Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup Buffalo sauce
- 8 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped celery for added crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them generously with the spice mixture.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Buffalo Sauce Magic
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken into strips and toss with the Buffalo sauce in a large bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion. Top with the Buffalo-coated chicken strips and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese.
5. Dress and Serve
Drizzle your chosen dressing over the salad just before serving. For an extra touch of authenticity, add some chopped celery for that classic Buffalo wing side kick.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- For a time-saving hack, use rotisserie chicken. Simply shred it and toss with warm Buffalo sauce.
- Adjust the heat level by using mild, medium, or hot Buffalo sauce according to your preference.
- For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt-based dressing instead of traditional ranch or blue cheese.
- Make it a meal prep hero by keeping the chicken and dressing separate from the greens until ready to eat.
- Experiment with different greens like arugula or spinach for varied flavors and textures.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximately 1/4 of the recipe):
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
This Zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings the excitement of game day to your dinner table any day of the week. The tender, spicy chicken pairs perfectly with the cool, crisp vegetables, while the blue cheese adds a tangy punch that ties it all together. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or a light dinner option, this salad delivers on both taste and nutrition. So grab your fork and dive into this bowl of Buffalo-inspired goodness – your taste buds will thank you!
Remember, at Foodzec, we believe that great food should be accessible to everyone. This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Happy cooking, and enjoy your zesty creation!
