This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of shredded chicken, crunchy veggies, and zesty ranch dressing with a spicy kick. Perfect for a light lunch or snack!
You can’t go wrong with this salad! I love piling it high on a sandwich or enjoying it straight from the bowl. Who knew something so simple could be so delicious? 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this salad light. For a quick option, you can use rotisserie chicken; just shred it. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, grilled turkey breasts work well, too!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This sauce adds a spicy kick. If you want less heat, you can use a mild hot sauce or a barbecue sauce for a sweeter profile. This flexibility makes it fun to play with flavors!
Mixed Salad Greens: A mix of greens brings color and nutrients. Feel free to swap with kale or spinach for a different texture and taste. Just make sure they are fresh and crisp!
Blue Cheese: The crumbled blue cheese adds rich creaminess. If you aren’t a fan, feta or goat cheese makes a great substitute. They add a nice tang that complements the other ingredients.
How Do You Get Juicy, Well-Cooked Chicken?
Cooking chicken so it stays juicy can be tricky, but here’s the method I use. Start with medium heat and don’t rush it!
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry for better browning.
- Let the oil heat up before adding the chicken. This helps sear the outside.
- Cooking for 5-7 minutes on each side allows the chicken to cook evenly without drying out.
- Lastly, letting it rest before slicing helps those juices redistribute back into the meat.
How Can You Make Creamy Ranch Dressing?
Homemade ranch dressing is simple and tasty! Mix mayonnaise with sour cream (or Greek yogurt) for creaminess. The fresh herbs really elevate the flavor!
- Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning as you like—it’s all about personal taste!
- For an extra kick, adding buffalo sauce gives a fun twist. Perfect for the spicy lovers!
These tips can help make your Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad not only delicious but also memorable for everyone who tries it! Enjoy your cooking!
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon buffalo wing sauce (more if desired)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, etc.)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
For the Ranch Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Buffalo Ranch Dressing (optional spicy version):
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 25-30 minutes for this recipe, which includes prepping, cooking the chicken, and assembling the salad. It’s a quick and tasty meal that you can whip up any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts for great flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are cooked through and juicy (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and drizzle buffalo wing sauce over the top while it’s still warm. Slice the chicken into strips once it cools slightly.
3. Make the Ranch Dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chives, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. For those who enjoy a little heat, mix in a couple tablespoons of buffalo sauce to create a tangy buffalo ranch dressing.
4. Assemble the Salad:
In large serving bowls, create a base with the mixed salad greens. Layer on the shredded carrots, diced red onion, and sliced avocado. Finally, arrange the sliced buffalo chicken on top of the salad.
5. Add Cheese and Garnish:
Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the salad along with your choice of fresh herbs for a splash of color and flavor.
6. Serve:
Drizzle ranch or buffalo ranch dressing over the salad just before serving, or place the dressing on the side for people to dip. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful salad as a hearty lunch or dinner!
This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of spicy chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing. It’s a delicious and fulfilling dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken can save you time. Just shred or chop it up, toss it with some buffalo sauce, and follow the rest of the recipe as usual!
What If I Don’t Like Blue Cheese?
No worries! If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with feta or goat cheese for a similar creamy texture and a tangy flavor. Alternatively, simply omit the cheese altogether!
How Can I Make the Dressing Lighter?
If you want a lighter version of the dressing, feel free to use low-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also add a splash of buttermilk for extra creaminess without the calories!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prep most of the ingredients in advance! Just store the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh. Assemble the salad just before eating for the best texture and flavor!