Spicy Bourbon-Glazed Buffalo Chicken Salad
Dive into a vibrant and delicious Spicy Bourbon-Glazed Buffalo Chicken Salad that combines perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, fresh crunchy vegetables, and a crisp bed of romaine lettuce. Each bite offers a delightful mix of flavors, from the tangy spice of the hot sauce to the rich depth of bourbon, complemented by the refreshing crunch of cucumbers, celery, and bell peppers. This dish transforms dinner into an exciting culinary experience while keeping the kitchen mess to a minimum! Ideal for warm evenings or any night when you want to impress your family with minimal effort, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/4 lbs (trimmed, rinsed and patted dry if desired)
hot sauce
4 tablespoons (choose a brand such as Frank's Red Hot)
whiskey or lemon juice
1 tablespoon (optional choice)
seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon
romaine lettuce
6 cups (chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces)
cucumber
1 cup (thinly sliced)
celery
1 cup (thinly sliced)
bell pepper
1 cup (diced, any color)
carrot
1 cup (shredded)
cherry tomatoes
2 cups (halved)
green onions (optional)
4 tablespoons (thinly sliced)
seasoned croutons (optional)
2 cups
Instructions
1
In a 1-gallon zippered freezer bag, mix the hot sauce, whiskey (or lemon juice), and seasoning salt. Seal the bag and shake vigorously to combine the ingredients.
2
If desired, rinse the chicken breasts and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Add the chicken to the marinade in the bag, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal and refrigerate for 20 minutes to 24 hours for optimal flavor.
3
Preheat your grill to the highest setting (or indoor grill if preferred).
4
Once ready, remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Lightly spray each piece with fat-free cooking spray and place them on the preheated grill.
5
Grill the chicken for approximately 8 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through cooking to achieve a nice char. If using an indoor grill, cook for about 5 minutes without flipping.
6
While the chicken is grilling, prepare the salad bases by arranging the romaine lettuce on serving plates. Top the lettuce with slices of cucumber, celery, diced bell pepper, shredded carrot, and halved cherry tomatoes, creating a colorful display.
7
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender result.
8
Slice each chicken breast across the grain into 1/2-inch wide strips. Place an equal portion of the sliced chicken in the center of each salad.
9
For an added crunch, sprinkle green onions and seasoned croutons over each salad. Finally, drizzle your favorite salad dressing over the top – Ranch is a classic choice, but Blue Cheese adds a fantastic touch as well.
10
Serve immediately and watch everyone savor the deliciousness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Bourbon-Glazed Buffalo Chicken Salad?
It is a vibrant dish featuring grilled buffalo chicken seasoned with bourbon and hot sauce, served over a fresh salad of romaine, cucumbers, celery, peppers, and tomatoes.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes, though up to 24 hours is optimal for deeper seasoning.
What type of hot sauce is recommended?
A classic hot sauce like Frank's Red Hot is recommended to achieve the authentic buffalo flavor in the glaze.
Can I use lemon juice instead of whiskey?
Yes, if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the whiskey with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in the marinade.
How do I prepare the marinade?
Mix the hot sauce, whiskey or lemon juice, and seasoning salt in a 1-gallon zippered freezer bag and shake vigorously.
How do I grill the chicken for this recipe?
Preheat your grill to high, remove the chicken from the marinade, spray with cooking spray, and grill for 8 to 12 minutes.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to its highest setting to ensure a good char on the chicken.
How long does the chicken take to grill?
It takes about 8 to 12 minutes on an outdoor grill, turning halfway, or about 5 minutes on an indoor grill without flipping.
Should I rinse the chicken?
Rinsing is optional; however, it is important to pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels before adding them to the marinade.
Can I use an indoor grill?
Yes, an indoor grill works well; simply cook the chicken for about 5 minutes without flipping.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Lightly spray each piece of marinated chicken with fat-free cooking spray before placing it on the preheated grill.
Why should I let the chicken rest after grilling?
Resting the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is tender and juicy when sliced.
How should I slice the chicken?
Slice each cooked chicken breast across the grain into strips approximately 1/2-inch wide.
What vegetables are included in the salad base?
The salad base includes romaine lettuce, cucumber, celery, bell peppers, carrots, and cherry tomatoes.
How do I prepare the lettuce?
Use 6 cups of romaine lettuce that has been chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces for the salad foundation.
Can I add croutons to this salad?
Yes, adding 2 cups of seasoned croutons provides a delicious added crunch to the final dish.
Are green onions necessary?
Green onions are optional, but adding 4 tablespoons of thinly sliced onions provides a nice pop of flavor.
What dressing goes best with this salad?
Ranch dressing is a classic choice, but Blue Cheese dressing also adds a fantastic touch to the buffalo chicken.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the combination of hot sauce and seasoning salt gives the grilled chicken a spicy, tangy buffalo kick.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, featuring lean grilled chicken and a variety of fresh vegetables, it is a healthy and nutritious dinner choice.
Can I make this for meal prep?
Absolutely, the chicken can be grilled in advance and the vegetables chopped ahead of time for quick assembly during the week.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires a total of 12 ingredients including the optional toppings like croutons and green onions.
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
While romaine is recommended for its crisp texture, you can substitute it with other greens like spring mix or spinach.
What kind of bell peppers should I use?
You can use any color of bell pepper—red, yellow, orange, or green—diced into small pieces for color and flavor.
How do I assemble the salad plates?
Arrange the lettuce first, top with sliced vegetables, add the grilled chicken strips to the center, and sprinkle with toppings.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is designed to be a family-friendly meal that is impressive yet requires minimal cleanup.
Is the bourbon flavor very strong?
The bourbon adds a rich depth of flavor to the glaze that complements the heat without being overwhelming.
What if I do not have an outdoor grill?
You can easily use an indoor electric grill or a grill pan on your stovetop as an alternative.
Can I use pre-shredded carrots for convenience?
Yes, using a cup of pre-shredded carrots is a great way to save time during the salad preparation process.
Is this recipe easy to make for beginners?
Yes, it is a simple process involving marinating, grilling, and assembly, making it perfect for cooks of all levels.