Spicy BBQ Ranch Crispy Chicken Salad Delight
Indulge in the ultimate flavor fusion with our Spicy BBQ Ranch Crispy Chicken Salad Delight! Tender and juicy chicken breasts are coated in a seasoned crunch and fried to golden perfection. Nestled on a bed of crisp lettuce and vibrant fresh vegetables, this salad is further elevated by the zesty combination of hot and spicy BBQ sauce and creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for a sunny day or as a hearty weeknight dinner, this dish promises a refreshing, yet satisfying experience with every bite. If you crave a little heat, opt for a robust hot and spicy BBQ sauce to excite your taste buds like never before!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (Rinsed and patted dry)
Flour
1 cup (N/A)
Dried Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (N/A)
Cornmeal
1/4 cup (N/A)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Seasoning salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (Optional, omit if not desired)
Oil for frying
N/A (Vegetable or canola oil)
Chopped lettuce
1/2 head (Rinsed and chopped)
Baby carrots
10 (Quartered)
Cucumber
1/2 (Sliced)
Green onions
2 (Diced)
French fried onion rings
1/2 cup (N/A)
Olive oil
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (N/A)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (N/A)
Ranch dressing
1/2 cup (N/A)
Hot and spicy BBQ sauce
1/2 cup (N/A)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring there's enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet adequately for frying.
2
2. In a grocery bag or ziplock bag, combine the flour, dried Italian breadcrumbs, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, seasoning salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Seal the bag and shake well to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
3
3. Rinse the boneless, skinless chicken breasts under cold water. Carefully place the chicken into the bag with the coating mixture. Seal the bag and shake until the chicken is evenly coated with the crunchy mixture.
4
4. Fry the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
5
5. Once fried, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a paper towel-lined plate for 10 minutes, allowing excess oil to drain and the chicken to retain its moisture.
6
6. While the chicken rests, prepare the salad base. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, quartered baby carrots, cucumber slices, diced green onions, and French fried onion rings. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss until everything is evenly coated.
7
7. Once the chicken has rested, cut it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl of salad. Gently toss to combine.
8
8. To serve, fill individual bowls halfway with the salad mixture. Drizzle hot and spicy BBQ sauce generously over the salad followed by a drizzle of ranch dressing to finish. Optionally, top with garlic croutons or additional French fried onion rings for added crunch!
9
9. Enjoy your crispy, spicy, and creamy chicken salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spicy BBQ Ranch Crispy Chicken Salad Delight?
It is a flavor fusion dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a seasoned crunch, fried to golden perfection, and served on a bed of fresh vegetables with spicy BBQ sauce and ranch dressing.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
How is the crispy coating for the chicken made?
The coating is a mixture of flour, dried Italian breadcrumbs, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, seasoning salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper.
How should the chicken be prepared before coating?
Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry before placing them into the coating mixture.
What is the best way to apply the coating to the chicken?
Place the dry ingredients and the chicken in a grocery bag or ziplock bag, seal it, and shake until the chicken is evenly coated.
What type of oil is recommended for frying the chicken?
Vegetable oil or canola oil are recommended for frying.
How long does it take to fry the chicken breasts?
Fry the coated chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Why should the chicken rest after frying?
Letting the chicken rest for 10 minutes on a paper towel-lined plate allows excess oil to drain and helps the meat retain its moisture.
What ingredients make up the salad base?
The salad base consists of chopped lettuce, quartered baby carrots, sliced cucumber, diced green onions, and French fried onion rings.
How is the salad base seasoned?
The vegetables are drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper before being tossed.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Yes, you can omit the optional cayenne pepper from the coating and use a milder BBQ sauce.
What kind of BBQ sauce is recommended?
A hot and spicy BBQ sauce is recommended to excite your taste buds and provide a robust flavor.
How is the chicken served in the salad?
After resting, the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces and tossed with the prepared salad mixture.
What are the final toppings for the salad?
The salad is finished with a generous drizzle of hot and spicy BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and optional garlic croutons or additional onion rings.
Is this salad suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a hearty dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a sunny day.
What provides the 'crunch' in this recipe?
The crunch comes from the cornmeal and breadcrumb coating on the chicken, as well as the French fried onion rings.
How much lettuce is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 head of lettuce, rinsed and chopped.
What is the role of cornmeal in the recipe?
Cornmeal is added to the flour and breadcrumb mixture to create a more seasoned, golden crunch.
How many baby carrots should be used?
You should use 10 baby carrots, quartered.
What kind of onions are used?
The recipe uses two diced green onions and 1/2 cup of French fried onion rings.
Can I use olive oil for frying the chicken?
The recipe specifically suggests vegetable or canola oil for frying, while olive oil is used for tossing the salad vegetables.
How much ranch dressing is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of ranch dressing.
What spices are in the chicken seasoning?
The seasoning includes garlic powder, paprika, seasoning salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
The chicken is served warm (after a 10-minute rest) over a fresh, cool salad base.
How many chicken breasts does the recipe serve?
The recipe uses 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What equipment is needed for frying?
A large skillet is needed to heat the oil and fry the chicken.
How do I ensure the chicken is evenly coated?
Shaking the chicken in a sealed bag with the flour and spice mixture ensures an even coating.
Can I add croutons?
Yes, garlic croutons are suggested as an optional topping for added crunch.
What makes the salad refreshing?
The combination of fresh lettuce, cucumber, and carrots with the creamy ranch and zesty BBQ sauce provides a refreshing yet satisfying experience.