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Crispy chicken salad with homemade ranch dressing served in a white bowl, topped with avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and cheddar.
Linda

Crispy Chicken Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing

This Crispy Chicken Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing is the perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, and fresh. An easy, satisfying recipe for lunch or dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Ingredients
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts sliced into strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • oil for frying
Salad Ingredients
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 red onion sliced
  • 1/2 cucumber sliced
  • 1 avocado diced (optional)
Ranch Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried dill
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley or chives optional

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Marinate chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
  2. Mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture.
  4. Heat oil in a skillet and fry strips until golden and crispy.
  5. Place fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  6. In a bowl, mix mayo, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and pepper to make ranch dressing.
  7. Chill dressing until ready to serve.
  8. Toss lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion in a large bowl.
  9. Top salad with crispy chicken and drizzle with ranch dressing.
  10. Optional: add avocado, shredded cheese, or croutons before serving.

Notes

Air fry chicken for a lighter version. Chill ranch dressing for 30 minutes to enhance flavor. Store chicken and salad separately for best texture when prepping ahead.