Spicy Chicken Salad

Ready to level up your salad game? This Spicy Chicken Salad brings all heat, freshness, and flavor you’re looking for!

Say goodbye to dull salads and hello to a flavor explosion! This Spicy Chicken Salad is quick and easy to make and is about to enter your weekly lunch rotation!

Scared of the heat? You can easily make swaps that will tame it to your exact preference. You can also adjust the ingredients to what’s available in your area and your dietary needs.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Irresistible Crunch and Flavor: The spicy crispy chicken brings a delightful crunch to every bite and fresh flavor explosion!
• Satisfying and Filling: Unlike some salads that leave you wanting more, the addition of crispy chicken makes this salad a hearty and satisfying meal!
• Quick and Easy: With the convenience of frozen or ready-made chicken and easy to prep veggies, this crispy chicken salad is a quick and straightforward to make, making it ideal for busy schedules. It’s also a great make-ahead option.
• Craving Satisfaction: When you're craving something savory, crunchy, and utterly delicious, a this salad hits the spot!

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Spicy Crispy Chicken Bites: Provides the main protein source and a satisfying crunch. The crispy coating adds texture and flavor. I prefer Just Bare Chicken Breast Spicy Bites.
• Vegetables: Romaine Lettuce, Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, and Mini Peppers: These add a refreshing and crisp texture, balancing the richness of the chicken and other ingredients.
• Pepperjack Cheese: Adds creaminess and a subtle heat. The cheese enhances the overall richness of the salad while providing a touch of spice.
• Croutons: Introduces additional crunch and a toasted flavor.
• Spicy Ranch or Chipotle Dressing: Acts as the flavor unifier, tying together the spice of the chicken with the freshness of the veggies. Provides a creamy and tangy element.

Tools You’ll need

• Air Fryer (optional)
• Air Fryer Basket (optional…our Power XL came with this basket, but some are sold separately)

How to Make Spicy Crispy Chicken Salad

1. Air fry, fry, or bake chicken per package directions.

2. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, peppers, cheese, croutons, and dressing. 

3. Toss the salad ingredients together until all the components are coated well. Evenly disperse the salad into 2 small bowls.

4. Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Evenly divide the chicken on top of both salads.

Pro Tips

• Fresh Ingredients: Start with fresh and high-quality vegetables.
• Uniform Chopping: Ensure that all ingredients are chopped into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This creates a balanced texture and allows for a perfect mix of flavors in every forkful.
• Knife Sharpness: A sharp knife is your best friend for chopping. It not only makes the process easier but also prevents vegetables from getting crushed or bruised, maintaining their integrity.
• Protein Boost: Protein makes the salad more satisfying. If you prefer an alternative to spicy crispy chicken, grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or tofu are excellent substitutions
• Dress It Right: A flavorful dressing that complements the ingredients is crucial for the perfect salad. Consider adding the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
• Toss Just Before Serving: To maintain crispness, toss the salad just before serving. This prevents wilting and ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed.
• Refrigerate Smartly: If making the chopped salad ahead of time, store the components separately, especially the dressing, to maintain the crispness of the vegetables. Combine just before serving.

How do you make Just Bare Spicy Chicken Bites?

Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Place frozen chicken pieces in basket in a single layer. Air fry for 8 minutes.

Conventional Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place frozen chicken pieces in a single layer on an ungreased baking pan. Bake uncovered for 23 minutes.

Microwave Oven: Place frozen chicken pieces in a single layer on a microwavable safe dish. Microwave on high for 2.5 minutes using a 1000W microwave.

Substitutions

Adjust quantities and proportions based on your preferences and the number of servings you're preparing. These substitutions offer versatility while maintaining the deliciousness of this spicy crispy chicken salad.

1. Frozen Spicy Crispy Chicken Bites: Use pre-cooked frozen chicken tenders or nuggets. You can also use diced rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken or make homemade spicy chicken nuggets.
2. Romaine Lettuce: Swap romaine with iceberg lettuce, mixed greens, or spinach for a different leafy base.
3. Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes can be a convenient alternative. You can also try sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of concentrated flavor.
4. Cucumber: You can also try zucchini for a slightly different texture.
5. Pepperjack Cheese: If you prefer a milder cheese, Monterey Jack or cheddar are good alternatives. For a non-spicy option, consider mozzarella or feta.
6. Spicy Ranch Dressing: Create a DIY spicy ranch by adding hot sauce or cayenne pepper to regular ranch dressing.
7. Croutons: Try toasted nuts (like almonds or walnuts) or seeds (sunflower seeds) for added crunch. You can also use tortilla strips for a different texture.
8. Mini Sweet Peppers: Substitute with roasted red peppers or chopped bell peppers.

What to Serve with Spicy Chicken Salad

This salad is a hearty meal all on its own. However, if you’d like to pair it with a sandwich, this Apple Ham and Swiss or Turkey and Cheese Sliders are both a great option. Soups great to serve with it are Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup and Green Enchilada Chicken Soup.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Separate Components: When preparing this salad in advance, store the components separately to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep greens, proteins, veggies, and toppings in individual containers.

Dressing on the Side: If consuming at a later time, keep the dressing on the side to avoid a soggy salad.

Last-Minute Assembly: Assemble the salad just before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

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