Honey Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Honey Hot Chicken Salad is a flavorful and spicy twist on a classic chicken salad. With a perfect balance of sweet honey garlic and tangy buffalo sauce, it makes a quick and satisfying meal. Fresh vegetables and crisp romaine add refreshing crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breasts (cooked and diced)
- ¼ cup Honey Garlic Sauce
- ¼ cup Buffalo Wing Sauce (or plain hot sauce like Frank’s Red Hot)
- 2 heads Romaine Lettuce (chopped and washed)
- 3-6 Tablespoons Ranch Dressing (or any dressing of choice)
- ½ medium Red Onion (diced)
- 1 large Red Bell Pepper (diced)
- ½ large Cucumber (diced)
- Cheese (shredded, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the cooked and diced chicken with the honey garlic sauce and buffalo wing sauce. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with your choice of dressing until well mixed.
- Step 3: Divide the dressed lettuce between two large plates or bowls.
- Step 4: Top the salad with diced red onions, red bell pepper, cucumber, and shredded cheese if using.
- Step 5: Finally, add the honey hot chicken on top and serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
Tips & Variations
- Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
- Substitute ranch with blue cheese dressing for a tangier option.
- Add avocado slices or celery for extra creaminess and crunch.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the buffalo sauce or use mild hot sauce instead.
Storage
Store any leftover salad and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stove before adding it back to the salad. Keep the dressing chilled until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
This recipe relies on chicken for protein, but you can substitute with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Adjust the sauces accordingly to your taste.
What type of honey garlic sauce works best?
A smooth, sweet honey garlic sauce pairs well to balance the spiciness of the buffalo sauce. You can find bottled versions or make a simple mix of honey, minced garlic, and a touch of soy sauce for depth.
PrintHoney Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
A flavorful and spicy Honey Hot Chicken Salad combining tender cooked chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy honey garlic buffalo sauce, served over fresh romaine lettuce with crisp vegetables and creamy ranch dressing. This vibrant and easy-to-make salad offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming pre-cooked chicken)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Mix
- 2 Chicken Breasts, cooked and diced
- ¼ cup Honey Garlic Sauce
- ¼ cup Buffalo Wing Sauce (or plain hot sauce like Frank’s Red Hot)
Salad Base
- 2 heads Romaine Lettuce, chopped and washed
- 3–6 Tablespoons Ranch Dressing (or any dressing of choice)
- ½ medium Red Onion, diced
- 1 large Red Bell Pepper, diced
- ½ large Cucumber, diced
- Cheese, shredded (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the cooked and diced chicken with honey garlic sauce and buffalo wing sauce. Toss thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauces, ensuring each piece is flavorful.
- Dress the Lettuce: In a large separate bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce. Pour 3 to 6 tablespoons of your choice of dressing (ranch recommended) over the lettuce and toss gently to coat the leaves evenly.
- Assemble the Salad: Divide the dressed lettuce onto two large plates or bowls. Top each serving with diced red onions, red bell pepper, cucumber, and shredded cheese if using. Finally, add the honey hot chicken on top. Serve immediately for the best freshness and texture.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast from leftovers, grilled, baked, or poached according to preference.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce depending on your desired spice level.
- Ranch dressing can be substituted with blue cheese, Caesar, or a vinaigrette for different flavor profiles.
- Omit the cheese for a dairy-free or lower-fat option.
- Serve immediately to avoid sogginess of the lettuce from the dressing.
Keywords: Honey Hot Chicken Salad, spicy chicken salad, buffalo chicken salad, easy chicken salad, healthy salad recipes, quick lunch salad
