Buffalo Chicken Salad: The Best in 5 Simple Steps

Buffalo Chicken Salad is the ultimate solution for anyone who craves the fiery, tangy flavor of Buffalo wings but wants a quicker, easier, and less messy way to enjoy it. This recipe transforms simple shredded chicken into a creamy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or casual get-togethers. It combines the signature heat of Buffalo sauce with a cooling, creamy dressing, crunchy celery, and zesty red onion for a perfect balance of taste and texture.

Whether you pile it high on a sandwich, wrap it in a tortilla, or serve it over a bed of crisp greens, this versatile salad is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and easily customizable to suit your spice preference and dietary needs.

I first made this Buffalo Chicken Salad on a busy weeknight when I was craving something flavorful but had zero energy to cook an elaborate meal. I had a leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge and a bottle of Frank’s RedHot staring at me from the pantry door.

It was a lightbulb moment! Instead of a traditional, sweet chicken salad, why not a spicy, savory one? I shredded the chicken, whipped up a quick dressing with what I had—mayonnaise, a dollop of blue cheese dressing, and a generous pour of hot sauce—and tossed in some crunchy celery and red onion. The result was absolutely phenomenal. It was an instant hit, and now it’s my go-to recipe for potlucks, game days, and especially for those weeks when I need a reliable and delicious lunch waiting for me in the fridge.

What Makes This Buffalo Chicken Salad Special

What makes this recipe truly special is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s not just about heat; it’s about a well-rounded taste experience. The spicy kick from the Buffalo sauce is perfectly tempered by the creamy, cooling base of mayonnaise and either ranch or blue cheese dressing. The finely chopped celery and red onion are not just filler—they are essential components that provide a fresh, crisp crunch in every bite, preventing the salad from becoming monotonous. This textural contrast is key.

Furthermore, the use of shredded chicken allows it to soak up the dressing beautifully, ensuring that every morsel is packed with zesty, creamy goodness. It’s a thoughtful combination that elevates a simple concept into a truly memorable dish.

Key Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Salad

• Shredded Chicken: The foundation of the salad. Using a rotisserie chicken is the easiest option, but you can also use baked or poached chicken breasts. The key is to have tender, shreddable meat.
• Buffalo Sauce: This is what gives the salad its signature flavor. Frank’s RedHot Original is the classic choice for authentic Buffalo flavor, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
• Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy, rich base that holds everything together and balances the heat.
• Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing: This adds another layer of creaminess and classic wing flavor. The choice between them is a matter of personal preference—blue cheese for a tangy funk, or ranch for a cool, herby flavor.
• Celery & Red Onion: These are crucial for texture. They add a refreshing, sharp crunch that cuts through the richness of the dressing.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Combine the Dressing

In a large bowl, start by whisking together your creamy elements: the mayonnaise, Buffalo sauce, and your choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing. Mix until you have a smooth, homogenous sauce. This ensures the flavor is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Add the Solids

To the dressing, add your shredded chicken, finely chopped celery, and red onion. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold everything together until the chicken and vegetables are thoroughly coated in the sauce.

Step 3: Season and Chill

Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re a fan of blue cheese, this is when you’ll gently fold in the crumbles. For best results, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Storing Your Buffalo Chicken Salad

Proper storage is essential to keep your Buffalo Chicken Salad fresh and delicious. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store it promptly in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3-5 days. In fact, many people ask, ‘Can I make Buffalo chicken salad ahead of time?’ The answer is a resounding yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep because the flavors actually deepen and become more cohesive after a day in the fridge. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as some liquid might settle at the bottom. I do not recommend freezing this salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing will separate upon thawing, resulting in a grainy and unpleasant texture.

Buffalo Chicken Salad Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. One of the best things about it is how easily you can switch things up. The most common question is, ‘What can I substitute for blue cheese dressing?’ If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, using ranch dressing is the perfect substitution and creates a flavor profile many people love.

For a lighter version, you can swap the mayonnaise for an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt. And what kind of chicken is best for chicken salad? While rotisserie chicken is easiest, leftover grilled or baked chicken breasts work beautifully and can add a smoky flavor. For extra crunch, consider adding chopped pecans or different veggies like shredded carrots or diced bell peppers. For a bit of sweetness to balance the spice, a tablespoon of honey can be a nice addition.

Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Salad

There are countless ways to enjoy this flavorful salad. For a classic lunch, serve it between two slices of toasted sourdough bread or on a soft brioche bun. It’s also fantastic spooned into a large flour tortilla or a pita pocket for an easy wrap. If you’re looking for a low-carb or gluten-free option, serving scoops of the salad in crisp lettuce cups (butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg work well) is a refreshing choice. It also shines as a dip; arrange it on a platter surrounded by sturdy crackers, celery sticks, carrot sticks, and bell pepper strips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

For more international dishes, explore our world cuisine category

The History of Buffalo Chicken

While this salad is a modern creation, its roots trace back to Buffalo, New York, in 1964. The iconic Buffalo wing was famously invented at the Anchor Bar by Terese Bellissimo. The story goes that she needed a quick late-night snack for her son and his friends, so she deep-fried some chicken wings, tossed them in her own special spicy sauce, and served them with a side of blue cheese and celery sticks. The dish was an instant sensation. The unique, tangy, and spicy flavor of ‘Buffalo’ sauce, typically a combination of a cayenne pepper-based hot sauce and melted butter, has since become a cornerstone of American comfort food, inspiring countless variations like this delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad.

This Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe is a testament to how a brilliant flavor combination can be adapted into new and exciting forms. It’s simple, satisfying, and brings a little bit of that beloved bar-food magic to your everyday meals. I hope you enjoy its spicy, creamy, and crunchy perfection as much as I do. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new go-to recipe for any occasion that calls for something quick and delicious.

Buffalo Chicken Salad

A zesty, creamy Buffalo Chicken Salad with shredded chicken, tangy hot sauce, and cool dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 425 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Salad

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie, baked, or poached
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup Buffalo wing sauce like Frank’s RedHot
• 1/4 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese optional
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt or to taste

For Serving (Optional)

• Romaine lettuce leaves or salad greens
• Sandwich bread or buns
• Flour tortillas for wraps
• Celery sticks and crackers

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook and shred your chicken. A rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Allow the chicken to cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the dressing.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Buffalo wing sauce, and blue cheese or ranch dressing. Mix until smooth and well combined.
• Add Chicken and Veggies: Add the shredded chicken, finely chopped celery, and finely chopped red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
• Fold in Cheese and Season: Gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese, if using. Season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed—you might want more hot sauce for extra spice or a pinch more salt.
• Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve cold on sandwiches, in wraps, over a salad, or as a dip.

Notes

• Avoid Watery Salad: One of the most common questions is how do you keep chicken salad from getting watery? The key is to ensure your chicken is completely cool and your celery is well-drained before mixing. Hot chicken can cause the mayonnaise to separate, and excess water from vegetables will thin the dressing.
• Shred Smart: For perfectly shredded chicken, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. It shreds warm chicken in seconds! Alternatively, two forks work just as well.
• Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add more hot sauce for more heat, more dressing for more creaminess, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.