Save This Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad is a vibrant and zesty main dish that perfectly balances spicy flavors with a fresh, crunchy texture. It is an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a light dinner, bringing the excitement of buffalo wings into a nutritious and satisfying bowl.
Save The combination of finely chopped romaine, spicy buffalo chicken, and creamy blue cheese crumbles ensures that every forkful is packed with flavor. Whether you are hosting a casual get-together or prepping a meal for the week, this salad is guaranteed to impress with its bold American flair.
Ingredients
- Buffalo Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g / 14 oz), 1/4 cup hot sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot), 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt and black pepper to taste.
- Salad: 2 large hearts of romaine lettuce (finely chopped), 2 celery stalks (diced), 1/4 small red onion (finely diced), 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved, optional), 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, 1/4 cup shredded carrots.
- Dressing: 1/3 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing, 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional).
Instructions
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked with an internal temp of 74°C/165°F. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes. Cut into bite-sized pieces and toss with hot sauce in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, celery, red onion, cherry tomatoes (if using), and shredded carrots. Add the buffalo chicken and gently toss. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the top.
- Dress and Serve
- Drizzle the salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Add extra hot sauce if desired. Toss lightly and serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the juiciest chicken, ensure you allow the breasts to rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute before you cut them into bite-sized pieces for tossing with the hot sauce.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To add extra crunch, you can include sliced radishes or chopped cucumber. For a vegetarian alternative, simply substitute the chicken with grilled tofu and follow the same buffalo-style seasoning steps.
Serviervorschläge
This spicy salad pairs excellently with a crisp, cold lager or a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc to balance the zesty heat of the buffalo sauce.
Save This Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad is a fantastic way to enjoy a light yet filling meal that doesn't skip on the heat. Enjoy your zesty creation immediately for the best texture and flavor!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Prepare the chicken and chop vegetables in advance, but assemble the salad just before serving to maintain crispness. Store dressing separately to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
- → What dressing alternatives work well with this salad?
Ranch and blue cheese dressing are traditional choices. You can also try cilantro-lime, creamy avocado, or a lighter vinaigrette for different flavor profiles.
- → How do I achieve perfectly cooked chicken breasts?
Cook chicken over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting to retain moisture and ensure tenderness.
- → Is this salad suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, it's naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free hot sauce and dressing. For vegetarian versions, substitute grilled tofu or chickpeas for the chicken.
- → What vegetables can I add or substitute?
Radishes, cucumber, bell peppers, corn, or avocado all complement this salad well. Adjust based on seasonal availability and personal preferences for additional crunch or creaminess.
- → How spicy is this salad?
The heat level depends on your hot sauce choice and quantity. Start with less hot sauce and add more to taste. Blue cheese helps cool down the spiciness with its creamy, tangy notes.