If you’re on the hunt for a lively, flavorful salad that delivers both a crunchy bite and a spicy kick, you have to try this Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe. It perfectly balances crispy fried chicken tossed in buffalo sauce with fresh, crisp greens and vibrant veggies, all topped off with creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing. This dish is ideal for those moments when you want a hearty, satisfying meal that is as colorful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the secret to this salad’s knockout flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy chicken strips to the fresh mix of salad greens, making every bite exciting and well-rounded.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken for tender, juicy meat perfect for frying and absorbingbuffalo sauce.
- Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken and adds subtle tang, keeping the pieces moist inside and crispy outside.
- All-purpose flour and cornstarch: A combo that ensures a wonderfully crispy coating without being heavy.
- Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper: These spices add layers of warmth and a hint of smoky flavor in the crust.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for deep frying to achieve that perfect golden color and crunchy texture.
- Buffalo sauce: The star ingredient that brings heat and zest, making the chicken irresistible.
- Mixed salad greens: A fresh, crisp base that balances the spicy fried chicken with lightness.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for bursts of sweetness and juiciness.
- Cucumber slices: Add a cooling crunch to contrast the spicy heat.
- Thinly sliced red onion: Offers a subtle sharpness and eye-catching color.
- Shredded carrots: Bring a hint of sweetness and vibrant orange brightness to the bowl.
- Blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing: Adds a creamy richness that complements the buffalo heat perfectly.
How to Make Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook uniformly. Slice them into strips that are easy to eat. Marinate these strips in buttermilk for at least half an hour—this will tenderize the meat and build flavor from within.
Step 2: Make the Crispy Coating
While your chicken marinates, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and spices. This combination will create that irresistible golden crust when fried, providing a crunchy texture that’s light and flavorful rather than heavy.
Step 3: Fry to Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each strip in your flour mixture, coating them thoroughly. Fry the chicken in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 4: Toss in Buffalo Sauce
The magic moment—coat your hot, crispy chicken strips with buffalo sauce while they’re still warm. This ensures every bite bursts with tangy, spicy flavor that defines this dish.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss together the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and shredded carrots. Arrange the buffalo chicken strips on top, then sprinkle blue cheese crumbles or drizzle ranch dressing to your liking. Your vibrant, bold, and utterly delicious Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe is ready to devour!
How to Serve Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro add a bright note and a pop of color to this salad. For an extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted pecans or crispy fried onions on top. A wedge of lemon or lime on the side can also brighten the flavors with a zesty squeeze.
Side Dishes
This salad shines on its own but pairs beautifully with classic sides like garlic bread or crispy sweet potato fries. You can also go green with a simple avocado dip or creamy coleslaw, enhancing the meal’s overall flavor profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the salad ingredients in a mason jar for an appealing portable lunch option or serve it on a platter with individual bowls of dressing and extra buffalo sauce. For parties, consider skewering the buffalo chicken strips for an exciting finger food twist that complements the greens beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover fried buffalo chicken strips and salad components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and salad apart prevents sogginess and keeps everything tasting fresh.
Freezing
While the salad ingredients don’t freeze well, you can freeze the fried buffalo chicken strips before adding the sauce. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and saucing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the buffalo chicken strips gently in a preheated oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving them directly as it can make the coating soggy. Then toss in fresh buffalo sauce for that authentic kick.
FAQs
Can I use grilled chicken instead of fried for this Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken offers a lighter option, and tossing it in buffalo sauce still gives you all the flavor you’re craving without the extra crispiness from frying.
What type of buffalo sauce works best for this salad?
Classic buffalo sauce made from hot sauce and melted butter is ideal. You can adjust the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or hot sauce depending on your spice preference.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with crispy fried cauliflower florets or tofu, and use vegan buffalo sauce and dairy-free blue cheese or ranch alternatives for a plant-based version.
Can I prepare this salad ahead for meal prep?
You can prep the chicken and veggies separately and assemble the salad fresh when you’re ready to eat. This method ensures crisp textures and the best flavor experience.
What dressing pairs well if I’m not a fan of blue cheese?
Ranch dressing is a classic alternative offering creamy tanginess that complements the spicy buffalo chicken superbly. Honey mustard or a simple vinaigrette can also work well.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe is a fantastic way to bring bold flavors and satisfying textures to your table with ease. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this dish promises a deliciously vibrant experience. So grab your ingredients, get frying, and enjoy every spicy, crispy, fresh bite—you won’t regret it!
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Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring crispy fried chicken strips tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, served over a bed of fresh mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded carrots. Topped with blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing, it’s a perfect balance of heat, crunch, and creamy goodness, ideal for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
Salad
- 8 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare and Marinate Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and slice them into strips. Place the chicken strips in a bowl with the buttermilk and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Mix Coating Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper thoroughly. This mixture will create a crispy coating for the chicken.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven and heat it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it is hot enough for frying the chicken properly.
- Fry Chicken Strips: Remove the chicken strips from buttermilk, dredge each strip evenly in the flour mixture, and carefully fry them in batches. Cook each side for 3–4 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Toss with Buffalo Sauce: Place the fried chicken strips in a bowl and toss them with the buffalo sauce until they are well coated, adding a spicy, tangy flavor.
- Assemble Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded carrots. Arrange the buffalo chicken strips on top of the salad.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles over the salad or drizzle with ranch dressing according to preference. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of hot chicken and fresh salad.
Notes
- You can bake or air fry the chicken strips instead of frying for a lighter version.
- Adjust the spice level by selecting a mild or hot buffalo sauce based on your preference.
- Add avocado slices or croutons to the salad for extra texture and flavor.
