Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad (Print Page)

Zesty buffalo-style chicken meets crisp vegetables and tangy blue cheese in this vibrant chopped salad perfect for quick meals.

# What You Need:

→ Buffalo Chicken

01 - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz)
02 - 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Salad Components

06 - 2 large heads romaine lettuce, finely chopped
07 - 2 celery stalks, diced
08 - 1/4 small red onion, finely diced
09 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
11 - 1/4 cup shredded carrots

→ Dressing

12 - 1/3 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
13 - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for additional heat)

# Directions:

01 - Season chicken breasts thoroughly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 5 to 6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and meat is no longer pink. Transfer to plate and let rest 5 minutes.
02 - Slice rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place in bowl and toss with hot sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.
03 - In large serving bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, diced celery, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and shredded carrots. Toss gently to distribute vegetables evenly.
04 - Add buffalo-coated chicken to vegetable mixture. Top with crumbled blue cheese. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Add additional hot sauce if preferred. Toss lightly and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get all the bold buffalo wing flavors without the heaviness of fried food
  • The crunch from celery and romaine balances perfectly with the creamy blue cheese
  • Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
02 -
  • Overcooking the chicken will make it tough, so pull it at 165°F and let it rest
  • The salad needs to be dressed right before serving or the romaine gets wilted
  • Hot sauce heat levels vary wildly, so taste as you go
03 -
  • Pat the chicken dry before seasoning so it browns nicely in the butter
  • Let the buffalo chicken cool slightly before adding to the salad to keep the lettuce crisp
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