Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Salad is so easy and tasty! Layer your salad with tortilla chips, chicken, cheese, tomatoes and Ranch dressing for a fun meal! Make it keto friendly by skipping the nachos and subbing sour cream for the Ranch.
To the ladies at Panera: You made our day. And I think you'll enjoy this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Salad with My Son's Homemade Ranch Dressing.
To everyone else, I have to tell you what happened!
My son was at Panera the other day and heard the women in the next booth talking about how much they love Cooking with Mamma C. (Oh my gosh!)
He wondered if he should say something, but didn't want to interrupt.
Then, get this — one of the ladies started talking about how the Ranch dressing recipe is so good, she's made it 10 times already because everybody asks for it. (Wow!)
So now my son knew he had to say something. He went over and explained that he couldn't help but overhear them talking."That's my mom's blog, and that's my Ranch recipe," he told them. (I'm melting.)
So they had a nice little chat, and one of the women said she loves my White Chocolate Macadamia and Coconut Mug Cookie and makes it all the time. I'm so happy to hear that!
I usually have no idea if readers tried making a recipe from the blog, and if so, whether they liked it. Whenever I do get an email or a comment to that effect, it makes it all worthwhile.
And I assure you, it doesn't go to my head. No, it goes straight to my heart.
I get such satisfaction knowing that I helped bring smiles and good food to your day. So, don't be shy!
I'd love to hear from you.
Now, back to today's recipe for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Salad. It's really easy and fun. You simply place chicken breasts in the slow cooker with some Frank's RedHot Original, cook them just until they're done and shred them.
Then, you layer your salad with tortilla chips, some lettuce, chicken, chopped tomatoes, sliced olives, shredded cheddar and whatever else you'd like.
Top it with some Ranch and a squirt of lime juice, which knocks this meal out of the park. Yum!
Or, you can make this a keto-friendly meal by skipping the nachos and using sour cream in place of the Ranch.
Enjoy!
(Recipe Source: Slightly adapted from The Sisters' Cafe)
P.S. You may also enjoy this Southwest Salad!
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3 large breasts)
- 6 ounces Frank's RedHot Original sauce
- 2 10- ounce bags chopped Romaine lettuce
- natural tortilla chips (use gluten-free if needed)
Toppings
- chopped tomatoes
- shredded sharp cheddar
- sliced black olives
- half a lime for squeezing
- Ranch dressing (try Cooking with Mamma C's Homemade Ranch)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker in a single layer, if possible, and pour the hot sauce over them.
- Cook on high for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Check to see if the chicken is cooked through (no longer pink inside). If the chicken needs more time, cook it for 15 minutes longer or until it is done. While the chicken is cooking, prepare your toppings and keep them chilled.
- When the chicken is done, transfer it and its sauce to a medium bowl and shred with two forks. Let the chicken cool at room temperature for a bit. If you have time, it's best to let the chicken chill in the refrigerator before using it in your salad.
- To assemble your salad, cover each dinner plate with a layer of tortilla chips. Place some lettuce on top. Add some chicken and sprinkle on your tomatoes, cheese, olives and any other toppings of your choice. Squeeze on some lime juice (don't skip it; it adds a lot of flavor) and serve with Ranch dressing.
- Store leftover chicken in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Notes
Nutrition
Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser
Woo Hoo!!! Great Job! It does make you wonder how many people make your recipes and not let you know?! Keep 'on...
Mamma C
Thanks, Cheryl!
Tammy Renea
What a great story!!! How wonderful for your son to be in the right place at the right time. 🙂 I love your recipes and it no surprise to me that many others love them as well. Keep 'em coming, Mamma C!!!
Mamma C
Tammy, thanks so much! That means the world to me. 🙂
Tekesha
Ha ha ha! You're a celebrity now! I can say I knew you back when. The salad and ranch dressing look so perfect. I'll take a side of that sunshine as well! 🙂
Mamma C
Haha! No celebrities here. Just a lady juggling work, a blog, family, house, and way too many dirty dishes. But I think whenever someone asks me to do something, I'm going to start saying, "Talk to my agent." 🙂
Annie @ ciaochowbambina
I love this story. What a hoot for your son to be present for that conversation, and I imagine the ladies felt like they were in the company of a local celeb... This salad looks great! So fresh and flavorful!
Mamma C
We definitely got a kick out of it. Thanks, Annie!