Fried Chicken Salad

Fried Chicken Salad is the perfect marriage of comfort food and fresh greens. Crispy, golden-brown chicken strips are served over a colorful bed of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other crisp vegetables, then drizzled with a creamy or tangy dressing. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that satisfies your craving for something indulgent without skipping the freshness of a well-balanced salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the crunch and richness of fried chicken with fresh, crisp vegetables
• Versatile and easy to customize with your favorite toppings and dressings
• Great use of leftover fried chicken
• A filling, complete meal in one bowl
• Works well as lunch, dinner, or a potluck showstopper

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the fried chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
• Buttermilk (for marinating)
• All-purpose flour
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the salad:

• Romaine lettuce or mixed greens
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, sliced
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Hard-boiled eggs, quartered
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Croutons
• Salad dressing of choice (ranch, honey mustard, blue cheese, or vinaigrette)

directions

this recipe

1. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let it soak in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the coating: In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk and dredge in the seasoned flour until fully coated.
4. Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest on paper towels.
5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl or plate, layer greens, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, egg, and shredded cheese.
6. Add the chicken: Slice the fried chicken into strips and place on top of the salad.
7. Finish and serve: Add croutons and drizzle with your favorite dressing. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Marinating time: 1 hour
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy fried chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk or flour
• Lighter version: Use grilled or air-fried chicken
• Different greens: Swap romaine with arugula, spinach, or kale
• Add fruit: Include apple slices, grapes, or dried cranberries for sweetness
• Other proteins: Use shrimp, tofu, or rotisserie chicken instead

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store the chicken and salad separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days
• Reheating: Reheat chicken in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5–10 minutes to regain crispiness
• Note: Assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp

FAQs

Can I use store-bought fried chicken?

Yes, it’s a great shortcut. Simply chop and add it to your salad.

What dressing goes best with fried chicken salad?

Ranch, honey mustard, or blue cheese are all great choices.

Can I make it ahead?

You can prep the components in advance, but assemble just before serving for best texture.

What’s a good gluten-free alternative?

Use gluten-free flour for breading and check your dressing is gluten-free.

Can I air fry the chicken?

Absolutely. Cook breaded chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Skip the cheese and use a dairy-free dressing. Use dairy-free milk with lemon juice instead of buttermilk.

What type of lettuce works best?

Romaine and mixed greens are classic choices, but spinach or butter lettuce work too.

How do I make it spicy?

Add hot sauce to the marinade or cayenne to the flour mixture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, thighs are flavorful and stay moist—just be sure they’re boneless and skinless.

What are good toppings for crunch?

Croutons, tortilla strips, or chopped nuts add great texture.

Conclusion

Fried Chicken Salad is the ultimate combination of crisp, juicy, and fresh. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but still delivers on balance and nutrition. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a satisfying dinner, this salad offers all the crunch, flavor, and comfort you need in a single bowl.

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