Irresistible Sticky Chicken Crunch Salad Recipe for Lunch Joy

When summer heat rolls in, this sticky chicken crunch salad offers a delightful escape from ordinary meals.

Tender, glazed chicken pieces dance atop a bed of crisp greens, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Crunchy almonds and fresh vegetables add a delectable crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

The homemade dressing brings a tangy kick that perfectly complements the sweet and savory chicken.

Packed with protein and vibrant ingredients, this salad turns a simple lunch into a culinary adventure.

Light yet satisfying, it’s the perfect dish to cool down and energize your day.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again, impressing everyone at the dinner table.

Salad Storage & Advance Prep Tips

• Batch Preparation Brilliance: Cook extra chicken and Buffalo glaze during weekend meal prep to streamline weeknight dinners. Store glazed chicken and dressing separately in airtight containers for quick assembly.
• Refrigerator Smart Strategy: Keep assembled salad components separate until serving to maintain crispness. Store lettuce, vegetables, and dressing in distinct sealed containers for maximum freshness, preventing soggy textures.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare Buffalo glaze and salad dressing up to 5 days in advance. Refrigerate in sealed containers, allowing flavors to develop and intensify. Whisk briefly before using to restore smooth consistency.
• Quick Lunch Solution: Pack chicken, dressing, and crispy chip topping in separate compartments for portable work or school lunches. Add fresh vegetables right before eating to prevent wilting and maintain delightful crunch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 580 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Used in Sticky Chicken Crunch Salad

• Frozen Breaded Chicken Tenders: Crispy protein foundation that adds delightful crunch and simplifies meal preparation.
• Frank's RedHot Original: Signature spicy sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed sensation.

• Brown Sugar: Creates irresistible caramelized sweetness that clings perfectly to chicken.
• Butter: Adds rich depth and helps blend glaze ingredients smoothly.
• Water: Helps balance and thin the sauce for even coating.

• Greek Yogurt: Provides tangy, protein-rich base with lighter texture compared to traditional dressings.
• Mayonnaise: Optional ingredient for extra richness and smooth consistency.
• Ranch Seasoning Powder: Introduces herbal, zesty flavor profile to elevate dressing.

• Iceberg Lettuce, Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, fresh foundation providing satisfying crunch and light base.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursts of juicy sweetness that complement spicy chicken.
• Red Onion: Sharp, pungent element adding vibrant flavor and crisp texture.
• Carrot: Introduces beautiful color and subtle sweetness with delicate ribbons.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty component adding rich, savory dimension.
• Barbecue Potato Chips: Provides unexpected crunch and smoky undertone.
• Fresh Dill: Optional aromatic herb for bright, fresh finish.

• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the dish.

Gear Required for Sticky Chicken Crunch Salad

• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing salad ingredients and tossing lettuce with dressing.
• Small Saucepan: Essential for creating the Buffalo glaze by heating and stirring sugar mixture.
• Mixing Bowl: Ideal for preparing the creamy salad dressing by combining yogurt, mayonnaise, and seasonings.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and slicing chicken into bite-size pieces.
• Kitchen Knife: Sharp tool for dicing vegetables and cutting chicken.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring ingredients for glaze and dressing.
• Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Great for stirring glaze and mixing dressing ingredients smoothly.

Instructions to Build Sticky Chicken Crunch Salad

Zesty Buffalo Crunch Salad

• Chicken Preparation Crispy golden chicken tenders sizzled and ready to transform into a mouthwatering meal.
• Spicy Buffalo Glaze Vibrant sauce combining sweet and tangy flavors that will make taste buds dance with excitement.
• Creamy Dream Dressing Silky smooth blend creating a luxurious coating for fresh, crisp vegetables.
• Salad Assembly Colorful garden of crunchy lettuce, vibrant carrots, and juicy tomatoes waiting to be dressed.
• Flavor Explosion Glazed chicken nestled atop the salad, topped with crispy chip crumbles and soft cheese nibbles.
• Final Touch Drizzle of creamy dressing bringing the entire dish together in a symphony of textures and tastes.

