Chili’s Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something deliciously indulgent and healthy, you must try my take on Chili’s Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe.

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, striking the perfect balance between bold flavours and nourishing ingredients.

The show’s star is the buffalo sauce with chicken breast, cooked to perfection with just the right amount of spice.

It’s juicy, tender, and packed with that classic buffalo kick we all crave.

I pair this with crisp greens, a medley of fresh veggies, and a homemade dressing that’s both tangy and creamy. The result?

A salad that’s not only bursting with flavours but also satisfyingly filling. What I love most about this salad is its versatility.

It’s hearty enough for a fulfilling dinner yet light enough not to weigh you down.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – it’s loaded with proteins, fibres, and essential nutrients, making it a guilt-free treat for any day of the week.

So, whether you’re a die-hard fan of Chili’s or just looking for a new salad recipe to jazz up your meal routine, my Buffalo Chicken Salad is sure to impress.

It’s a testament that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring – it can be explosive and fun! Let’s dive into how to make this mouth-watering dish.

How Do You Make Chili’s Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe?

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 600-700 calories per serving (varies based on dressing and frying method)

Ingredients

For Chicken Tenders

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Oil for frying
• 1 cup buffalo sauce

For The Pico De Gallo

• 4 Roma tomatoes, cored, seeded, and diced small
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons cilantro, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

For The Salad

• 4 ounces blue cheese crumbles
• 4 cups chopped romaine or lettuce of choice
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 8 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
• 1 bag tortilla strips
• Favourite ranch or blue cheese dressing

Instructions

Prepare The Chicken Tenders

• Cut the chicken breasts into tender-sized pieces.
• Mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl.
• Dip each chicken piece in the beaten eggs first, then coat evenly in the flour mixture.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken tenders until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• Once cooked, toss the chicken tenders in buffalo sauce. Set aside.

Make The Pico De Gallo

• Combine diced tomatoes, jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, minced garlic, and lime juice in a bowl.
• Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.

Assemble The Salad

• Place the chopped romaine or lettuce in a large bowl.
• Add the blue cheese crumbles, cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded carrots, and tortilla strips.
• Top the salad with the buffalo chicken tenders.

Serve

• Serve the salad with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing and the fresh pico de gallo.

Cooking Tips

• Chicken Tenderloins vs Chicken Breasts: You can use chicken tenderloins instead of thinly sliced chicken breasts. Alternatively, you can horizontally slice whole chicken breasts to create thin fillets or flatten whole breasts to a quarter-inch thickness using plastic wrap.
• Best Oils for Frying: Opt for vegetable, canola, or peanut oil when frying the chicken. These oils have a high smoke point and remain stable at high temperatures. Olive oil is not recommended for this purpose.
• Reducing Sharpness in Onion and Garlic: To soften the sharp taste of onion and garlic in the pico, soak them in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes, then drain. Afterwards, mix them with the other pico ingredients.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh greens and vegetables to ensure a crisp, flavorful salad base.
• Perfectly Cook the Chicken: Cook until it’s juicy and tender; avoid overcooking to maintain moisture.
• Balance the Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the buffalo sauce to your desired spice level without overpowering the other flavours.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh for the best texture and flavour experience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chili’s Buffalo Chicken Salad with a drizzle of blue cheese dressing or ranch, accompanied by crunchy celery sticks and carrot slices.

Optionally, garnish with crumbled blue cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for added flavour and presentation.

Variations

• Grilled Chicken Variation: Substitute buffalo and grilled chicken for a lighter version.
• Spicy Kick: Add extra hot sauce or jalapeños for more heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Use crispy tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or gorgonzola.
• Dressing Varieties: Try avocado ranch or a vinaigrette for a twist in flavour.
• Additional Toppings: Include avocado slices, corn, or black beans for more texture and taste.

How To Store And Reheat?

Enjoy this salad at its freshest, but if needed, store the components in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For reheating, warm the chicken in a 425℉ oven on a baking rack until it’s hot and crispy. Coat the chicken with the sauce just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy in the fridge.

Conclusion

My take on Chili’s Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe is a delightful balance of spicy, savoury, and fresh flavours.

Ensure the chicken is juicy and well-seasoned, balance the buffalo sauce’s heat with the greens’ coolness, and dress the salad right before serving to maintain the perfect texture.

It can be consumed at any time of the day, not just at night. It’s a testament to how a few simple ingredients can create a truly memorable dish when prepared with care and attention.

So gather your ingredients, and let’s create a salad that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Comment to share your salad-making experience with me. See you again in a new recipe.

Enjoy your culinary adventure!

FAQS