Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Salad is a bold and satisfying dish that combines crispy chicken bites, a drizzle of sweet-spicy hot honey, and fresh veggies all tossed in a creamy or tangy dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it offers a delightful contrast of textures—crunchy, juicy, and creamy—while packing a punch of flavor in every bite.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

boneless chicken thighs or breasts
buttermilk
all-purpose flour
cornstarch
garlic powder
paprika
salt
black pepper
oil (for frying)
romaine lettuce
red cabbage (shredded)
carrots (julienned)
cherry tomatoes (halved)
cucumber (sliced)
red onion (thinly sliced)
hot honey (or honey + hot sauce)
ranch or vinaigrette dressing

directions

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.

In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.

Coat marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture and fry until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

In a small bowl, combine honey and hot sauce to make hot honey, or use pre-made.

Assemble the salad: layer romaine, red cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion in a large bowl.

Top with hot crispy chicken pieces.

Drizzle generously with hot honey and your choice of dressing.

Toss lightly and serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 as a main dish.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
Use bagged coleslaw mix to save prep time.
Add sliced avocado or boiled eggs for extra richness.
Make it low-carb by using grilled chicken and skipping the breading.

storage/reheating

For best texture, keep salad and chicken separate until ready to serve.
Store fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Keep salad ingredients fresh and undressed in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Avoid freezing the assembled salad.

FAQs

Can I bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep frying?
Yes, though it may not be as crispy. Spray with oil and cook at 400°F until golden.

What is hot honey made of?
A mix of honey and hot sauce or chili flakes, offering a sweet-spicy flavor profile.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but the texture won’t be as crispy unless reheated in an air fryer or oven.

Is this salad spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat from the hot honey. Adjust to your preference.

What dressing goes best?
Ranch, blue cheese, or a tangy vinaigrette all work well with the spicy-sweet combo.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use a plant-based milk and vinegar mix as a buttermilk substitute.

What greens can I substitute for romaine?
Spring mix, kale, or spinach are great alternatives.

Can I serve this cold?
Best served warm for maximum contrast, but can be eaten cold if needed.

Can I meal prep this salad?
Yes—store components separately and assemble before eating.

Is it kid-friendly?
Reduce or omit the hot honey for a milder version kids can enjoy.

Conclusion

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Salad is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers on taste, texture, and comfort. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself to a flavorful meal, this salad brings the heat and the crunch in every forkful.

Print