Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad

So, it is that time of year. The time when everyone is looking back on 2016, taking stock of the things they accomplished, if their plans for the year came to fruition, and planning their resolutions for 2017. Exercise more, drink more water, read a few great novels.......

Meanwhile, I am over like "Hey, the Seahawks made the playoffs, are they going to get back to the Super Bowl this year (she asks as she bites what little she has left of her nails). 

If you are a football fan, you know that my Hawks are not on their game this year. Which is enough to drive this die-hard fan absolutely cray cray!!

It is also enough to drive me into the kitchen to whip up some football eats to scarf down while we yell and scream at the TV.

What? You don't yell and scream at your TV?

I told you, obsessed die-hard fan over here!

Anywho, we have a lot of fave football type nibbles here. Chili con Queso, Cheesy Artichoke and Crab Dip, Naanchos, Chicken Nachos with Green Chili Cheese, Jalapeno Popper Deviled Eggs, Smoked Salmon Dip, Cheesy Shrimp Crostini, Mini Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders, Mini Reuben Pigs in a Blanket, and Good Old Fashioned Deviled Eggs.

But the all time, hands down, perfect football munchie is Buffalo Chicken Wings!

Am I right?

Those spicy little bites that get your hands and face messy, and beg for an ice cold beer, if you have the heat level just right.

But, with everyone around me making resolutions to eat healthier in the New Year, I have decided that I need to make a better effort to eat a bit lighter, even if my stress is screaming for deep fried, hot sauce covered, bites of chicken awesomeness.

Enter Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad.

People! This is not just my new favorite salad, it is Kevin and Jessi's new favorite salad.

And yes, I actually got the complainer to take a salad to work for lunch AND like it!!

I am pretty damn proud of myself.

Of course, it helped that this salad really reminds you of eating Buffalo Chicken Wings.

You have the wing sauce tossed chicken bites, blue cheese crumbles, and creamy ranch dressing. Then you add in the shredded carrots for some sweetness, and celery and lettuce to give you that crunch? Ya, it is pretty bombtastic folks.

They have already put in a request for this salad while we watch the 1st playoff game this Saturday.

HA yay me!!

And gooooooo HAWKS!!

Yield: 2 meal sized servings or 4 side servingsAuthor: Bobbi Hass-Burleson

Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad

Trying to eat lighter doesn't mean you have to forgo your favorite foods. It just takes a little imagination. This salad provides all of those Buffalo Chicken Wing flavors, without the extra calories and carbs!

prep time: 15 minscook time: 12 minstotal time: 27 mins

ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1/4 cup hot wings sauce (recommend Franks Red Hot)
• 1 (5-ounce) bag chopped romaine hearts
• 2 large carrots, grated
• 3 stalks of celery, chopped
• 4 ounces blue cheese crumbles
• Ranch dressing (store bought, or homemade)

instructions

1. If your chicken breasts are really thick, slice them in half to allow quicker cooking without drying them out (you can also buy 1 pound of chicken tenders). Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook until the meat is no longer pink, approx 8 to 12 minutes, turning over halfway through. Remove from the heat and onto a plate. Cover with foil and allow to cool. Once the chicken is cool enough to touch, chop it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Place the chicken and wings sauce in a small bowl, and toss to combine. Set aside, or cover and place in the refrigerator if you aren't making the salad immediately.
4. Place the lettuce, carrots, and celery in a large bowl, along with the chicken. Toss to combine. Top with blue cheese crumbles and ranch dressing

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