Buffalo Chicken Caesar Salad

If you are in need of a non-boring salad, this buffalo chicken caesar salad is the answer! This salad makes the perfect lunch, dinner or meal prep and is bursting with flavor. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken coated in a pretzel crust and smothered in tangy buffalo sauce. Add in some crispy chickpeas for extra protein and texture, and you’ve got a salad that’s both hearty and satisfying. This salad is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the combination of so many good things: the tangy caesar, the bold buffalo heat, the salty, satisfying pretzel crunch. It’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking!

Why You’ll Love This Salad

It’s a delicious combination of two classic flavors- buffalo and caesar!

This salad is the perfect lunch, dinner or meal prep.

It is easily customizable.

This salad can be easily made gluten free and dairy free.

It is definitely a non-boring salad.

This salad is packed with protein and veggies.

It is a unique combination of flavors and textures!

Equipment Needed

All you need to make this buffalo chicken caesar salad is a baking sheet, two bowls, a cutting board and a knife.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken Breast: I like to use high quality meat whenever I can! My favorite place to get my meat and fish is Butcher Box because they have organic and high-quality options and it gets delivered right to your door! 

Pretzels: I used gluten free pretzels here because I am gluten free. Feel free to use any pretzels of your choice. The shape doesn’t matter because you are going to crush them up anyways.

Binder: Use egg or a flax egg to bind the crushed pretzel to the chicken!

Chickpeas: I love making chickpea croutons for my salads! This recipe is great because the chickpeas can be cooked on the same sheet pan as the chicken.

Lettuce: Use any kind of lettuce you desire! In a classic caesar salad, romaine lettuce is typically used. I used butter lettuce because it’s my favorite!

Vegetables: I used tomatoes and shredded carrots in this buffalo chicken caesar salad.

Buffalo Sauce: I used dairy free buffalo sauce because I am dairy free. My favorite brand is Primal Kitchen.

Caesar Dressing: Feel free to use either store bought or homemade caesar dressing here! If you want a great homemade caesar dressing, try out my friend Karli’s recipe. My whole family is obsessed with it!

Garlic Salt: I love using this on the chickpeas and chicken! My favorite garlic salt is Redmond’s Real Salt because it is high-quality and made with zero fillers. If you use my discount code LESSWITHLAUR you can get 15% off Redmond’s website. 

Oil: You will need oil to put on your chickpea croutons! I like to use avocado oil.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather your ingredients and preheat oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Crush pretzels and place in a bowl. Place binder in a bowl (egg or flax egg).

Step 3: Dip each piece of chicken in binder and then pretzel and place on a baking sheet. Drain and rinse chickpeas and place alongside chicken. Season both with garlic salt and drizzle oil on the chickpeas. Add buffalo sauce to the chicken Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Chop buffalo chicken and add extra buffalo sauce on top.

Step 5: Assemble salad starting with lettuce and adding chicken and vegetables on top. Add on crispy chickpeas and drizzle on dressing. Enjoy!

Storage

This buffalo chicken caesar salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 4-5 days.

Toppings

I love using chickpea croutons, shredded carrots and tomatoes as toppings on this buffalo chicken caesar salad. The options are endless though! Try adding parmesan cheese (dairy free if needed), croutons (gluten free if needed), jalapeños, red onion, avocado or chopped nuts!

How to Serve

Since buffalo chicken caesar salad is a hearty and filling dish, there are several options you can serve with it depending on what you’re looking for in terms of complementing flavors and textures:

Soup: Tomato, lentil or minestrone soups can offer a warm contrast to the salad’s spiciness.

Fruit salad: A light and sweet fruit salad like cantaloupe, honeydew and strawberries is a great side!

Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts or broccoli add brightness and fiber.

Potato wedges, fries, or sweet potato fries: A classic pairing for a more complete meal, offering crispy texture and additional flavor.

Another fun way to serve this buffalo chicken caesar salad is in a wrap!

Recipe FAQ

What caesar dressing is best?

This totally depends on preference! I love using my friend Karli’s homemade caesar dressing.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you are looking to add spice to this buffalo chicken caesar salad, try adding some hot sauce.

How can I make this salad less spicy?

If you are looking to make this salad less spicy, use mild buffalo sauce and/or use less buffalo sauce.

What can I use instead of pretzels for the breading?

If you don’t have pretzels or prefer to use a different breading, try out crushed crackers or breadcrumbs.

Can I use a different kind of dressing?

Yes! Feel free to use any kind of dressing you love. This salad would taste delicious with ranch dressing as well.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad can be meal prepped and stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 4-5 days. Be sure to store the dressing separately and drizzle it on before serving.

What should I serve with this buffalo chicken caesar salad?

Try serving this salad with fries, fruit, vegetables or soup!

Related Recipes

Be sure to try these delicious lunch or dinner options next:

Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Pasta Nachos

Nourish Bowl

Chicken Taco Pasta

Hummus Chicken Salad

If you make this buffalo chicken caesar salad and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.