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Buffalo Chicken Salad

A crisp, cool salad with spicy, crispy chicken and a tangy buttermilk ranch dressing. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • For the chicken: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank's RedHot). For the dressing: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), 1/4 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried), salt and pepper to taste. For the salad: 1 large head romaine lettuce (about 8 cups chopped), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta), 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • small bowl
  • whisk
  • rimmed baking sheet
  • paper towels
  • chef's knife
  • cutting board
  • tongs

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch strips. In a shallow bowl, whisk flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. 2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook chicken strips in a single layer (work in batches if needed) for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Transfer to a plate. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce. Toss the hot chicken strips in the sauce until well coated. Set aside. 4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, buttermilk, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. 5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, tomatoes, red onion, blue cheese, and celery. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently. Top with the buffalo chicken strips. Serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: Keep dressing separate from salad and chicken. Store components in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat chicken in a skillet or air fryer to crisp it back up. To make it gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne and use a mild wing sauce. Always use a food thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. This recipe contains dairy and gluten; consult a professional for specific dietary needs.