Name: Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ½ cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce; vegetable oil for frying; 6 cups mixed salad greens; ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved); ¼ cup shredded carrots; ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion; ½ avocado (sliced); ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing

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Get ready for a game-day favorite with a fresh, zesty twist — Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that balances crispy, spicy chicken with cool veggies and creamy dressing. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or a not-boring-at-all dinner, this salad delivers crave-worthy textures and bold flavors in every bite. The spicy kick of buffalo sauce, the irresistible crunch of golden fried chicken, and the creamy tang of blue cheese or ranch create an epic harmony you’ll want to serve again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad is that every ingredient has a role — from building a crunchy, spicy foundation to adding bursts of freshness and creaminess. While the list is simple, each item is impactful, so gather your favorites and get ready for flavor fireworks!

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for quick cooking and easy slicing.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps create that classic southern-fried texture.
All-purpose flour: Essential for a crispy, golden crust on the fried chicken.
Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and color to the breading.
Garlic powder: Enhances the savory base of the chicken coating.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together — don’t skip this step!
Black pepper: Balances the heat with a little aromatic zing.
Buffalo wing sauce: The star that gives the chicken its signature spicy, tangy profile.
Mixed salad greens: A refreshing bed to hold all the hearty, spicy goodness.
Cherry tomatoes: Bursts of juicy sweetness that brighten every forkful.
Shredded carrots: For color, crunch, and a touch of earthy sweetness.
Thinly sliced red onion: Adds a pop of color and mild, savory bite.
Avocado: Creamy slices balance the heat and make the salad extra satisfying.
Blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing: For that creamy, cooling finish — choose your favorite or offer both.
Vegetable oil: Neutral flavor and a high smoke point make it perfect for frying.

How to Make Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad

Step 1: Pound and Marinate the Chicken

Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness — this ensures quick, consistent cooking without any dry spots. Give your chicken a buttermilk bath next, letting it soak for at least 30 minutes (overnight works wonders for tenderness and flavor infusion). That tangy marinade is key for juicy, flavorful chicken in every bite of your Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In a shallow dish, combine your flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix — this blend is the secret to a crispy, flavor-packed coating. The spices work a little magic, so don’t skimp on the seasoning!

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a sturdy skillet over medium heat. While the oil heats, dredge your marinated chicken in the seasoned flour, pressing so the coating sticks well. Lay the chicken carefully in the hot oil and let it sizzle until golden and crisp, about 3–4 minutes per side. When it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, let it drain on paper towels to keep everything extra crispy.

Step 4: Toss in Buffalo Sauce

Here comes the fun part! Toss the freshly fried chicken in your favorite buffalo wing sauce, ensuring all those crispy edges get coated in spicy, tangy flavor. Slice the chicken into strips for easy salad topping.

Step 5: Build the Salad

Arrange the mixed greens on a large serving platter or in a salad bowl. Scatter on the halved cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, red onion slices, and avocado. Pile the hot buffalo chicken strips right on top — this contrast of warm and cool is such a treat in Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad.

Step 6: Finish with Dressing or Cheese

Top everything off with either blue cheese crumbles for tangy depth or a generous drizzle of ranch dressing for creamy coolness—both are classic with buffalo chicken! Serve your creation immediately for the best combo of hot, crispy, and cool.

How to Serve Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A little sprinkle goes a long way! Finish your Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad with extra blue cheese or a handful of freshly chopped chives or parsley for color and a hint of herby flavor. If you want more heat, a shake of crushed red pepper or a few sliced jalapeños will give it that fiery edge.

Side Dishes

Pair this salad with crusty bread, warm pita, or a wedge of cornbread to soak up every last drop of dressing. If you want to round things out, try a bright coleslaw or an ear of buttery corn on the cob. Seriously, Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad is a meal all on its own but a simple side just makes it extra special!

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the salad bowl! For a crowd-friendly platter, serve everything build-your-own style with toppings arranged in little bowls. Try making wraps with large tortillas, or stuff the whole combo into halved avocados for a fun, hand-held meal. With Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad, there’s no limit to how you can surprise your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extras, store the chicken and the salad components separately. The fried chicken strips will stay crispy for about two days in the fridge, and the salad greens and veggies will be freshest if kept in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad again, just reassemble for a quick lunch or dinner.

Freezing

For longer storage, the fried chicken (before saucing) can be frozen. Let the strips cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. Reheat straight from the freezer before tossing in buffalo sauce and adding to your salad for a near-instant meal.

Reheating

Warm the chicken strips in a 375°F oven or air fryer until crisp — this usually takes about 8–10 minutes and restores that golden crunch you love. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make the coating soggy. Once hot, toss in buffalo sauce and top your salad for leftover Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad that tastes fresh!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought fried chicken?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, grab your favorite fried chicken from the deli, toss in buffalo sauce, and build your Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad as described. It’s a fantastic shortcut with big flavor pay-off.

Is there a lighter way to make this salad?

Yes! For a healthier twist, try air-frying or baking the chicken instead of pan-frying. You’ll still get deliciously crispy results with less oil, so you can enjoy Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad guilt-free.

What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?

Choose a buffalo wing sauce that matches your heat preference, from mild to extra spicy. Homemade or bottled varieties both work—just make sure it’s one you love, since the sauce is front and center in Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad.

Can I swap out the blue cheese?

Of course! If blue cheese isn’t your thing, ranch dressing is a classic drizzled over Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad. You can even try feta for a different tang, or leave it off entirely for a dairy-free option.

Can I prep this salad in advance for a party?

Definitely! Prep all the veggies and the fried chicken in advance (keep them separate), then toss everything together with buffalo sauce and dressing right before serving. It’s a party-perfect main that still feels fresh.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making lunch for one or feeding a famished crowd, Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad will steal the spotlight at your table. It’s crunchy, spicy, creamy, and utterly satisfying — the kind of meal everyone asks for again. Give it a try, play with the toppings, and make it your own!

Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe combines crispy fried chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with a fresh mixed salad, creating a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fried Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup buffalo wing sauce
vegetable oil for frying

For the Salad:

6 cups mixed salad greens
½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
¼ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
½ avocado (sliced)
¼ cup blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and marinate in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, dredge the marinated chicken in the seasoned flour, and fry until golden brown and cooked through.
Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Coat the fried chicken in buffalo sauce and slice into strips.
Assemble the Salad: Arrange the salad greens, tomatoes, carrots, onion, and avocado in a bowl or platter. Top with buffalo chicken and blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing.
Serve: Enjoy the Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad immediately!