This Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad is about to become your go-to salad recipe! Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal, it’s loaded with crispy, spicy chicken, creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and a generous drizzle of buffalo sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate hearty and delicious dinner for busy evenings!
INGREDIENTS
- 3 small chicken breasts (cut into nugget-sized pieces)
- 1 cup rice crumbs
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 1/2 cups green leaf or romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2–3 tbsp crumbled gorgonzola cheese
- Cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Nuggets:
- Chop chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Set up two bowls: one with whisked eggs and the other with rice crumbs, garlic powder, sea salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Nuggets
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it completely in the rice crumb mixture.
- Repeat for all chicken pieces and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Nuggets
- Place the coated chicken nuggets in the air fryer at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Once cooked, toss the nuggets in a bowl with buffalo sauce until fully coated.
- Return the coated nuggets to the air fryer at 370°F for 2 minutes to crisp up.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- Chop the greens, cucumber, and tomatoes.
- In a large bowl, mix the greens, cucumber, and tomatoes. Top with shredded carrots, sliced avocado, buffalo chicken nuggets, and crumbled gorgonzola cheese (if using).
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Add cilantro and red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
NOTES
- Meal Prep Option: Prepare the buffalo chicken nuggets ahead of time and serve them cold for a quick salad assembly.
- Alternate Chicken Cuts: Thinly sliced chicken breasts can be used; cooking times may vary.
- Food Safety: Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
