Ingredients
For the Buffalo Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot is classic)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Salad
- 6-8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion (optional)
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Make the Buffalo Chicken
- Season: Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Shred: Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks.
- Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the pan. Add the buffalo wing sauce and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes more to warm through.
2. Make the Dressing
- Combine: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble the Salad
- Base: Divide the romaine lettuce among plates or bowls.
- Layer: Arrange the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, blue cheese, bacon, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, red onion (if using), and buffalo chicken over the lettuce.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the buffalo ranch dressing over the salads and serve immediately.
4. Optional Additions and Variations
- Grilled Chicken: Grill the chicken instead of cooking it on the stovetop for added flavor.
- Spicier Option: Use a hotter buffalo wing sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Croutons: Add croutons for extra crunch.
- Buffalo Deviled Eggs: Try serving this salad with Buffalo Deviled Eggs for a fun twist.
Tips
- Make the chicken and dressing ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for a quick and easy meal.
- Use a rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to your desired spice level.
