This hearty Buffalo Chicken Salad is perfect for a tasty, quick meal! It features spicy, shredded chicken tossed with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing. Yum!
If you’re like me, you’ll appreciate how this salad packs a punch of flavor without making you feel heavy. It’s a fun way to enjoy a classic spicy favorite! 🌶️🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is essential for this salad. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great—just remove the skin and shred the meat. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or turkey!
Buffalo Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my favorite for its classic flavor. If you’re looking for a milder option, try a wing sauce labeled “mild” or make your own with a mix of hot sauce and melted butter.
Romaine Lettuce: Fresh romaine adds crunch, but you can switch this out for mixed greens or spinach if you prefer. Just make sure they’re fresh for the best texture!
Blue Cheese: This adds a sharp flavor that pairs perfectly with the buffalo sauce. If you don’t like blue cheese, feta is a good substitute, or you can skip it altogether for a lighter option.
Dressing: I love ranch dressing, but you can use any light vinaigrette or your favorite creamy dressing. Keep in mind, though, that a light drizzle is best so the spicy chicken shines!
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Tossed in Sauce?
Tossing the chicken well in buffalo sauce is critical for evenly distributing the spicy flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Shred the cooked chicken into small pieces to allow the sauce to coat it better.
- In a bowl, add the shredded chicken and pour in the buffalo hot sauce.
- Mix it up well with a spoon or fork until every piece is fully coated—this takes a bit of effort but is worth it!
A little tip: if you want a bit more heat, add extra hot sauce to the chicken! Adjust to your taste; remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Enjoy your salad!
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup celery, sliced
For Optional Dressing:
- 2 tbsp ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This Buffalo Chicken Salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Toss the Chicken:
Start by placing your shredded chicken in a medium-sized bowl. Pour the buffalo hot sauce over the chicken. Using two forks, stir until all the chicken is fully coated with the sauce. This step adds that delicious spicy flavor!
2. Prepare the Lettuce Base:
Take a large salad bowl and add the chopped romaine lettuce as the base. Make sure the lettuce is washed and dried for that perfect crunch!
3. Add the Buffalo Chicken:
Now it’s time to spread that tasty buffalo chicken evenly over the layer of lettuce. This will ensure every bite has that spicy chicken goodness!
4. Top with Fresh Ingredients:
Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onions, diced red onions, and sliced celery on top of the chicken. These fresh ingredients add great texture and flavor to the salad.
5. Season to Taste:
Finally, season the salad with a pinch of salt and pepper to your liking. Taste it to see if you need more spice or seasoning!
6. Add Dressing (Optional):
If you’d like, drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top right before serving. This adds an extra layer of creaminess and balances out the spice from the chicken.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the salad immediately, either mixed together or as separate layers for a beautiful presentation. Dive into the spicy, tangy flavors of your homemade Buffalo Chicken Salad—enjoy!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken can be used. Just shred or chop it up and mix it with the buffalo sauce to get that great flavor!
What If I Don’t Like Blue Cheese?
No problem! If blue cheese isn’t your thing, you can skip it altogether or substitute it with feta cheese or even shredded cheddar for a different flavor profile.
How Can I Make This Salad Softer for Kids?
If you’re making this for kids or those sensitive to spice, you can cut back on the buffalo sauce or even use a milder barbecue sauce. Mixing in creamy ranch dressing can also mellow the flavors!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you’re storing it with the dressing, keep it separate to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy. Just toss it again before serving!
