If you love a salad that packs a punch and combines crispy, spicy chicken with the freshness of garden veggies, then this Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender chicken breasts perfectly breaded, fried to golden crispiness, then tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, all resting on a bed of mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy celery. This recipe brings together bold buffalo flavors with refreshing textures, creating an irresistibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you want a delicious meal with a bit of a kick.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe plays a key role, from the crisp chicken coating to the vibrant veggies and creamy dressings. These simple staples come together beautifully to build layers of flavor, crunch, and zest, making each bite exciting and fresh.
- Chicken breasts (2 boneless, skinless): Sliced into tenders to make the perfect size for frying and salad topping.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Forms the crunchy breading that locks in juiciness when fried.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds a warm, smoky undertone to the coating mix.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Brings a savory depth that pairs beautifully with buffalo sauce.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Enhances the overall seasoning profile.
- Salt and black pepper (1/4 tsp each): Essential for balanced seasoning on the chicken and veggies.
- Large egg (1, beaten): Acts as the perfect adhesive between flour layers for extra crunch.
- Buttermilk or regular milk (1 cup): Tenderizes chicken and helps create a crisp crust.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to achieve golden-brown deliciousness.
- Buffalo sauce (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp): The star of the show, delivering that spicy, tangy kick.
- Butter (1 tbsp, optional): Adds richness and mellows the buffalo heat.
- Mixed salad greens (6 cups): A colorful, fresh base of romaine, arugula, and spinach.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Juicy bursts of sweetness to complement the spice.
- Cucumber (1, sliced): Cool and crisp for refreshing contrast.
- Red onion (1/4, thinly sliced): Sharpness that brightens the salad’s flavor profile.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/4 cup, optional): Adds creamy, tangy notes.
- Crumbled blue cheese (1/4 cup, optional): A classic pairing with buffalo sauce.
- Celery (1/2 cup, chopped, optional): For extra crunch and a traditional Buffalo wing side feel.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (1/2 cup): Creamy finishing touch that balances the heat.
How to Make Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into tenders or smaller strips if not already prepared. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavor. This simple seasoning step ensures that every bite of chicken is tasty, even before the breading and sauce come into play.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up two shallow bowls for the breading process. In the first, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In the second bowl, beat the egg and mix it with the buttermilk. These layers of seasoning and moisture are what create that satisfying crispy coating.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Begin by dipping each chicken tender into the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Next, dip it into the egg and buttermilk blend, then back into the flour mixture for a double coating. This double dredge is the secret to achieving a crispy crust that holds up beautifully to frying and saucing.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Pour about an inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and place it on paper towels to drain the excess oil. The result is perfectly crunchy, juicy chicken ready for the next step.
Step 5: Toss in Buffalo Sauce
In a small bowl, melt the butter if you’re using it, then mix with the buffalo sauce. Toss your fried chicken tenders in this sauce until they are fully coated, locking in that classic spicy flavor that buffalo lovers crave. This step transforms crispy chicken into irresistible buffalo bites.
Step 6: Prepare the Salad Base
In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thin red onion slices, and chopped celery if using. For cheesy lovers, sprinkle shredded cheddar and crumbled blue cheese into the mix. These fresh veggies create a cool, crunchy base that balances the heat from the chicken.
Step 7: Make the Dressing
Mix ranch dressing with a couple of tablespoons of buffalo sauce in a small bowl. Adjust the buffalo sauce amount based on how spicy you want your dressing. The creamy dressing adds a luscious texture and mellows the buffalo heat just right.
Step 8: Assemble the Salad
Plate your mixed greens and veggies, then arrange the crispy buffalo chicken tenders on top. Drizzle the buffalo ranch dressing over the salad generously. Add an optional garnish of extra blue cheese crumbles or shredded cheddar for a final touch of rich flavor.
Step 9: Serve Immediately
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right away to experience the vibrant crunch of vegetables against the warm, spicy chicken and creamy dressing. Every forkful is a delicious harmony of flavors and textures that you won’t want to miss.
