Get ready to spice up your mealtime with the Ultimate Nashville Hot Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing! This salad combines the fiery flavors of Nashville hot chicken with the cool, creamy goodness of buttermilk ranch dressing, creating a mouthwatering salad that's perfect for anyone looking to add a little kick to their dinner routine.
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Nashville Hot Chicken Salad is a delightful fusion of spicy fried chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy buttermilk ranch dressing. Originating from Nashville's famous hot chicken, this salad offers a refreshing twist that combines heat and freshness, making it an ideal dish for any occasion.
If you like this recipe, you may also love our Healthy Cobb Salad Recipe for Meal Prep or Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Ranch.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Spicy and Flavorful: Combines the iconic Nashville hot spice with a cool, creamy dressing.
- Healthy and Fresh: Packed with fresh vegetables, perfect for a nutritious meal.
- Family-Friendly: Great for weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps make this an accessible recipe for any home cook.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: Lean protein that absorbs the Nashville hot spice perfectly.
- Nashville hot spice: Adds the signature fiery kick.
- Olive oil: Helps in frying the chicken to a crispy perfection.
- Romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing base.
- English cucumber: Adds a cool, crunchy texture.
- Grape tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, balancing the heat.
- Celery: Crunchy and refreshing.
- Carrot: Adds color and a slight sweetness.
- Blue cheese: Creamy and tangy, it pairs well with the hot spice.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings.
- Buttermilk Ranch: Creamy, tangy, and cooling.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Chicken breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Nashville hot spice: Substitute with your favorite hot sauce if the spice blend is unavailable.
- Blue cheese: Use feta or goat cheese for a different flavor.
How to Make Ultimate Nashville Hot Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
STEP ONE: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts with Nashville hot spice, salt, and pepper. Heat an oven-safe skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Transfer the oven-safe skillet with the chicken breasts directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken is baking, chop the romaine lettuce, slice the English cucumber, halve the grape tomatoes, slice the celery, and shred the carrots.
STEP THREE: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, sliced cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, sliced celery, shredded carrots, and crumbled blue cheese. Add the sliced chicken to the salad and toss gently to combine.
STEP FOUR: Serve
Drizzle with buttermilk ranch dressing just before serving and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Marinate the chicken in the Nashville hot spice for at least 30 minutes before cooking if you have time.
✔️ DO Serve the salad immediately after adding the dressing to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze leftover Nashville hot chicken (not salad) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat the chicken, warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
Nashville hot chicken is distinct because it's coated in a spice made from cayenne pepper and other seasonings, giving it a fiery kick.
Yes, you can use various dressings as substitutes. Blue cheese dressing, honey mustard, or even a tangy vinaigrette can complement the spicy chicken. For a healthier option, try a Greek yogurt-based dressing.
To reduce the spice level, you can use less seasoning. Serve the chicken with extra buttermilk ranch dressing to help balance the heat.
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📖 Recipe
Ultimate Nashville Hot Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet
- Large bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Nashville hot spice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 English cucumber sliced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 2 carrots shredded
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbled
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup buttermilk ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts with Nashville hot spice, salt, and pepper.
- Heat an oven-safe skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the oven-safe skillet with the chicken breasts directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, sliced cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, sliced celery, shredded carrots, and crumbled blue cheese.
- Add the sliced chicken to the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Drizzle with buttermilk ranch dressing and serve immediately.
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Notes
- Chicken breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Nashville hot spice: Substitute with your favorite hot sauce if the spice blend is unavailable.
- Blue cheese: Use feta or goat cheese for a different flavor.
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