Buffalo Chicken Salad
A flavorful buffalo chicken salad featuring spicy chicken, crisp celery, and fresh lettuce, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner with bold, spicy, and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, pepper, and ground red pepper in a shallow dish.
- Coat both sides of the chicken breasts with the flour mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in hot pepper sauce.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board, cover loosely, and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Slice celery diagonally into 1/2 inch thick pieces.
- In a medium bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, celery, and apple eighths.
- Slice the chicken into 1/2 inch thick strips and add to the salad.
- Toss the salad with blue cheese dressing before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. You can also use grilled chicken for added flavor and texture. If you prefer less heat, adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to your liking. Pair this dish with a refreshing side like a cucumber salad to balance the spice. Explore more American recipes for varied flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Buffalo Chicken Salad chilled or at room temperature for a satisfying meal. It pairs nicely with a side of crusty bread or tortilla chips for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a warm bowl of Cheddar Tomato Soup, which complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist, and cover with a lid until heated through. The salad should be eaten fresh to retain its crispness, so keep components separate until ready to serve.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buffalo Chicken Salad contains roughly 170 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1277mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use grilled or shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Just ensure it's cooked through before adding it to the salad. This flexibility allows you to enjoy this dish even when you're short on time.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or black beans for added protein and fiber. You can also top the salad with avocado slices or nuts for extra healthy fats, making it a well-rounded meal.
What can I use instead of blue cheese dressing?
If you're not a fan of blue cheese, ranch dressing or a creamy yogurt-based dressing can be great alternatives. Both options will provide a delicious creamy texture and flavor that complements the spicy chicken well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).