Description
I still remember the first time I crafted this Honey Hot Chicken Salad for a sunny weekend barbecue. The sizzle of the chicken on the grill, infused with that sweet and spicy honey garlic sauce, filled the air, and my guests couldn’t resist gathering around as the aroma wafted through the garden.
This salad is more than just a meal; it's a vibrant medley of flavors that marries heat and sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts
- ¼ cup Honey Garlic Sauce
- ¼ cup Buffalo Wing Sauce
- 2 heads Romaine Lettuce
- ½ medium Red Onion
- 1 large Red Bell Pepper
- ½ large Cucumber
- 3-6 tablespoons Ranch Dressing
- optional Cheese (Shredded)
Instructions
- Combine sauces: In a large bowl, toss the cooked, diced chicken with the honey garlic sauce and buffalo wing sauce until evenly coated. The warmth of the chicken will help the sauces mingle beautifully.
- Prep the lettuce: Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a separate bowl. Drizzle in your desired amount of ranch dressing and toss gently to coat the leaves, making them creamy and flavorful.
- Layer the salad: On serving plates, start with a generous mound of dressed romaine. Then artfully arrange the red onions, red bell pepper slices, cucumber, and any shredded cheese if using. Don’t forget to top it all off with the spiced honey chicken for that show-stopping touch!
- Serve immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh! Serve it right away so that the lettuce remains crisp and the chicken warm, allowing those flavors to shine.
Notes
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use cooked chicken breasts or tenders for best results. Leftover turkey is also a great substitute if you have it on hand.
- Sauce Balance: Adjust the amount of honey garlic and buffalo wing sauce according to your heat preference; too much buffalo can overpower the sweetness of the honey.
- Lettuce Matters: Opt for romaine for crunch. If using kale, remember to massage it with olive oil first to soften the leaves!
- Dress Wisely: Drizzle dressing just before serving to keep the salad crisp. Avoid drenching it too early or it will wilt.
- Freshness Counts: Serve the Honey Hot Chicken Salad immediately for the best texture and flavor; avoid pre-prepping too far in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg