Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese
A zesty kick meets cool crunch in this vibrant salad, where crispy buffalo chicken and tangy blue cheese steal the show.
Total: 27 minPrep: 15 minCook: 12 min4 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 8 oz chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 425°F.
- 2 Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- 3 Dredge chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- 4 Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden, about 2 minutes per side.
- 5 Transfer skillet to the oven and bake until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- 6 In a bowl, toss mixed greens with ranch dressing.
- 7 In a separate bowl, mix buffalo sauce with diced celery.
- 8 Toss crispy chicken in buffalo-celery mixture.
- 9 Divide greens among four plates. Top with buffalo chicken and sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top.
- 10 Serve immediately.
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet
- Mixing bowls
Variations
- Substitute blue cheese with feta for a tangier flavor.
- Add avocado slices for a creamy texture.
Substitutions
- Use buttermilk in place of beaten eggs for a tender chicken coating.
- Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes for a gluten-free option.
Pairings
- Classic Caesar salad
- Garlic knots
Nutrition
Calories:
450 kcal
Fat:
25g fat
Carbs:
15g carbohydrates
Protein:
35g protein
Fiber:
3g fiber
Sugar:
4g sugar
Sodium:
800mg sodium
Tips
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in egg and panko.
- If you prefer your salad spicier, add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat chicken in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Freezing: This dish does not freeze well due to the texture of the greens and crispy chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of warm bread rolls or crispy sweet potato fries.
- Serve with a refreshing iced tea or a crisp lager.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs will offer a juicier texture but adjust cooking time accordingly.
What if I don't have buffalo sauce?
Mix hot sauce with a bit of melted butter and vinegar for a homemade version.