Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honey Hot Chicken Salad brings together the perfect balance of sweet heat, tender chicken, and refreshing crisp vegetables. It’s a bold and satisfying twist on a classic salad, making it ideal for lunches, potlucks, or a light but flavorful dinner. With the spicy kick of hot sauce mellowed by honey, every bite is vibrant and delicious.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked chicken breastshoneyhot saucemayonnaiseceleryred onionmixed salad greenscherry tomatoescheddar cheesefresh lemon juiceseasalt and pepper

directions

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

Chop cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

Dice celery and red onion finely.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, celery, red onion, and cheddar cheese.

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until everything is well coated.

Arrange mixed greens and cherry tomatoes on a serving plate or bowl.

Spoon the honey hot chicken mixture over the greens.

Garnish with extra shredded cheese or a drizzle of dressing if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesAssembly time: 5 minutesTotal time: 20 minutes

Variations

Swap out chicken breast for shredded rotisserie chicken for added convenience.

Add diced avocado or cucumber for extra creaminess and crunch.

Use ranch dressing mixed with hot sauce for a different flavor profile.

Top with crunchy tortilla strips for added texture.

Try blue cheese crumbles instead of cheddar for a stronger flavor.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover Honey Hot Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.For best results, keep the greens separate and add just before serving to maintain freshness.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie or grilled chicken from the store works perfectly for this salad.

How spicy is this salad?

The heat level can be adjusted by using more or less hot sauce to suit your preference.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the chicken mixture and dressing ahead, but assemble with greens right before serving.

What hot sauce works best?

Any classic hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot or a milder version can be used depending on your heat tolerance.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely, just store the chicken mixture and greens separately and combine when ready to eat.

Can I add nuts?

Yes, toasted pecans or walnuts add a great crunch and extra flavor.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to suit dietary needs.

Is there a low-calorie version?

Use light mayonnaise and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories.

Can kids enjoy this salad?

If you reduce the hot sauce, it can be made mild enough for children to enjoy.

What type of greens should I use?

Any mix like baby spinach, arugula, or a spring mix works well for this salad.

Conclusion

Honey Hot Chicken Salad is a flavorful, quick, and versatile dish that’s perfect for when you want something hearty yet refreshing. The sweet-spicy combination paired with crisp vegetables makes it a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to add to your regular rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the bold, delicious flavors in every bite!