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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Chicken Preparation: Cook chicken tenders or nuggets according to package instructions until golden and crisp, achieving a perfect texture and color.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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