Bangin' Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cooked chicken breast halves, cubed
• cup chunky blue cheese dressing
• 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• cup mayonnaise
• cup chopped pecans
• cup finely chopped onion
• cup finely chopped celery
• cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• teaspoon paprika

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken breast, blue cheese dressing, crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, chopped pecans, onion, and celery.
2. Stir in the hot pepper sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, minced garlic, parsley, and paprika.
3. Once all ingredients are well-mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 314
• Total Fat: 30g (38% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 5g (24% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 27mg (9% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 840mg (37% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 5g (2% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 9g (17% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 8mg (9% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 38mg (3% Daily Value)
• Iron: 1mg (4% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 148mg (3% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origins

The Bangin' Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Salad recipe is a modern twist on the classic buffalo chicken wings. Buffalo wings, which originated in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s, are a quintessential American dish often served with a side of blue cheese dressing or ranch. This chicken salad combines the same bold, spicy flavors of buffalo wings but in a much lighter, salad form, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy the flavors of buffalo chicken in a more refreshing, easy-to-prepare dish.

Regional Variations

Buffalo chicken recipes have various regional interpretations. While the original buffalo wings are a staple of New York cuisine, many Southern states in the U.S. have adopted and adapted the dish, adding their own flair. The addition of ingredients like pecans, bacon, and mayonnaise in this chicken salad version shows how southern and Midwest flavors have influenced the evolution of the buffalo-inspired dishes over the years. In some versions, ingredients like ranch dressing may replace the traditional blue cheese for a creamier texture, depending on regional preferences.

What Makes It Different

This buffalo chicken salad stands apart from traditional buffalo wings by incorporating a variety of textures and flavors in each bite. The crispiness of bacon and crunch of pecans contrast with the creaminess of the blue cheese dressing and the spiciness of the hot sauce. The combination of mayo and blue cheese dressing adds richness, making it far more substantial and satisfying than a typical chicken salad. Unlike the classic buffalo wings, which are fried and usually served with dipping sauces, this dish is lighter, making it a more versatile option for different occasions, including lunch or dinner.

Where It's Served

Typically, this type of chicken salad is served in casual dining settings like family meals, picnics, or cookouts. It is especially popular at tailgate parties, where buffalo wings are often a go-to snack. In restaurants, you'll find variations of buffalo chicken salads on menus, often served in a bowl or on a bed of mixed greens. It's perfect for those who enjoy buffalo wing flavors but want something thats easier to eat or lower in calories.

Fun Facts

• Despite being known for its fiery kick, buffalo wings werent actually named after the city of Buffalo. The name buffalo comes from the hot sauce used to coat the wings, which was made with cayenne pepper, butter, and vinegar.
• Blue cheese dressing is a common accompaniment for buffalo wings, but this chicken salad elevates the classic pairing by incorporating it directly into the dish.
• Adding bacon and pecans to the recipe not only enhances the flavor but also provides a crunchy texture, making it more indulgent compared to a traditional buffalo wing side salad.
• Because of the protein-rich chicken and healthy fats from the bacon and pecans, this recipe is quite satisfying and can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as part of a larger spread.

FAQ about Bangin' Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe

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