Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe

Zippy Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe for Game Days

Crisp greens meet spicy buffalo chicken in a salad that defies ordinary lunch expectations.

My kitchen experiments often lead to unexpected culinary delights like this zesty creation.

Bold flavors dance across fresh vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of heat and crunch.

Tender chicken pieces coated in tangy buffalo sauce bring serious excitement to every bite.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance between cool lettuce and fiery protein.

Nutritious ingredients combine to make a meal that feels indulgent yet surprisingly light.

Let’s transform your typical salad into a crave-worthy experience that’ll have you reaching for seconds.

How to Toss the Best Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat a grill or skillet to medium temperature. Generously coat chicken breasts with:
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Cook chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.

Step 2: Create Spicy Buffalo Coating

Transfer cooked chicken to a bowl. Generously toss with buffalo sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Build Fresh Salad Base

In a large salad bowl, combine:
  • Chopped romaine lettuce
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Shredded carrots
  • Celery
  • Red onion

Gently mix ingredients to create an even distribution.

Step 4: Layer with Flavor

Arrange buffalo chicken pieces over the salad. Sprinkle with:
  • Blue cheese
  • Cheddar cheese (optional)

Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Add extra buffalo sauce for increased heat if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Portion salad into individual serving bowls. Serve immediately while ingredients are fresh and chicken remains warm.

Smart Moves for Crunchy, Tangy Salad Success

  • Perfectly Grill Chicken: Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken breasts to uniform thickness before seasoning, which helps achieve consistent texture and prevents dry edges.
  • Boost Buffalo Flavor: Marinate chicken in buffalo sauce for 30 minutes before cooking to intensify the tangy, spicy flavor and help sauce penetrate deeper into the meat.
  • Crunch Control: Keep vegetables crisp by chopping just before assembling and storing lettuce and other delicate ingredients separately until serving to maintain maximum freshness and texture.
  • Customize Heat Levels: Adjust buffalo sauce intensity by mixing different hot sauce brands or combining mild and spicy versions to create a personalized heat profile that suits individual preferences.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chicken and chop vegetables in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers, to quickly assemble the salad for quick weeknight meals or meal prep.

Storing Your Buffalo Chicken Salad Like a Pro

  • Store leftover buffalo chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Separate wet ingredients like dressing from crisp vegetables to prevent soggy texture.
  • Keep chicken, vegetables, and dressing in different containers to maintain freshness and crispness.
  • Warm buffalo chicken in microwave for 30-45 seconds or quickly sauté in a skillet to restore moisture and heat.
  • When ready to eat, mix fresh vegetables with reheated chicken and add dressing just before serving to preserve salad's crunch and flavor.

What Works Well with Buffalo Chicken Salad

  • Pair this zesty buffalo chicken salad with a crisp, hoppy IPA that cuts through the heat and complements the tangy buffalo sauce.
  • Serve alongside a smooth, chilled blue cheese milkshake that echoes the blue cheese dressing and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy chicken.
  • Match the salad with a light, citrusy wheat beer that balances the buffalo sauce's intensity and provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
  • Enjoy a cold, dry hard cider that offers a crisp acidity to counterbalance the rich, spicy flavors of the buffalo chicken and enhance the salad's fresh vegetables.

Fun Twists for Your Buffalo Chicken Chopped Bowl

  • Vegetarian Buffalo Jackfruit Salad: Replace chicken with shredded young jackfruit seasoned with buffalo sauce for a plant-based protein alternative that mimics chicken's texture.
  • Gluten-Free Buffalo Chicken Salad: Use gluten-free buffalo sauce and swap regular ranch for a homemade dairy-free version made with almond milk and herbs.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Buffalo Bowl: Substitute lettuce base with riced cauliflower and add grilled chicken for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrate intake.
  • Mediterranean Buffalo Chicken Salad: Incorporate feta cheese, cucumber, olives, and swap ranch for tzatziki sauce while keeping the buffalo chicken as the main protein.
  • Loaded with grilled chicken and fresh vegetables, this salad delivers a balanced combination of lean protein and crisp, colorful produce that keeps you satisfied and energized.
  • Easily customizable heat intensity by adjusting buffalo sauce amounts, making it adaptable for mild-loving kids and spice-craving adults, ensuring everyone enjoys their perfect flavor profile.
  • Transforms classic buffalo chicken flavors into a fresh, wholesome salad that rivals restaurant offerings, letting you control ingredients and enjoy a gourmet-style dish without expensive dining out.

What You Need for Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base for the salad, best when fresh and boneless.
Seasoning for Chicken:
  • Olive Oil: Helps spices stick and promotes even cooking.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle savory depth to the chicken.
  • Paprika: Provides mild warmth and beautiful color.
  • Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning for balanced flavor.
Buffalo Sauce Ingredients:
  • Buffalo Sauce: Classic spicy coating that gives the signature tangy heat.
Salad Base:
  • Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, fresh foundation with good crunch.
Salad Vegetables:
  • Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Shredded Carrots, Celery, Red Onion: Fresh vegetables that add color, texture, and nutritional variety.
Cheese Options:
  • Blue Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy, tangy additions that complement the buffalo chicken.
Dressing:
  • Ranch Dressing, Blue Cheese Dressing: Cooling counterpoint to spicy buffalo sauce, can be mixed with extra buffalo sauce for more kick.
Print
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Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
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Description

Spicy buffalo chicken chopped salad delivers a zesty southwestern kick that combines crisp lettuce, tender chicken, and bold blue cheese dressing. Crunchy romaine, tangy hot sauce, and creamy dressing create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (907 grams)
  • ¼ cup buffalo sauce (Franks RedHot or your favorite brand)

Seasoning and Oils:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Salad Ingredients:

  • 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup celery, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles or shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Dressing:

  • ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
  • 1 tablespoon buffalo sauce (optional, for extra spice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the protein by seasoning chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic spices and cooking methods to ensure optimal flavor and tenderness.
  2. Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium heat, carefully monitoring internal temperature to achieve perfect doneness without drying out the meat.
  3. Transform the cooked chicken into a zesty buffalo-style delicacy by generously coating it with tangy hot sauce, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
  4. Create a vibrant salad foundation by combining crisp romaine lettuce with a medley of fresh, crunchy vegetables including juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, vibrant carrots, tender celery, and sharp red onion.
  5. Layer the buffalo-glazed chicken atop the vegetable mixture, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed dish.
  6. Enhance the salad’s complexity by sprinkling crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar, adding a creamy and rich dimension to the overall taste profile.
  7. Drizzle with a complementary dressing, such as ranch or blue cheese, and optionally increase the heat by adding extra buffalo sauce for those craving more intense spiciness.
  8. Serve immediately to preserve the salad’s textural integrity and maximize the dining experience with a perfect balance of temperature and freshness.

Notes

  • Check chicken doneness by using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165F/74C without overcooking, keeping the meat juicy and tender.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting buffalo sauce quantity, allowing each person to control their spice preference.
  • Swap proteins easily by using grilled shrimp, tofu, or plant-based chicken alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
  • Reduce calories by using Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing and removing cheese for a lighter, healthier version of the salad.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

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Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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