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Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Homemade Ranch Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 460
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

For the Crispy Golden Buffalo Chicken
  • 1.25 lbs chicken tenderloins trimmed of sinew
  • 1 cup buttermilk for soaking tender chicken
  • 1.5 cups Japanese panko breadcrumbs for superior crunch
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika
  • 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Buffalo wing sauce warmed with 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil spray for baking or air frying
For the Fresh Salad Base & Toppings
  • 6 cups chopped crisp romaine lettuce washed and spun dry
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 stalks crisp celery thinly sliced (essential buffalo pairing)
  • 1 cup English cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar or crumbled blue cheese freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
For the Creamy Garlic Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
  • 1/2 cup real mayonnaise high quality
  • 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup fresh buttermilk adjust for desired thickness
  • 1 clove fresh garlic finely grated into a paste
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill and chives finely minced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice, sea salt, and cracked black pepper

Method
 

Bread & Crisp the Chicken
  1. Dip chicken tenderloins into buttermilk. Dredge thoroughly in seasoned panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, pressing firmly so breadcrumbs adhere.
  2. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes (or bake on a wire rack at 425°F / 220°C for 16-18 mins) until deeply golden and registered 165°F internally.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine warm buffalo sauce with melted butter. Transfer hot crispy tenders into the bowl and gently toss until glistening and thoroughly coated. Slice into bite-sized strips.
Whisk Ranch & Assemble Salad
  1. In a glass jar or bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, grated garlic, minced fresh dill, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until velvety smooth. Refrigerate until serving.
  2. In a large salad bowl, create a bed of chopped crisp romaine lettuce. Arrange cherry tomato halves, sliced celery, diced cucumber, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese in vibrant sections.
  3. Top with the warm, crispy buffalo chicken slices. Drizzle liberally with cold buttermilk ranch dressing and serve immediately with extra hot sauce on the side!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 38gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 790mgPotassium: 680mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2250IUVitamin C: 23.1mgCalcium: 160mgIron: 2.5mg

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