Sticky Fingers Salad Recipe

Name: Sticky Fingers Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 12 frozen breaded chicken strips; 2 Tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup Frank’s hot sauce; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup water; 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup croutons; 1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries; Ranch Dressing

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Buffalo Chicken Salad

This dish offers a perfect balance of crispy chicken, tangy hot sauce, and fresh salad ingredients. A delightful meal for any occasion!

Ingredients

12 frozen breaded chicken strips
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot Sauce)
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water
8 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup croutons
1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries
1/2 cup ranch dressing (or as needed)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Arrange the frozen chicken strips on a baking sheet.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until crispy. Alternatively, follow the instructions on the chicken package for baking or frying.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, hot sauce, brown sugar, and water. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens.
Remove the cooked chicken from the oven and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the salad by dividing the chopped Romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, shredded Cheddar cheese, croutons, and cranberries evenly among four dinner plates.
Toss the chicken pieces in the prepared hot sauce, then distribute the chicken over the salads.
Drizzle with ranch dressing and serve immediately for a fresh, delicious meal!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 840
Total Fat: 39g (51% DV)
Saturated Fat: 13g (67% DV)
Cholesterol: 97mg (32% DV)
Sodium: 2072mg (90% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 95g (35% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 5g (18% DV)
Total Sugars: 62g
Protein: 30g (61% DV)
Vitamin C: 30mg (34% DV)
Calcium: 311mg (24% DV)
Iron: 3mg (15% DV)
Potassium: 838mg (18% DV)

Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your specific calorie needs.

The Story Behind Sticky Fingers Salad

Sticky Fingers Salad is a modern American creation that reflects the fusion of comfort food and fresh, vibrant ingredients. This dish emerged in the early 2000s in casual dining restaurants, where chefs sought to reinvent the classic chicken salad with a twist of sweet and spicy flavors. The hallmark of this salad is its crispy chicken strips coated in a sticky, caramelized sauce that balances heat from hot sauce with the sweetness of brown sugar. The salads playful name, Sticky Fingers, perfectly captures the indulgent, hands-on experience of enjoying these glazed chicken pieces.

Regional Variations

Though the salad is rooted in American cuisine, it has been adapted in various regions. In the Southern United States, it is common to see the chicken coated with a smoky barbecue glaze rather than hot sauce. In contrast, Northern adaptations often favor a lighter, fruitier sauce, incorporating cranberries, apples, or even a hint of maple syrup. Each variation reflects local tastes, but all maintain the signature combination of crispy chicken and fresh greens, creating a harmonious mix of textures and flavors.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Sticky Fingers Salad stands apart from traditional chicken salads due to its use of a sticky, sweet-and-spicy coating on crispy chicken strips. Unlike classic chicken salads that rely on mayonnaise or yogurt-based dressings, this dish incorporates a glaze that enhances the chickens flavor before it is tossed with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and croutons. This creates a dynamic contrast between the warm, caramelized chicken and the crisp, cool salad components, setting it apart from more standard preparations.

Typical Serving Occasions

Sticky Fingers Salad is often served as a casual lunch or dinner option. It is popular in family-friendly restaurants, cafs, and diners, particularly in settings that emphasize comfort food with a gourmet touch. The salad also works well for home gatherings and potlucks, where its bold flavors and visual appeal make it a standout dish. It is typically plated individually or served in a large bowl for sharing, with ranch or similar dressing on the side to complement the spicy-sweet chicken.

Interesting Facts

The name Sticky Fingers originally came from restaurant menu marketing, highlighting the fun, messy nature of eating the caramelized chicken strips.
The combination of hot sauce and brown sugar mirrors flavors found in traditional Southern barbecue, making it a familiar yet innovative twist.
While cranberries are optional, they add a sweet-tart dimension that balances the sauces richness, showing how small ingredients can elevate a dish.
This salad has inspired numerous spin-offs, including wraps, tacos, and even flatbread pizzas, demonstrating its versatility beyond the plate.
Despite its indulgent name, the dish is designed to be refreshing and satisfying, blending protein, vegetables, and a touch of sweetness into a balanced meal.

FAQ about Sticky Fingers Salad Recipe

If you have leftover salad, it is best to store the components separately. Store the cooked chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad ingredients (lettuce, tomatoes, and croutons) can also be stored separately in the fridge but may become soggy when mixed with the dressing. The sauce should be kept in a separate container and can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

While you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness of the vegetables and croutons. You can cook the chicken strips and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored for up to a week.

Yes, you can substitute ranch dressing with other types of dressings such as blue cheese, Caesar, or even a balsamic vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.

If you prefer a spicier salad, you can add more hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Additionally, you can sprinkle some chili flakes or finely chopped fresh jalapeños over the salad for extra heat.

Yes, you can use different cheeses such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a mild feta cheese. Just ensure the cheese complements the flavors of the salad.

If you prefer a healthier or gluten-free alternative, you can use grilled or baked chicken breast in place of the breaded chicken strips. Simply cook the chicken to your preference and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

While it’s not recommended to freeze the entire salad, you can freeze the cooked chicken strips separately. Reheat the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the fresh salad ingredients. The sauce can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

If you don't have sweetened cranberries, you can use raisins, dried cherries, or even fresh fruit like apple slices for a burst of sweetness. You can also opt for a savory version by omitting the dried fruit altogether.

Comments

Justin Harris

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Easy and so delicious.

yarnieface

06/12/2025 09:16:14 PM

Family enjoyed this a lot! Did leave out the dried cranberries but I don't think we missed them. Will make again for sure.

Sticky Fingers Salad Recipe