Honey Hot Chicken Salad

When Craving Something Unique: Honey Hot Chicken Salad

I still remember the first time I tasted honey hot chicken salad—it was a delightful surprise. The combination of sweet, spicy, and crunchy textures made it an instant favorite! This dish is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive family brunch. It brings a twist to traditional chicken salad with a spicy kick from hot sauce and a touch of sweetness from honey. Trust me; once you bring this recipe into your kitchen, it will quickly become a go-to for feeding friends and family alike.

What Makes This Recipe Special

You’ll love this dish for many reasons! Not only does it come together in about 30 minutes, but it’s also budget-friendly, utilizing straightforward ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a filling dinner, this honey hot chicken salad is perfect for satisfying those cravings without a hefty time commitment. It’s colorful, delightful, and so easy to customize, making it ideal for gathering friends or family around the table.

"This honey hot chicken salad blew my mind! The flavors are on point, and it’s easy to make. It’s now my favorite way to use leftover chicken." – Sarah J.

How This Recipe Comes Together

Creating this honey hot chicken salad is simple and straightforward. You’ll start by marinating diced chicken in a tangy honey-hot sauce mixture, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully. Then, toss together fresh veggies and a creamy dressing, bringing everything together for a satisfying crunch. It’s perfect for anyone who appreciates quick meals with big flavor!

What You’ll Need

Here are the key ingredients to gather for this delightful dish:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (any color of choice)
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• Lettuce leaves for serving (optional)

Feel free to swap in your favorite hot sauce or add extra veggies! You could replace the almonds with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version as well.

Directions to Follow

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well-combined.
2. Place the cooked, diced chicken in a medium-sized mixing bowl and pour the honey-hot sauce mixture over it. Stir until evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
3. In a separate large bowl, combine the celery, red onion, bell peppers, and green onions. Stir everything together well.
4. In another small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and mix until evenly coated.
5. Add the marinated chicken to the bowl with the vegetables and dressing, and toss everything together until fully combined.
6. Finally, sprinkle the toasted almonds over the salad and gently mix them in.
7. If desired, serve the honey hot chicken salad in lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy wrap, or enjoy it as a standalone dish!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

To serve your honey hot chicken salad, consider plating it elegantly on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, healthy option. Pair it with some homemade crusty bread or a side of fruit salad for a balanced meal. You can even create wraps for lunchboxes or picnics, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you find yourself with leftovers (which may be hard to believe), store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad stays good for about 3 days. Always remember to reheat chicken dishes thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F if you decide to warm them up.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken salad without the veggies and dressing. Simply thaw and add fresh ingredients later; this prevents the vegetables from becoming mushy!

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Marinating Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes enhances the flavor, but a longer marination is even better if you have the time.
• Cooking Chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time. Just make sure to dice it up and toss it in the marinade!
• Texture: For extra crunch, add some chopped pickles or crunchy vegetables like radishes.

Creative Twists

Feel like experimenting? Here are some variations to try:

• Swap the chicken for shredded cooked turkey for a post-holiday meal treat.
• Substitute quinoa or chickpeas for a plant-based protein option.
• Add some diced avocado for creaminess!
• Try using different varieties of nuts or seeds, like walnuts or pumpkin seeds, instead of almonds.

FAQs

What is the prep time for honey hot chicken salad?

The total prep time is around 30 minutes, including marination.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing and toasted almonds just before serving for optimum freshness.

Is there a way to lower the heat level?

Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of hot sauce or opt for a milder sauce like a sweet chili sauce, adjusting the honey slightly to balance the flavors.

Whether you’re planning a meal for just yourself or for a crowd, this honey hot chicken salad will steal the show. Go ahead and whip it up for your next gathering—you won’t regret it!

Honey Hot Chicken Salad

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A delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and crunchy textures, perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Chicken

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced Use leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
• 1/4 cup hot sauce Such as Frank’s RedHot.
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad

• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced Any color of choice.
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted Toasted for extra flavor.
• Lettuce leaves for serving (optional) For fresh presentation.

Method

 

Marinating the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well-combined.
2. Place the cooked, diced chicken in a medium-sized mixing bowl and pour the honey-hot sauce mixture over it. Stir until evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.

Preparing the Salad

1. In a separate large bowl, combine the celery, red onion, bell peppers, and green onions. Stir everything together well.
2. In another small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and mix until evenly coated.
3. Add the marinated chicken to the bowl with the vegetables and dressing, and toss everything together until fully combined.
4. Finally, sprinkle the toasted almonds over the salad and gently mix them in.

Serving

1. Serve the honey hot chicken salad in lettuce leaves for a fresh, crunchy wrap, or enjoy it as a standalone dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 35gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12g

Notes

If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Good for about 3 days. Reheat chicken dishes thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F if warming up. For longer storage, freeze the chicken salad without the veggies and dressing.

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