When I made Fried Chicken Salad Recipe for the first time, I couldn’t decide between something crispy and indulgent or a fresh, light salad. So I thought—why not have both? The result was the perfect balance of textures and flavors: crispy, golden-brown chicken paired with crunchy greens, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy dressing.
Ever since that day, this salad has been one of my go-to meals for both weeknight dinners and casual lunches. It’s filling but not heavy, crispy yet refreshing, and best of all—it’s incredibly easy to customize.
The key to making this dish truly stand out is getting the fried chicken just right. Let’s Go!
What you will find in this article:
What is Fried Chicken Salad?
Fried Chicken Salad is a delicious combination of crispy, golden-brown fried chicken served over fresh greens with a flavorful dressing. Unlike traditional chicken salad, which is typically made with shredded or diced chicken, this version focuses on hot, crunchy chicken strips as the star ingredient.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Crispy & Crunchy: The juicy fried chicken adds the perfect crunch to your salad.
✔️ Satisfying Yet Fresh: You get the richness of fried chicken balanced with fresh veggies.
✔️ Customizable: You can adjust the toppings, dressing, and spice level to fit your taste.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch of fried chicken and enjoy different salad variations throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need For an Epic Fried Chicken Salad Recipe
For the Fried Chicken:
✔️ 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
✔️ 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating, ensures tenderness)
✔️ 1 cup all-purpose flour
✔️ ½ cup cornstarch (adds extra crispiness)
✔️ 1 tsp garlic powder
✔️ 1 tsp smoked paprika
✔️ ½ tsp cayenne pepper (for heat)
✔️ Salt & black pepper to taste
✔️ Vegetable oil for frying
Worth to mention that it’s essential to use quality cooking oils for frying, as they significantly impact both flavor and health. Learn more about choosing the best cooking oils here.
For the Salad Base:
✔️ 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, or spinach)
✔️ 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
✔️ ½ red onion, thinly sliced
✔️ ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blue cheese)
✔️ ¼ cup croutons or toasted pecans (for extra crunch)
For the Dressing:
✔️ ½ cup ranch dressing (or honey mustard for a Southern twist)
✔️ 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
✔️ 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Kitchen Tools & Equipment
- Mixing bowls – for marinating chicken and preparing salad.
- Deep skillet or frying pan – for frying the chicken.
- Tongs – for flipping and handling hot chicken.
- Whisk – for mixing the dressing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the chicken strips and buttermilk.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best results).
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan, about 1 inch deep.
- Heat to 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying.
Step 4: Coat & Fry the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, shredded cheese, and croutons.
- Slice the fried chicken into bite-sized pieces and place on top.
Step 6: Add the Dressing & Serve
- Drizzle with ranch, honey mustard, or your favorite dressing.
- Toss gently and enjoy immediately!
Variations & Customizations
🔥 Spicy Buffalo Fried Chicken Salad: Toss the fried chicken in Buffalo sauce and add blue cheese crumbles.
🍯 Southern-Style Honey Mustard Salad: Use honey mustard dressing and add crispy bacon bits.
🥗 Asian-Inspired Crispy Chicken Salad: Drizzle with sesame ginger dressing and top with crushed peanuts.
🥑 Low-Carb Option: Swap croutons for toasted almonds and use a low-carb dressing.
For more chicken salads that delight, try The Famous Hotel Arlington Chicken Salad Recipe.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Fried Chicken Salad
- Classic Southern Sides:
- Cornbread muffins
- Sweet potato fries
- Creamy coleslaw
- Lighter Side Options:
- Grilled asparagus
- Fresh fruit salad
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
Storing & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate leftover fried chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Best ways to reheat:
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5 minutes.
- Store salad and dressing separately to keep everything fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use store-bought fried chicken?
Yes! Just slice and add to the salad.
Q: How do I make this healthier?
Use grilled chicken instead of fried and opt for a light dressing.
Q: Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, but store chicken and salad separately to prevent sogginess.
Q: What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable or peanut oil works best for crispiness.
Finally! My Love for Fried Chicken Salad
Every time I make Fried Chicken Salad, I’m reminded of why it’s one of my favorite comfort meals. The combination of crispy, golden chicken with fresh greens and a creamy dressing is simply irresistible.
I love how versatile and customizable this salad is. Some days, I go for a classic ranch dressing, while other times, I opt for a bold honey mustard or spicy Buffalo twist. No matter how you make it, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
If you try this recipe, drop a comment and let me know how was it!
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