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Healthy recipes + low carb recipes

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Home > low carb dinners > chicken > Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad

Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad


5 from 14 votes
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Frank’s red hot, crumbled blue cheese and juicy chicken, this chicken saladIf you are looking for keto salads, but like me, want a little protein to keep you going, give this recipe a try! Or, check out my pesto chicken salad or my favorite curry chicken salad.

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Let’s Be Frank.

I definitely came late to the buffalo chicken craze, but I’m here now. In full force.

This recipe is everyone’s favorite party food (buffalo chicken dip) meets chicken salad. And it’s got So. Much. Flavor. Because the thought of another leftover chicken lunch is… less than inspiring. Boring at its best, dry at its worst. But this buffalo sauce is here to change EVERYTHING. A lunch you will actually crave. Seriously!

I always make this buffalo chicken salad with Frank’s red hot sauce. In fact, I’ve gotten to the point where I must have Frank’s in my pantry at all times. It’s perfect for this recipe because it’s milder in heat but loaded with vinegar flavor. If you don’t have Frank’s—those are the qualities of a hot sauce you’re looking for.

I love this served in lettuce wraps–the cool, crisp contrast is amazing. It’s also great with a toasty piece of bread. Or, eat it right off the fork. Because it’s THAT kind of good.

top view of keto buffalo chicken salad

Ingredient Notes

There are a few important ingredients to mention here…

  1. The hot sauce: Frank’s red hot is highly recommended here!
  2. The chicken: Any cooked chicken will do, although keep in mind, I prefer this recipe as a shredded buffalo chicken salad (rather than using cubed chicken). I usually poach chicken while chopping the other ingredients, but well-drained canned chicken works well here (see my canned chicken salad recipe for tips).
  3. The creamy base: I prefer cream cheese in this buffalo chicken salad recipe for an even creamier compliment to the hot sauce.
  4. Add ons: celery adds a bit of crunch, and blue cheese a bit of tang. Don’t skip!

closer view of hot chicken salad

How to Eat This Hot Chicken Salad

What goes with buffalo chicken?! Everything. Some of my favorite ways to eat this chicken salad include:

  • Lettuce wraps. Romaine, leafy green, or butter lettuce work best for wraps.
  • On a toasted baguette. Not sliced bread, friends. A hot, fresh, and crusty baguette.
  • With crackers and enjoyed as a dip. Check out my keto crackers, or use sliced cucumbers for a keto alternative.

🤔 Why does my chicken salad get watery?

Chicken salad most often gets watery when the vegetables added release their liquids. If this happens, simply give your buffalo chicken salad a solid stir before serving, the flavor won’t change a bit!

top view of buffalo chicken salad recipe

Recipe Variations

  1. Switch up the protein. Use this recipe as a base to make keto egg salad or keto tuna salad.
  2. Turn up or down the heat, by using a different version of Frank’s Red Hot. Or, add some spices, like I do in this Mexican chicken salad.
  3. Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt. If you’re looking for a more traditional chicken salad, sub in mayonnaise or Greek yogurt–but keep in mind, if you’re looking for a keto buffalo chicken salad, greek yogurt chicken salad will have lower fat and a few extra carbs.

More Chicken Salad Recipes

closer view of shredded buffalo chicken salad recipe

Buffalo Chicken Salad

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Servings :8 Wraps
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 8 Ounces Cream Cheese softened
  • 2 Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 1 Cup Hot Sauce I use Frank's (note 1)
  • 2 Scallions thinly sliced, white and green parts
  • 4 Cups Chicken cooked + shredded (note 2*)
  • 1 Cup Celery chopped

Wraps:

  • 1/4 Cup Blue Cheese
  • Lettuce We love Romaine, butter lettuce works as well
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Combine. In a large bowl, combine the hot sauce (1 cup) and softened cream cheese (8 ounces) using an electric mixer until well combined. Add the cheddar (2 cups), scallions (2 thinly sliced), celery (1 cup), and chicken (4 cups). Fold until everything is well incorporated.
  • Serve. Scoop chicken onto lettuce leaves. Top with blue cheese (1/4 cup) and additional hot sauce. Enjoy!
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Fans Also Made These Healthy Recipes:

Lindsey's Tips

  1. Hot sauce. Frank's is most traditional for all Buffalo chicken recipes. If using a different type of hot sauce, keep in mind Frank's has a very mild, vinegary flavor.
  2. To poach chicken: Place chicken and a generous amount of salt and pepper in a large pot and cover with 1" of water. Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and let the chicken simmer until the center of the breast reaches an internal temp of 165 F, about 15 minutes. Allow the chicken to rest 10 minutes before shredding.
  3. Shredded chicken vs. diced. We much prefer shredded chicken here, but you can also use diced chiclken.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalTotal Carbohydrates: 3gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSodium: 1148mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gNet Carbs: 2g
©Little Pine Low Carb. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media/website/blog is strictly prohibited.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  5. My daughter and I just love buffalo chicken anything! These look amazing and perfect for our lunch today! So excited to make this recipe!

    Reply

  15. Wow so good! Used 2 rotisserie chopped, did 50/50 cream cheese and plain Greek yogurt for less fat and calories. Added a container of grocery store pre chopped bell peppers. Only used 1 cup of cheddar. Served on romaine hearts like tacos. This is beyond good. High protein. Low carb. Looooove

    Reply

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