Buffalo Chicken Salad

Would you think we are crazy if we wanted to eat a SALAD while watching sports? We don’t even care because this buffalo chicken salad has it all. It’s the best way to eat your buffalo chicken wings, covered in a homemade ranch dressing and all of our favorite sides. Bonus, no saucy orange fingers! 

INGREDIENTSFOR THE CHICKEN1 c. 

buffalo sauce2 tbsp. 

honey

Juice of 1 lime 1 tsp. 

garlic powder1/2 tsp. 

onion powder 

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper1 1/2 lb. 

boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 breasts)1 tbsp. 

extra-virgin olive oilFOR THE DRESSING1/2 c. 

mayonnaise1/2 c. 

sour cream1/2 c. 

buttermilk2 

cloves garlic, minced1/4 c. 

freshly chopped parsley2 tbsp. 

freshly chopped dill2 tbsp. 

freshly chopped chives1 1/2 tsp. 

kosher salt1/2 tsp. 

freshly ground black pepper1/2 tsp. 

onion powder

Pinch cayenne pepperFOR THE SALAD4 c. 

chopped romaine2 c. 

baby spinach2 

stalks celery, sliced1 

carrot, cut into matchsticks1 

Persian cucumber, cut into half moons1 

avocado, sliced1/2 

red onion, thinly sliced 1 c. 

halved cherry tomatoes3/4 c. 

blue cheese crumbles

 DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine buffalo sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Reserve ⅓ cup marinade. Add chicken to remaining marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate 30 minutes at room temperature. Or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. 
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Remove chicken from marinade, letting as much marinade drip off as possible, and add to pan. Cook until golden, 6 minutes, then flip and brush chicken with reserved marinade. Continue cooking until no longer pink 6 to 8 minutes more. Place on a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips. 
3. Meanwhile make dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Add remaining ingredients and stir until combined. Refrigerate until ready to use. 
4. Assemble salad: In a large bowl, toss together romaine, spinach, celery, carrots, cucumber, avocado, red onion, tomatoes, and blue cheese crumbles. Top with chicken and drizzle with dressing just before serving.