Ingredients
For the Crispy Buffalo Chicken
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups crushed corn flakes (we used Nature’s Path Gluten-Free pear-sweetened corn flakes)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (we like Primal Kitchen or Frank Red Hot)
For the Dressing
- 1 medium avocado
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, coconut cream or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 teaspoons chopped chives (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1/3 cup milk or almond milk (plus more if needed)
For the Salad
- 2 heads Romaine lettuce (shredded)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 3 celery ribs (sliced and chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 thinly sliced red onion
- 2 avocados (sliced)
- 3 thinly sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 4 ounces blue cheese crumbles or shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Dredging Station: Set up three bowls: place flour in the first bowl; beat the eggs in the second; and in the third mix the remaining flour with crushed corn flakes and all spices – smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Crush corn flakes by hand lightly to preserve texture.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender first in the plain flour to dry, then dip into the beaten eggs to coat both sides, and finally press into the corn flake mixture thoroughly, ensuring full coverage. Place coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the coated chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, considering 5-10 degrees for carryover cooking after removal.
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Immediately after baking, transfer the chicken tenders to a bowl and toss them in the buffalo sauce thoroughly to coat evenly with spicy flavor.
- Make Dressing: While chicken bakes, combine avocado, Greek yogurt (or coconut cream/sour cream), lemon juice, honey, garlic, chopped chives, dried dill, chopped parsley, and milk in a blender or food processor. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness with additional milk if needed. Transfer to a jar and set aside.
- Assemble Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine shredded romaine and shredded cabbage. Mix well to distribute evenly.
- Add Salad Toppings: Top the mixed greens with chopped celery, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced avocado for fresh, crunchy texture and flavor contrast.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the buffalo-coated chicken tenders whole on top of the salad or cut into bite-sized pieces if preferred.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle optional blue cheese crumbles or shredded cheddar on top, along with the thinly sliced green onions and chopped chives. Drizzle the prepared creamy dressing over the salad or serve separately for individual dressing preferences.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour and corn flakes for a gluten-free version.
- The buffalo sauce can be adjusted to your preferred heat level or substituted with a milder wing sauce.
- Dairy-free options include using coconut cream in the dressing and omitting blue cheese or using a vegan alternative.
- Ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 160°F; it will continue to cook slightly after removal.
- Leftover dressing keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- For added protein variety, substitute chicken tenders with boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free