Crispy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad with Goddess Dressing

 

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cutlets, or tenders
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, homemade or store-bought
• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon each dried chives and dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons dried dill
• 1 teaspoon each garlic and onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 pinch each kosher salt and black pepper

For the Salad:

• 2 heads romaine lettuce, shredded
• 4 carrots, shredded
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped
• 4 radishes, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, roughly chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese

For the Goddess Dressing:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup fresh basil
• 1 jalapeño, halved and seeded
• Juice from 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce. In a medium bowl, mix together Panko, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush or drizzle lightly with olive oil.
   • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy. Drizzle with the remaining buffalo sauce.

2. Make the Salad:

   • In a large salad bowl, combine shredded romaine lettuce, carrots, celery, cucumbers, radishes, and cilantro. Toss gently to mix.

3. Prepare the Goddess Dressing:

   • Combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, cilantro, basil, jalapeño, and lemon juice in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add water 1 tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.

4. Assemble the Salad:

   • Divide the salad among serving bowls. Top each with crispy buffalo chicken, avocado slices, and crumbled blue cheese or feta.
   • Drizzle with goddess dressing and serve with additional chives, buffalo sauce, and dressing on the side if desired.

Enjoy this fresh and flavorful salad packed with crispy chicken and creamy dressing! 🌿🍗🥗