Crunchy Tips & Salad Variations

• Chicken Crunch Transformation: Switch up protein types like grilled shrimp, crispy tofu, or pulled pork for totally different flavor profiles.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust Buffalo glaze heat by using mild hot sauce for gentle kick or extra-spicy versions for serious heat lovers. Start with small amounts and taste before coating chicken.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare Buffalo glaze and salad dressing up to 3 days ahead. Store separately in sealed containers in refrigerator. Chop vegetables and cook chicken right before serving to maintain maximum crispness.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular chips with gluten-free corn chips or crushed rice crackers. Use certified gluten-free ranch seasoning to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising delicious crunch.
• Budget-Friendly Hack: Swap expensive pre-made chicken tenders with homemade breaded chicken strips. Use pantry staples like breadcrumbs and eggs to create crispy coating at fraction of the cost. Bake instead of frying for healthier option.

Serving Up Sticky Chicken Crunch Salad

• Zesty Flavor Explosion: Serve this salad as a vibrant main dish that packs a punch of tangy Buffalo heat and creamy ranch goodness. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner that'll keep you satisfied.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Plate: Transform the salad into a shareable appetizer by arranging on a large platter. Guests can grab bite-sized portions with individual forks or toothpicks for easy mingling.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare components separately and store in airtight containers. Keep dressing, glazed chicken, and chopped veggies in separate sections to maintain crispness. Mix just before eating for a fresh, crunchy lunch option that stays delicious throughout the week.
• Protein Power Bowl Remix: Swap lettuce for quinoa or rice as a base to create a heartier meal. Add extra protein like hard-boiled eggs or additional cheese to boost nutritional value and keep hunger at bay longer.

Crunchy Sticky Chicken Crunch Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Korean-inspired sticky chicken crunch salad delivers complex layers of tangy and crisp flavors. Light greens and caramelized chicken pieces combine with crunchy toppings for a satisfying meal that delights palates and provides quick nutrition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) frozen breaded chicken tenders or nuggets (4 to 8 tenders or 8 to 12 nuggets)
• 2 oz (57 g) sharp or medium cheddar cheese, finely diced
• ½ medium iceberg or romaine lettuce heart, sliced into ¼-inch strips
• ½ cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled into ribbons
• 1 ½ cups barbecue kettle-style potato chips, crushed
• 2 sprigs fresh dill, fronds picked (optional)
• ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup Frank’s RedHot Original or Crystal hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning powder or ranch spice mix
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Chicken Preparation: Cook chicken tenders or nuggets according to package instructions until golden and crisp, achieving a perfect texture and color.
2. Buffalo Glaze Creation: Combine brown sugar, hot sauce, water, and melted butter in a saucepan, whisking over medium heat until the mixture transforms into a glossy, bubbling glaze with fully dissolved sugar.
3. Dressing Composition: Blend Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning in a mixing bowl, adjusting consistency with water and seasoning with salt and pepper to create a smooth, flavorful dressing.
4. Salad Assembly: Toss crisp lettuce with half the prepared dressing, then layer with chopped carrots, sliced red onions, and ripe tomatoes, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients and flavors.
5. Chicken Integration: Slice cooked chicken pieces and coat thoroughly with the vibrant Buffalo glaze, then carefully arrange over the dressed salad to create a visually appealing and flavor-packed dish.
6. Final Garnishing: Elevate the salad’s texture and taste by sprinkling diced cheese, crumbling crispy chips, and delicately placing dill fronds on top, then drizzle the remaining dressing for an extra flavor dimension.

Notes

• Crisp Chicken Technique: Ensure chicken is fully cooked and golden brown for maximum crunch and food safety, using either oven, air fryer, or stovetop method.
• Glaze Pro Tip: Continuously whisk Buffalo sauce mixture to prevent burning and achieve smooth, glossy consistency that coats chicken evenly.
• Dressing Balance: Adjust yogurt and mayo ratio to create desired creaminess, using water sparingly to prevent watery texture.
• Flavor Layering: Add toppings like cheese and chips just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg