Are you a fan of the creamy, flavorful chicken salad from Chicken Salad Chick? If so, you’ve likely come across their famous Buffalo Barclay—a spicy, tangy, and utterly delicious twist on classic chicken salad. But what if you could recreate this irresistible dish in your own kitchen?
If you’ve ever wondered how to make Chicken Salad Chick Buffalo Barclay recipe at home, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process to replicate the iconic dish, including ingredient substitutions, cooking tips, nutritional insights, and storage suggestions. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients List For chicken salad chick buffalo barclay recipe
To make a perfect Buffalo Barclay chicken salad, you will need:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or boiled chicken breast works best)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1/4 cup Buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a great choice)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery (adds crunch and freshness)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but enhances the flavor)
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing (for added creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (balances the flavors)
Possible Ingredient Substitutions:
- Mayonnaise: Use Greek yogurt or avocado mayo for a healthier twist.
- Buffalo Sauce: If you prefer a milder taste, mix hot sauce with melted butter.
- Cheese: Swap cheddar for blue cheese crumbles for a more traditional Buffalo flavor.
- Celery: Substitute with chopped green onions for a slightly different crunch.
Timing
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
This recipe is incredibly quick and easy—about 20% faster than most traditional chicken salad recipes due to the simplicity of mixing ingredients rather than cooking from scratch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare the Chicken
- If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- If boiling chicken breasts, cook them in salted water for about 15 minutes, then let them cool before shredding.
2: Mix the Base Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and lemon juice.
- Stir well to create a smooth, creamy base.
3: Add the Seasonings
- Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution.
4: Incorporate the Chicken and Add-ins
- Fold in the shredded chicken, chopped celery, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined.
5: Chill and Serve
- To achieve the best flavor, chill the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to let the ingredients blend.
- Serve chilled with crackers, on a sandwich, or as a lettuce wrap.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1/2 cup):
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 19g
- Sodium: 600mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Want a healthier version? Try these swaps:
- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayo to increase the protein content.
- Opt for a low-sodium Buffalo sauce to reduce salt intake.
- Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- Use lettuce wraps instead of bread for a low-carb serving method.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sandwich: Serve on toasted whole wheat bread or a croissant.
- Low-Carb Wrap: Spoon into large lettuce leaves for a keto-friendly option.
- Cracker Dip: Pair with whole-grain crackers for a party appetizer.
- Stuffed Avocado: Hollow out an avocado half and fill it with chicken salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using canned chicken: Freshly cooked and shredded chicken yields the best texture.
- Overloading Buffalo sauce: Too much sauce can overpower other flavors.
- Skipping the chilling step: Refrigeration helps enhance the taste and texture.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Always taste-test before serving.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Refrigeration: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as mayonnaise-based salads don’t freeze well.
- Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead and portion it into containers for easy lunches.
Conclusion
Recreating Chicken Salad Chick Buffalo Barclay recipe at home is easy, quick, and incredibly rewarding! With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish anytime.
Try this recipe and share your results in the comments below!
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FAQs
Is it possible to prepare this chicken salad in advance?
Yes! The flavor improves after a few hours in the fridge as the ingredients blend.
What’s the best Buffalo sauce to use?
Frank’s RedHot is the closest to the Chicken Salad Chick version, but any Buffalo sauce will work.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the cheese and replace ranch dressing with a dairy-free alternative.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a medium heat level. For a milder version, reduce the Buffalo sauce or mix it with honey.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Diced bell peppers, carrots, or jalapeños can add extra crunch and flavor.
Enjoy making this delicious Buffalo Barclay Chicken Salad, and happy cooking!