Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad

The Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad is a vibrant and zesty dish that brings the bold flavors of buffalo wings into a refreshing, crunchy salad format. Featuring finely chopped romaine, spicy buffalo-style chicken, crisp celery, and creamy blue cheese, it is perfect for a quick, flavorful lunch or a light dinner that can be prepared in just 30 minutes.

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This American-style salad strikes the perfect balance between the warmth of freshly cooked chicken and the cooling textures of romaine and blue cheese. Whether you are prepping for a healthy weekday lunch or a zesty dinner, this dish delivers on both flavor and nutrition.

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, for extra heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken

a. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. b. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temp 74°C/165°F). c. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes. Cut into bite-sized pieces. d. Toss cooked chicken with hot sauce in a bowl until evenly coated.

2. Assemble the Salad

a. In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, celery, red onion, cherry tomatoes (if using), and shredded carrots. b. Add the buffalo chicken and gently toss. c. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the top.

3. Dress and Serve

a. Drizzle the salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing. b. Add extra hot sauce if desired. c. Toss lightly and serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To prepare this recipe successfully, ensure you have a large skillet, chef's knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, and salad tongs. Note that the dish contains milk from the blue cheese and dressing, and may contain eggs. Always check labels for gluten to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra crunch, consider adding sliced radishes or chopped cucumber. To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken breasts with grilled tofu. You can also adjust the heat level by adding or reducing the optional hot sauce in the dressing.

Serviervorschläge

Serve the salad immediately after tossing to enjoy the contrast of the warm chicken. This dish pairs excellently with a crisp, cold lager or a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing meal.

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This Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad offers 350 calories, 22g of fat, and 9g of carbohydrates per serving. It is a satisfying, easy-to-make dish that brings a delicious American flair to your dining table.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare the components separately in advance. Cook and season the chicken, chop vegetables, and store in airtight containers. Toss everything together just before serving to maintain crispness.

→ What's the best hot sauce for buffalo chicken?

Frank's RedHot is the classic choice, but any cayenne-based hot sauce works well. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely. Shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken and toss it with the buffalo sauce mixture. This reduces prep time to about 10 minutes.

→ Is there a vegetarian alternative?

Grilled or fried tofu cubes work excellently as a substitute. Press and season the tofu similarly to chicken, then coat with the buffalo sauce mixture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep dressed salad separate from undressed portions to prevent sogginess.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Sliced radishes, cucumber, bell peppers, or shredded cabbage all complement the flavors well while adding extra crunch and nutrition.