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Buffalo Chicken Salad

Buffalo Chicken Salad

A zesty, creamy Buffalo Chicken Salad with shredded chicken, tangy hot sauce, and cool dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
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.