This Easy Honey Hot Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of spicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a sweet honey dressing. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for a satisfying meal!
I love how the spicy kick of the chicken meets the sweet honey, creating a flavor party in every bite. Perfect for those days when you want something quick but delicious! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best here for tender bites. If you’re looking for a shortcut, rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Cut it into smaller pieces to fit the salad.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice, but feel free to use your favorite hot sauce. For a milder option, try a sriracha or even a buffalo sauce for less heat.
Honey: This ingredient adds sweetness to balance the heat. If you prefer a sugar substitute, agave syrup or maple syrup can work well too.
Veggies: Romaine is crunchy and refreshing, but you can use any mixed greens like spinach or iceberg. For more color, consider adding shredded carrots or cherry tomatoes.
Cheese: Cheddar provides a nice flavor, but feel free to swap it out for mozzarella or crumbled feta if you like a different taste.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
The key to tender and juicy chicken is simple: don’t overcook it! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat to avoid burning. It allows the chicken to cook evenly.
- Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform cubes. This helps them cook at the same rate.
- Stir occasionally. This ensures that every piece gets golden on the outside without drying out.
- Cook until no longer pink in the center, about 6-8 minutes. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C) for safety.
And remember, don’t rush this step. Letting the chicken rest off the heat for a minute or two helps keep the juices inside!
Easy Honey Hot Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Honey Hot Chicken Salad takes about 20 minutes total: around 10 minutes for prep and another 10 minutes for cooking. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet flavorful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, grab a small bowl and mix together the hot sauce and honey until fully combined. This sweet and spicy sauce is what makes the salad so delicious!
3. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the honey-hot sauce mixture over it in the skillet. Stir well to coat all the pieces evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld and then remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Salad:
While the chicken is cooling slightly, prepare a large serving plate or salad bowl. Arrange the chopped Romaine lettuce as the base, then layer on the diced red bell pepper, cucumber, and chopped red onion.
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the vegetables. Finally, dish out the warm honey hot chicken on top of the salad.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Toss everything gently if you like, or leave it as is to keep the warm chicken on top. Serve immediately for a delightful mix of flavors and temperatures. Enjoy your sweet and spicy chicken salad!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save you time. Just dice it up and mix it with the honey-hot sauce in the skillet for a few minutes to heat through and absorb the flavors.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder variety like sriracha. For more heat, feel free to add extra hot sauce or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken while cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the lettuce fresh, you can store the salad and chicken separately and combine them just before eating.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite veggies like diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots. It’s a great way to add more color and nutrients!
