Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

Prepare chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into 1/2-inch thick strips (tenders). Pat dry with paper towels.

Season and set up dredging station

In a shallow bowl, combine flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. In another bowl, whisk together milk and the egg. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.

Dredge chicken

Working in batches, dredge each chicken strip in the seasoned flour, shake off excess, dip into the milk-egg mixture, then press into the panko until evenly coated. Set coated strips on a plate.

Pan-fry the tenders

Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F if using a thermometer). Add chicken in a single layer without crowding and fry 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.

Toss in buffalo sauce

Place the cooked tenders in a large bowl. Pour 1/2 cup mild buffalo sauce over top and gently toss to coat evenly. Keep warm while assembling the salad.

Prepare greens and vegetables: Rinse and spin-dry romaine lettuce, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped romaine in a large salad bowl. Add diced tomatoes and drained sliced roasted red peppers on top of the lettuce.

Add cheeses and aromatics: Sprinkle shredded cheddar jack evenly over the salad, then add blue cheese crumbles. If using, scatter thinly sliced green onions on top.

Slice buffalo tenders: Using a sharp knife, slice the buffalo-coated tenders into bite-sized pieces or leave whole for topping. Arrange the chicken over the salad.

Season the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ranch (or blue cheese) dressing, 1 tsp fresh lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Dress and serve: Drizzle the dressing over the assembled salad or serve on the side. Toss gently if serving family-style, or plate individual portions and top each with additional buffalo tender pieces and extra blue cheese if desired.