Name: Honey Hot Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cooked chicken breasts, diced; ¼ cup honey garlic sauce; ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce (or preferred hot sauce); 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped and washed; 3–6 tablespoons ranch dressing (or another creamy dressing); ½ medium red onion, diced; 1 large red bell pepper, diced; ½ large cucumber, diced; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

A bold and vibrant mix of crisp romaine, juicy chicken, creamy ranch, and sweet-spicy heat, this Honey Hot Chicken Salad is everything I want when I’m craving something fresh yet deeply satisfying. It’s got all the textures—crunchy, creamy, tender—and layers of flavor that come together in just minutes. This salad isn’t just a side dish—it’s the main event.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cooked chicken breasts, diced

¼ cup honey garlic sauce

¼ cup buffalo wing sauce (or my preferred hot sauce)

2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped and washed

3–6 tablespoons ranch dressing (or another creamy dressing)

½ medium red onion, diced

1 large red bell pepper, diced

½ large cucumber, diced

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

I start by mixing the diced, cooked chicken with the honey garlic sauce and buffalo sauce in a bowl until the pieces are well coated.

In a large bowl, I toss the chopped romaine with the ranch dressing to make sure the leaves are evenly coated.

I transfer the dressed lettuce onto plates or a big serving platter.

Then I top the salad with diced onion, bell pepper, cucumber, and shredded cheese if I’m using it.

Finally, I add the honey hot chicken right on top and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes (assuming pre-cooked chicken)

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 2

Calories: ~570 kcal per serving

Variations

Protein swap: I sometimes use grilled shrimp or rotisserie chicken instead of plain cooked chicken.

Sauce change-up: When I want less heat, I reduce the buffalo sauce and add more honey garlic or even BBQ sauce.

Add crunch: Croutons or crispy fried onions give it an extra texture boost.

Leafy greens: I swap romaine with a spring mix or kale if I want more variety.

Vegan version: I replace chicken with crispy tofu and use plant-based ranch.

Storage/reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if I need to store it, I keep the components separate. The chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The veggies can be prepped ahead and stored in separate containers. I avoid dressing the lettuce until I’m ready to eat, so it doesn’t wilt. To reheat the chicken, I microwave it briefly or warm it in a skillet until just heated through.

FAQs

How spicy is this salad?

It depends on the buffalo sauce I use. I can control the heat by using a mild sauce or cutting back on the amount.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, I often use rotisserie chicken for convenience. It works great and saves even more time.

What’s the best ranch dressing for this?

I use whatever creamy ranch I have—store-bought or homemade. Greek yogurt ranch also works well for a lighter option.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

I prep the components ahead, but I wait to dress the salad and toss the chicken in the sauce until right before serving to keep everything fresh.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as I make sure the sauces and dressing I use are gluten-free, the salad naturally is.

Conclusion

When I need a fast, flavorful meal that hits all the notes—sweet, spicy, crunchy, creamy—this Honey Hot Chicken Salad always delivers. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, easy to adapt, and satisfying enough to make again and again. If I want something fresh with a kick, this is what I reach for.

Recipe:

Honey Hot Chicken Salad

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A bold and vibrant salad featuring honey hot chicken, crisp romaine, fresh vegetables, and creamy ranch dressing. Perfect as a quick and satisfying main course.