This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad is a fun twist on a classic. It’s full of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and zesty buffalo sauce, all mixed with creamy ranch dressing!
This salad is perfect for lunch or as a light dinner. I love how it brings a little kick to my plate—who says salads have to be boring? Let’s get crunching! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this salad. If you want a different protein, try shredded rotisserie chicken or leftovers from another meal. Grilled shrimp also works great for a lighter twist!
Buffalo Sauce: The flavor hero of this salad! If you prefer a milder kick, use a less spicy buffalo sauce or mix in some barbecue sauce. For a vegetarian option, you can use cauliflower or chickpeas coated in buffalo sauce.
Romaine Lettuce: Crisp romaine gives a great crunch. You can swap it for iceberg or a mixed greens blend. Spinach is also a tasty choice if you’re looking for something a bit softer.
Blue Cheese: It adds a nice tang. If you’re not a fan, try feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. For a dairy-free alternative, use diced avocado in place of cheese.
How Do You Cook the Chicken to Keep It Juicy?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but keeping it juicy is key! Marinating the chicken not only infuses flavor but also tenderizes it. Take a moment to let it soak in the marinade for up to an hour if you can.
- For best results, cook the chicken in a preheated oven or grill. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C).
- Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking helps keep all those yummy juices inside. Then, slice it thin to make it easier to mix with the salad!
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Salad Base:
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots, cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Dressing:
- Ranch dressing (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad will take about 15 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook the chicken, plus some time for marinating if you can manage it. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes if you include marinating time, but the cooking part is quick and the salad comes together in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat your grill pan over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, buffalo sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a delicious marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the spicy buffalo marinade. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes to soak up all the flavors. If you have more time, marinating them for up to an hour will make them even tastier!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Place the marinated chicken in the preheated oven or on the grill. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
4. Assemble the Salad:
While the chicken is resting, get your salad ready! Take a large plate or bowl and spread the chopped romaine lettuce as the base. Then, neatly arrange cucumber slices, carrot sticks, red onion rings, diced avocado, and crumbled blue cheese evenly over the lettuce.
5. Add the Chicken:
Once the chicken has rested and been sliced, place it beautifully over the salad. This makes it look so appetizing!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad right before serving, or keep it on the side for dipping.
This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad perfectly balances spicy chicken with fresh veggies and creamy ranch dressing, making it a delightful meal! Enjoy each bite!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred or slice it up and mix it with the salad for a quick and easy meal.
What if I Don’t Like Blue Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute blue cheese with feta, goat cheese, or simply omit the cheese altogether. Avocado adds creaminess too!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu, and use a vegan ranch dressing. Just make sure your buffalo sauce is vegan-friendly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the lettuce crisp, consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
