Description
This Buffalo Ranch Crispy Chicken Salad combines crunchy fried chicken tenders with fresh romaine lettuce, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy buffalo ranch dressing. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this salad delivers a delightful blend of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped cucumbers
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Chicken Ingredients
- 1/2 lb boneless chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Oil for frying (about 1/4 cup or enough to shallow fry)
Dressings
- 2 tbsp buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp ranch dressing
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry and season evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to infuse them with flavor.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken tender first in the all-purpose flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip them into the beaten egg to help the breadcrumbs stick. Finally, coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
- Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Fry the coated chicken tenders for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil, then slice into strips.
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, chopped cucumbers, and shredded cheddar cheese if using. Toss gently to mix.
- Assemble the salad: Arrange the crispy chicken strips on top of the salad mixture evenly.
- Add dressing: Drizzle buffalo sauce and ranch dressing over the entire salad to add spice and creaminess.
- Serve immediately: Serve the salad while the chicken is still warm and crunchy for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- You can adjust the buffalo sauce quantity to control the spiciness.
- To make it lighter, you can bake the chicken tenders instead of frying at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Use ranch dressing with low-fat or Greek yogurt base for a healthier option.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the chicken crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Salad, Crispy Chicken Salad, Fried Chicken Salad, Buffalo Ranch Dressing, Quick Chicken Salad
