Buffalo Chicken Chopped Caesar Salad: A Quick and Healthy 30-Minute Dinner
When it comes to dinner, I’m all about quick, healthy meals that feel indulgent but fit into a balanced lifestyle. Enter this Buffalo Chicken Chopped Caesar Salad—a delicious twist on a classic Caesar salad with a spicy, crispy kick. With gluten-free buffalo chicken bites, crunchy veggies, creamy avocado, and a lightened-up Caesar dressing, this salad is as satisfying as it is nutritious.
Creator: Leslie Stokes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy: Each serving has over 30 grams of protein and stays under 500 calories.
• Gluten-Free: The buffalo chicken bites are made with a gluten-free coating that gets crispy in the air fryer or oven.
• Packed with Flavor: Spicy buffalo chicken, creamy avocado, tangy dressing, and crunchy Parmesan crisps—need I say more?
Ingredients:
Make It Your Own:
This salad is highly customizable!
• Protein Swap: Try shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas instead of chicken.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing a mild or extra-hot buffalo sauce.
• Extra Crunch: Add more veggies like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or celery.
Serving Suggestions:
This Buffalo Chicken Chopped Caesar Salad is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:
• Gluten-free garlic bread for a hearty side.
• A light soup like tomato bisque or vegetable broth to round out the meal.
Why This Recipe Works:
• The gluten-free breading delivers that satisfying crunch without frying.
• The light Caesar dressing cuts down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
• With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in less time than it takes to order takeout!
Ready to give it a try? This recipe is guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Crispy Buffalo Chicken Bites
Air Fryer:
• Spray the breaded chicken bites lightly with cooking spray before air frying. This ensures a golden, crispy texture without extra oil.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket so the air can circulate evenly. Work in batches if necessary.
• After tossing the chicken in buffalo sauce, pop it back into the air fryer for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Oven Directions:
If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry—this recipe works beautifully in the oven!
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack (for extra crispiness).
2. Bread the chicken as instructed and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
3. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. After baking, toss the chicken bites in buffalo sauce. For extra crispiness, return them to the oven for 5 minutes.
Buffalo Chicken Chopped Ceaser Salad
Ingredients
Buffalo Bites:
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite size pieces
- 1/4 cup gluten free all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- salt + pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 3/4 cup gluten free panko bread crumbs
- cooking spray
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce I like kinder and primal kitchen
For the Salad:
- Salad:• 3 large hearts of romaine, chopped• 1 cup cucumber, diced• 1 medium avocado, diced• 1/2 cup Parmesan crisps, crumbled
- 3 large hearts of romaine
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 medium avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese crisp, crumbled
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp light mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ensure gluten-free if needed
- 1 small garlic clove finely minced or grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water as needed, to thin
Let's Make It
- Buffalo Chicken Bites:1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).2. In a shallow dish, combine gluten-free flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.3. Place beaten eggs in a separate shallow dish and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs in a third.4. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip in egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.5. Arrange chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed) and spray lightly with cooking spray.6. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).7. Toss the cooked chicken bites in buffalo sauce and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Healthier Caesar Dressing:1. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayo, Dijon mustard, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.2. Add a small amount of water (1-2 tsp at a time) until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Salad Assembly:1. In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, cucumber, and avocado.2. Drizzle with the healthier Caesar dressing and toss gently to coat.3. Top with buffalo chicken bites and crumbled Parmesan crisps.4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving:
• Calories: ~480
• Protein: ~35g
• Fat: ~24g
• Carbs: ~27g
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