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
- Prepare the protein by seasoning chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic spices and cooking methods to ensure optimal flavor and tenderness.
- Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium heat, carefully monitoring internal temperature to achieve perfect doneness without drying out the meat.
- 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.
- 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.
- Layer the buffalo-glazed chicken atop the vegetable mixture, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed dish.
- Enhance the salad’s complexity by sprinkling crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar, adding a creamy and rich dimension to the overall taste profile.
- 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.
- 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