If you love bold flavors, crisp textures, and a playful kick of spice, you’re going to fall for Buffalo Chicken Salad. This dish transforms everyday chicken into a creamy, zesty, and utterly addictive salad that you’ll crave for lunches, weeknight dinners, and every gathering in between. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet is light enough to enjoy any time, featuring a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, fresh crunchy veggies, and just the right hit of tangy buffalo sauce. Whether you pile it high on toast, tuck it into wraps, or spoon it over greens, Buffalo Chicken Salad is guaranteed to become your new household favorite.

Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Buffalo Chicken Salad comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each component adds something special, from the tender chicken to the pops of celery and the creamy dressing that pulls it all together.

Cooked shredded chicken: The star of the show; use rotisserie, poached, or leftover chicken for extra convenience and juicy texture.
Nonfat Greek yogurt: Delivers creaminess and tang with a healthy twist—keeps things rich without all the mayo.
Fresh parsley: Adds a burst of herbal freshness and a lovely touch of color throughout the salad.
Celery: For unmistakable crunch and a refreshing bite that balances out the buffalo sauce.
Garlic powder: Brings subtle warmth and savory depth without overpowering the sharper flavors.
Buffalo sauce: The zippy, spicy heart of the recipe—choose your favorite brand or homemade for customizable heat.
Blue cheese crumbles (optional): For those classic Buffalo vibes and creamy, tangy contrast; feel free to skip if you don’t love blue cheese!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad

Step 1: Cook Your Chicken

Start by cooking your chicken if you haven’t already. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, drop in your chicken breasts, and simmer for about 10 to 14 minutes until they’re cooked through and easy to shred. Don’t have time? Make Instant Pot or slow cooker shredded chicken, or grab a juicy rotisserie chicken from the store—no judgment, it all tastes delicious here.

Step 2: Prep the Parsley and Celery

While the chicken is bubbling away, grab your parsley and celery. Finely chop the parsley to release all its flavor, and slice the celery into tiny, crunchy pieces. This is where the fresh, lively textures start to come together for your Buffalo Chicken Salad.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to pull it into tender shreds. You want bite-sized pieces so the salad is easy to scoop onto bread, crackers, or lettuce cups later on. Shredding is also the secret to that satisfying texture in every bite.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in a Bowl

Now for the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, toss in the shredded chicken, those crisp diced celery bits, the fresh parsley, a sprinkle of garlic powder, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, and, if you’re indulging, some blue cheese crumbles. Everything is about to get super flavorful and colorful.

Step 5: Mix Until Creamy

Grab a sturdy spatula and start folding everything together. You’ll want every shred of chicken coated in that creamy, spicy dressing, with the veggies and cheese evenly dispersed. Take a moment to admire the colors—you just made Buffalo Chicken Salad magic!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

This is where the possibilities open up! Pile it onto sandwiches, stuff it in wraps, or mound it over a crisp green salad. However you serve, relish the spicy, creamy, crunchy combo in every forkful.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Garnishes take Buffalo Chicken Salad from simple to spectacular. Sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley on top for freshness, add extra blue cheese crumbles for creamy contrast, or drizzle a little more buffalo sauce if you’re craving extra heat and color.

Side Dishes

Pair Buffalo Chicken Salad with crisp veggie sticks—think carrots, celery, and bell peppers—for a classic game-day feel. It’s also delicious with kettle chips, pita wedges, or even a cool, crunchy coleslaw on the side for a refreshing counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t stop at sandwiches! Try serving this salad scooped into lettuce cups for a low-carb lunch, stuffed into avocados for a fun and filling appetizer, or wrapped in tortillas for spicy Buffalo Chicken Salad pinwheels. It is even fabulous spread generously on toasted crostini as a bold party snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Buffalo Chicken Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld and intensify, making it perfect for meal prep or easy grab-and-go lunches. Give it a quick stir before serving as the dressing can settle.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Buffalo Chicken Salad since the creamy yogurt can separate and the veggies will lose their crunch. For best quality, stick to storing in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few days of making.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you want to melt the blue cheese or enjoy a slightly warm salad, heat it gently in short bursts in the microwave—but keep in mind it’s at its best cold and creamy!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Buffalo Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds juicy flavor and saves time. Just remove the skin and bones before shredding the meat into the salad.

Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?

Yes, you can swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or use a dairy-free mayo. Omit the blue cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep it completely dairy-free.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce. Most brands are a moderate spice, but you can always add more or less to tailor it to your taste—a little extra hot sauce or a dash of cayenne can dial up the kick if you’re brave!

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Salad ahead of time?

This salad is perfect for prepping ahead. Make it up to three days in advance and store in the refrigerator. The flavors develop even more after a day, making it a fantastic make-ahead dish.

Can I serve this salad at room temperature?

You sure can! While Buffalo Chicken Salad is typically served chilled, it holds up well at room temperature for a picnic or party spread—just don’t leave it out for more than two hours for food safety.

Final Thoughts

Give this wildly flavorful Buffalo Chicken Salad a try and watch it become your new go-to. Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed lunch, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a spicy twist on salad night, this recipe delivers every time. Go ahead—treat yourself and the people you love to something bold, creamy, and completely crave-worthy!