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Honey Hot Chicken Salad
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Honey Hot Chicken Salad

Sweet, spicy, and packed with flavor, this Honey Hot Chicken Salad is your new favorite way to enjoy a salad with a punch. It’s quick to prepare, hearty enough for dinner, and has the perfect balance of heat and sweetness in every bite.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 410kcal
Cost $12

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Honey Hot Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot or Sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Salad Base

  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • ½ red onion thinly sliced
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta or blue cheese optional

For the Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken strips with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté until golden and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Make the Honey Hot Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Pour over the cooked chicken and toss to coat.
  • Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, layer chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, carrots, and cheese if using.
  • Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  • Combine Everything: Top the salad base with the honey hot chicken and drizzle with the dressing. Toss gently to combine or serve layered.

Notes

  1. Marinate in Advance: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey hot sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
  2. Use Rotisserie Chicken: In a rush? Use shredded rotisserie chicken and just toss it in the sauce.
  3. Cool Down the Heat: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or ranch if it’s too spicy for your liking.
  4. Make It a Wrap: Wrap the salad in a large tortilla or flatbread for a portable meal.