How to Serve Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe with extra crumbles of blue cheese or a sprinkle of chopped celery for additional crunch. A few fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can add a subtle freshness that brightens the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crispy French fries, baked sweet potato wedges, or toasted garlic bread. For a lighter option, serve alongside a chilled cucumber dill yogurt dip or a simple fruit salad to round out the meal with contrasting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a make-it-fun presentation, serve the salad in individual mason jars layered with the dressing at the bottom, followed by greens, veggies, and topped with buffalo chicken. You can also impress guests by plating the salad with a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce artistically swirled around the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the buffalo chicken tenders and salad components separate. Store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain crispiness as much as possible. Keep the salad greens and dressing cool and fresh until ready to assemble again.
Freezing
The fried buffalo chicken can be frozen on its own if needed. Lay the tenders on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. However, avoid freezing the salad ingredients to prevent sogginess upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the buffalo chicken tenders in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy. Once heated through, toss them again lightly in buffalo sauce for that fresh spicy bounce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken tenders are a great shortcut since they’re already the perfect size and cook quickly, allowing you to skip the slicing step in this Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe.
How spicy is the buffalo sauce in this recipe?
The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce brand and amount used. You can control the spiciness by adjusting the buffalo sauce in both the chicken coating and dressing to suit your palate.
What dressing works best with Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe?
Ranch and blue cheese dressings are classic choices here—they both complement the spicy buffalo chicken wonderfully by adding cool creaminess and depth of flavor.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! Baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the chicken as directed, then bake at 425°F (220°C) on a greased rack for 15-20 minutes until crispy and cooked through. It won’t be quite as crunchy as frying but still delicious.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. Store chicken, veggies, and dressing separately, then assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh and crunchy. This method makes the Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe a great option for quick meals during the week.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that hits all the right notes—crunchy, spicy, tangy, and fresh. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing guests, or treating yourself to a flavorful meal, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad is a flavorful and hearty dish combining crispy, spicy buffalo chicken with fresh, crunchy salad greens and a creamy, tangy buffalo ranch dressing. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, this recipe features double-coated fried chicken tenders tossed in buffalo sauce, served atop a bed of mixed greens, vegetables, and optional cheeses for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Fried Buffalo Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or tenders)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1 inch depth)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
Salad
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, arugula, spinach)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped (optional, for crunch)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- 2 tbsp buffalo sauce (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Slice chicken breasts into tenders or strips if necessary. Season both sides with salt and pepper to ensure flavor before breading.
- Prepare the breading station: In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg and combine with buttermilk to create the wet mixture.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the egg and buttermilk mixture, and again into the flour mixture to form a double coating for extra crispiness.
- Fry the chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Toss in buffalo sauce: Melt butter in a separate bowl if using, then mix in the buffalo sauce. Toss the fried chicken tenders in this mixture until fully coated with the spicy sauce.
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and celery (if using). Add shredded cheddar and blue cheese if desired for additional flavor and creaminess.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, stir together the ranch dressing and buffalo sauce. Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to your preferred spice level.
- Assemble the salad: Plate the mixed salad greens and vegetables, then top with the crispy buffalo chicken tenders. Drizzle the buffalo ranch dressing over the assembled salad, and garnish with extra blue cheese or cheddar cheese if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between the spicy buffalo chicken, the crisp salad veggies, and the cool creamy dressing.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, bake the chicken tenders instead of frying, though traditional frying yields the crispiest texture.
- The double coating on the chicken ensures a crunchy crust that holds the buffalo sauce well without getting soggy.
- Adjust buffalo sauce amounts in both the chicken toss and dressing depending on your preferred spice level.
- Adding celery to the salad adds a refreshing crunch that complements the spicy chicken.
- Use store-bought or homemade buffalo sauce depending on availability and taste preference.
- Optionally, melt butter into the buffalo sauce for extra richness and smoother coating on the chicken.
