive leaves for bite-sized flavor explosions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though it’s best to store the dressing separately to preserve all that fresh, crisp crunch. Keep the chicken pieces and salad veggies in different containers if you want top-notch texture when serving again.
Freezing
While the salad portion isn’t freezer-friendly (the veggies will lose their texture), you can absolutely freeze the cooked buffalo chicken pieces. Cool them completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving with fresh salad fixings.
Reheating
To reheat the buffalo chicken, warm the pieces gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet until they’re just heated through. Add a fresh drizzle of buffalo sauce if desired! Then toss with new greens and chilled toppings for a salad that tastes just-prepped.
FAQs
How spicy is Buffalo Chicken Salad?
The heat level can be tailored to your liking. Use a milder hot sauce and go light on the drizzle for moderate spice, or amp it up with extra sauce or even a pinch of cayenne if you love it hot. The blue cheese and dressing help to cool things down, balancing every bite.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely! Shred rotisserie chicken and toss it with the buffalo sauce mixture for a quick, no-bake shortcut. It won’t have the same oven-roasted flavor, but will definitely save you time and still taste fantastic in this Buffalo Chicken Salad.
What’s the best substitute for blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feta or goat cheese are excellent swaps. Both bring a tangy, creamy element without the bold bite of blue cheese, making this salad just as crave-worthy.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Use a dairy-free butter alternative in the sauce, omit the blue cheese, and opt for a vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing. You’ll still get plenty of flavor and creamy satisfaction in every forkful.
Is Buffalo Chicken Salad gluten-free?
It sure can be! All the core ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your hot sauce, dressing, and add-ins to be certain. Avoid croutons or bread if serving for someone with celiac or gluten intolerance, and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for something that packs big flavor with minimal fuss, Buffalo Chicken Salad is pure lunch or dinner joy. The spicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and those creamy dressings come together for something truly unforgettable. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and make it a go-to favorite—your taste buds will thank you!
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Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Salad is a deliciously spicy and satisfying dish that combines tender, flavorful chicken with crisp veggies and tangy blue cheese. Perfect for a quick and easy meal!
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Salad:
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
For Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, hot sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Brush the buffalo sauce mixture over the chicken breasts on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Let the chicken rest, then slice or dice.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, celery, and red onion. Top with the warm buffalo chicken pieces and blue cheese. Drizzle with dressing and serve.
Notes
- For extra heat, drizzle additional buffalo sauce on top.
- This salad pairs well with crunchy tortilla strips or toasted bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
