Name: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce; 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup sliced celery; 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese; 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste

Hey y’all! Craving something bold, spicy, and outrageously satisfying? This Buffalo Chicken Salad is exactly what you need—packed with crispy, juicy chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and crisp veggies. It’s perfect for meal prepping, parties, or quick weeknight dinners. Dive in and discover why this zesty salad is a must-make for any Buffalo sauce lover. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Salad

Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
Spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors combined for mouthwatering bites every time.
Customizable for low-carb, gluten-free, or dairy-free lifestyles.
Loaded with protein and fresh veggies, it’s both filling and nutritious.
Great for lunches, game day snacks, or light dinners—super versatile!

Buffalo Chicken Salad Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce)
6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup sliced cucumber
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional; or feta for milder flavor)
1/3 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad

Step 1: Season & Cook the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 2: Toss Chicken in Buffalo Sauce

Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized chunks. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with buffalo wing sauce until well coated.

Step 3: Prep the Salad Base

In a large salad bowl, add the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, celery, cucumber, red onion, and shredded carrots. Toss gently to combine.

Step 4: Assemble Your Buffalo Chicken Salad

Arrange the buffalo chicken over the salad greens. Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Serve immediately while the chicken is still slightly warm.

Notes for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Salad

You can use leftover or rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal—learn more about prepping rotisserie chicken here.
For extra crispiness, grill or broil the chicken after tossing in buffalo sauce.
Check the spiciness of your buffalo sauce before adding; adjust to your taste preference!

Buffalo Chicken Salad Variations

Buffalo Chicken Wraps: Wrap the salad and chicken in a large tortilla for an easy on-the-go meal.
Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Bowl: Skip the croutons and use mixed greens with extra veggies for a keto-friendly bowl.
Baked Buffalo Chicken: Coat chicken with buffalo sauce and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes; slice and add to salad.

Buffalo Chicken Salad Required Equipment

Large skillet or grill pan
Sharp knife and cutting board
Salad bowl and tongs
Meat thermometer

Buffalo Chicken Salad Storage Instructions

Store salad ingredients and buffalo chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toss together just before serving. Keep leftover chicken chilled and consume within 3 days to retain freshness and flavor. Avoid freezing due to potential texture changes in the veggies and dressings.

Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Buffalo Chicken Salad

Serve alongside classic crispy sweet potato fries or garlic bread.
Pair with a chilled lager or light IPA for an ideal game day meal.
Add avocado slices for extra creaminess and healthy fats!

Buffalo Chicken Salad Pro Tips

Allow chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy—check the science behind resting meat here.
Chill all veggies before assembling; cold crisp greens contrast perfectly with warm buffalo chicken.
Mix a tiny bit of ranch into your buffalo sauce for a creamy, tangy coating on the chicken (best for those who want less heat).

Buffalo Chicken Salad FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?: Absolutely! Just shred or chop, warm slightly, toss in buffalo sauce, and assemble.
Is Buffalo Chicken Salad gluten-free?: Yes, just double-check your buffalo sauce and dressing labels for any hidden gluten.
How spicy is this salad?: It’s moderately spicy, but you can adjust heat by using a milder sauce or mixing with some ranch dressing.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins