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Delicious Crispy Chicken Salad Recipe

We like to experiment with different flavors and textures in the Spanish recipes that we make so that each dish offers a unique and delightful experience.

Today, we’re excited to introduce our latest creation in the diverse world of Spanish salads: The fresh and flavorful crispy chicken salad.

Keep reading this article and you will learn how to make crispy chicken salad, with the best tips for storing, serving, and customizing the ingredients.

a pin with a Crispy Chicken Salad on a plate

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Background of the Dish

crispy chicken salad on a plate on a wooden table

The crispy chicken salad is a delightful fusion of Andalusian and North American cuisines, showcasing regional ingredients and flavors from both traditions.

The dressing used in the crispy chicken salad is different from the one that you would find on the classic Spanish chicken salad, as it provides a creamy texture and a richer flavor profile.

However, in this crispy chicken salad, you will find ingredients commonly featured in traditional Spanish salads, such as mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, onion, and garlic.

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a pin with a closeup of a Crispy Chicken Salad

Things You’ll Need for Crispy Chicken Salad

To make one of the best crispy chicken salads you will need chicken thighs, flour, buttermilk, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, onion, Caesar dressing, and a blend of spices as the main ingredients.

Besides that, you will need a frying pan for this crispy chicken salad, although you can use a large pot or cook them in an air fryer as well.

ingredients for crispy chicken salad

Ingredients

For the crispy chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless, chicken tights
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • 1 cup (120gr) flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the salad

  • 6 cups (250gr) mixed greens (lettuce, arugula, kale, spinach, etc.)
  • 1 cup (150gr) cherry tomatoes
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/2 onion
  • 4-6 tablespoons store-bought Caesar salad dressing
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

How to Make Crispy Chicken Salad – Step by Step Guide

pan with oil for frying on a stove for preparing crispy chicken salad
  1. To start making the Spanish salad recipe, place the chicken breasts in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or 1 hour.
  1. After that, grab a separate bowl and mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. 
  1. To continue, remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
  1. Then, grab a frying pan and heat a generous amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly before slicing into strips.
  1. Now, wash the mixed green leaves, and cut them into smaller pieces if necessary. Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Cut the bell pepper and onion into small pieces. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
  1. To prepare the dressing for the best crispy chicken salad, grab a small bowl and mix minced garlic with the Caesar dressing, salt, and pepper. 
  1. After that, grab a large bowl and mix the vegetables with the dressing. Start by adding 4 tablespoons, and if you need to, add more. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
  1. For the final step, top Spanish-style salad with the crispy chicken and enjoy it warm.

Substitution of Ingredients

crispy chicken salad in 2 bowls with a glass of dressing next to them

We wanted to make this recipe as straightforward as possible so that everyone gets to enjoy it, and that means that you can also customize the ingredients so that they fit your personal preferences.

This crispy chicken salad calls for a creamy caesar dressing, but you could easily switch it up by using the classic Spanish dressing, featured in recipes like the chicken bacon salad and the fajita chicken salad.

When it comes to vegetables, you can add others to this crispy chicken Caesar salad, like regular tomatoes, green bell peppers, cucumber, zucchini, etc.

Crispy chicken salad recipes like this one can be easily turned into gluten-free safe options by substituting regular flour with gluten-free flour blends and ensuring that all other ingredients, such as spices, breadcrumbs, and dressings, are certified gluten-free. 

If you are on a tight schedule, we have other Spanish salads recipes that can be prepared faster, such as the pineapple chicken salad and the summer salad with chicken.

Tips on Serving Crispy Chicken Salad

crispy chicken salad served in a bowl

The crispy chicken salad is the perfect dish to go for when you need a light meal, as it can be served as a main dish for lunch or dinner.

Still, this ensalada de pollo is also a great side dish or appetizer that can complement other Andalusian dishes such as a refreshing gazpacho or salmorejo.

You could also turn it into chicken salad wraps, by simply using the Spanish salad as the filling for flour tortillas, corn tortillas, or clean lettuce leaves.

Are you looking for healthier Spanish salad recipes? Then, you must try our keto chicken salad recipe, healthy chicken salad recipe, or chicken mango salad,  all of which offer a nutritious twist on classic flavors while keeping your meals light and satisfying.

How to Store Crispy Chicken Salad

How to store How to Store Crispy Chicken Salad. Ingredients and plastic containers in a fridge.

Unfortunately, you can store the crispy chicken salad once you complete the recipe, as the crispy chicken and vegetables may lose their texture and become soggy when mixed with the dressing. 

However, you can prepare the crispy chicken for salad and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, then reheat it in the oven or air fryer so that it preserves its crunchy texture.

When ready to serve, assemble the crispy chicken salad, adjust the amount of dressing and seasoning, and you can take it to your table to enjoy.

Other Spanish salads that you can make and store some of their components are the apple salad with chicken and the hot chicken salad recipe.

Recipe Card: Crispy Chicken Salad

Yield: 4

Crispy Chicken Salad Recipe

crispy chicken salad served in a bowl

We like to experiment with different flavors and textures in the Spanish recipes that we make so that each dish offers a unique and delightful experience.

Today, we're excited to introduce our latest creation in the diverse world of Spanish salads: The fresh and flavorful crispy chicken salad.

Keep reading this article and you will learn how to make crispy chicken salad, with the best tips for storing, serving, and customizing the ingredients.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless, chicken tights
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • 1 cup (120gr) flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the salad

  • 6 cups (250gr) mixed greens (lettuce, arugula, kale, spinach, etc.)
  • 1 cup (150gr) cherry tomatoes
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/2 onion
  • 4-6 tablespoons store-bought Caesar salad dressing
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or 1 hour.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. 
  3. Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
  4. In a frying pan, heat a generous amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly before slicing into strips.
  5. Wash the mixed greens leaves, and cut them into smaller pieces if necessary. Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Cut the bell pepper and onion into small pieces. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
  6. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic with the Caesar dressing, salt, and pepper. This will be the dressing for the crispy chicken salad recipe.
  7. Grab a large bowl and mix the vegetables with the dressing. Start by adding 4 tablespoons, and if you need to, add more. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
  8. Top the Spanish salad with the crispy chicken and serve it warm.

Notes

The spices already add a lot of flavor to the crispy chicken salad, but you can enhance it by topping the dish with a drizzle of hot sauce or buffalo sauce.

For a gluten-free salad with crispy chicken, simply switch the flour for a gluten-free version, and be sure that the spices used are also certified gluten-free.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 699Total Fat 36.4gSaturated Fat 7.5gCholesterol 46mgSodium 632mgCarbohydrates 83gFiber 17.3gSugar 18gProtein 23.6g

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