Best Easy Nashville Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
Nashville Hot Chicken has become a beloved staple in Southern cuisine, known for its bold flavors and fiery kick. If you’re a fan of this spicy dish, then you’ll absolutely love this twist on the classic recipe – Nashville Hot Chicken Salad. This easy-to-make salad is a perfect balance of heat and freshness, making it a great option for a quick and satisfying meal. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup flour
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup hot sauce (preferably Nashville hot chicken sauce)
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup sliced red onion
– 1/4 cup sliced pickles
– Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
2. In another dish, mix together flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
4. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
6. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pickles. Toss to combine.
7. Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad.
8. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side, if desired.
FAQs:
1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. How spicy is this salad?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding more or less cayenne pepper and hot sauce according to your taste.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crispy.
4. Can I use a different type of hot sauce?
While Nashville hot chicken sauce is recommended for an authentic flavor, you can use any hot sauce of your choice.
5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, but it won’t have the same crispy texture as freshly cooked chicken.
6. Can I substitute the buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
7. Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Certainly! You can replace the chicken with crispy tofu or even roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
8. Can I use a different type of greens?
Feel free to use any greens you prefer, such as spinach or arugula.
9. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! You can customize the salad by adding other vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or avocado.
10. Can I make this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour instead of regular flour.
11. How long does the chicken salad stay fresh in the fridge?
The chicken salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate and add it before serving.
Enjoy this delightful Nashville Hot Chicken Salad, and prepare to be blown away by the bold flavors and unique twist on a classic favorite!