This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad is a fun twist on the classic salad! With juicy chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and a creamy ranch dressing, it’s packed with flavor and crunch.
I love to toss in some crunchy veggies for extra texture. It’s a perfect dish for lunch or dinner, and it makes a great dip for chips too! Who says salads can’t be exciting? 🥗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here, but you could use chicken thighs for a juicier result. Grilled or baked, both methods work well!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but you can swap it with any other hot sauce you love. For a milder option, use a mix of hot sauce and BBQ sauce.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine adds a nice crunch, but you can mix in spinach or mixed greens if you prefer. Keep in mind that different lettuces have different textures!
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add heat, but you can use banana peppers for a milder flavor or omit them entirely if you want a non-spicy salad.
Ranch Dressing: You can use store-bought ranch, but homemade ranch dressing is super easy to make. Greek yogurt can also be a healthier and creamier alternative!
How Can I Grill Chicken to Perfection?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with the right tips, it’s easy! First, always preheat your grill or grill pan for even cooking. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and brush with olive oil. This keeps it from sticking.
- Cook chicken on medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Check with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices in and makes for a more flavorful bite!
This technique helps keep your chicken tender and juicy, making it the star of your salad!
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/3 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing (plus extra for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, depending on how quickly you can grill the chicken. It’s a quick and satisfying meal option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grill the Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grate or pan to prevent sticking. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then brush them with olive oil. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This is crucial for safe eating!
2. Coat with Buffalo Sauce:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and immediately brush it with buffalo wing sauce. This adds that spicy kick! Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes, then slice it into strips to make it easy to serve on the salad.
3. Prepare the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and jalapeños. It’s vibrant and colorful—perfect for a satisfying meal! Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to coat evenly.
4. Assemble the Salad:
Divide the tossed salad mixture between plates or bowls, then top each serving with the sliced buffalo chicken and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. If you love ranch, feel free to drizzle a bit more over the top!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad immediately while the chicken is still warm. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal that perfectly balances spicy, creamy, and crunchy textures!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just chop it up and mix it in with the other ingredients. You can also add the buffalo sauce at the beginning or drizzle it on top for extra flavor!
How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
If you want to ramp up the heat, try adding extra buffalo sauce, or incorporate chopped fresh jalapeños or even diced serrano peppers. For more flavor, you can also use a spicy ranch dressing instead!
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time but keep the dressing and chicken separate until serving. This prevents the lettuce from wilting. Just store everything in airtight containers in the fridge!
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Ranch Dressing?
If you’re looking for alternatives to ranch dressing, try using blue cheese dressing for a classic flavor or a creamy avocado dressing for a healthier twist. Yogurt-based dressings can also provide a lighter option!