If you ever tasted that bold spicy chicken salad from Chicken Salad Chick, you know how addictive it is. This Chicken Salad Chick Buffalo Barclay Recipe brings that same creamy, tangy, slightly hot flavor right into your own kitchen. It’s a mix of tender chicken, rich ranch flavor, and buffalo sauce that hits just the right spot. You can use it for sandwiches, wraps, or just eat it by the spoon (no judging here).
Why This Chicken Salad Is So Popular
Buffalo Barclay is not your regular chicken salad. It’s creamy and smooth, but also got a punch from buffalo sauce. People love it because it’s both spicy and refreshing. The first bite gives that kick of heat, but then the ranch cools it down perfectly.
Plus, it’s super easy to make. You can whip it up fast with leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. Perfect for lazy days or meal prep when you don’t wanna spend hours in the kitchen.
What You’ll Need to Make It
Gathering the ingredients first saves a lot of time. Most of this stuff is probably already sitting in your fridge.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped fine
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 2–3 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce (more if you like extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup finely diced celery (optional for crunch)
- A splash of lemon juice (optional, adds brightness)
That’s it! Simple right? Some people even add a bit of cream cheese to make it extra creamy.
Preparing the Chicken
You can use any type of chicken here. Grilled, boiled, baked, even canned works in a pinch. But honestly, shredded rotisserie chicken gives the best texture and flavor.
If you cooking fresh chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until tender, then let it cool before shredding. Warm chicken makes the dressing too thin, so wait till it’s cool enough.
Mixing the Base
In a big bowl, combine mayo and ranch. Mix till smooth. Add buffalo sauce slowly, taste as you go. Some sauces are mild, others crazy hot. You don’t wanna blow your mouth on the first bite.
Then sprinkle garlic and onion powder. Stir until the dressing looks even and creamy. That’s your base!
Adding the Chicken and Veggies
Now, toss in the shredded chicken. Mix gently until everything is well coated. If you’re adding celery, throw it in too—it gives a nice crunch.
If the salad feels too thick, add a little more ranch. Too thin? Add more chicken. You can really play with the texture depending on what you like.
How to Make It Taste Like the Real Chicken Salad Chick Version
There’s a small trick to getting that restaurant-style taste. Chill it for at least 2 hours before eating. The flavors mix better when cold.
Also, make sure you don’t skip the ranch—it’s key to balancing the buffalo flavor. Some people think it’s just hot sauce and chicken, but nope, the ranch and mayo combo is what makes it smooth and creamy.
Tips for Getting It Perfect Every Time
- Use fresh chicken, not frozen if possible.
- Chill before serving—it makes a huge difference.
- Use real mayo, not low-fat (the flavor changes a lot).
- Taste before adding more buffalo sauce—it can get spicy quick.
- Add a bit of shredded cheese if you want it richer.
I made it once with too much buffalo sauce and ended up drinking milk after every bite lol. So yeah, go easy at first.
Serving Ideas for Buffalo Barclay Chicken Salad
You can serve it in so many ways—it’s super versatile.
- In a sandwich with lettuce and tomato.
- Wrapped in a tortilla for an easy lunch.
- On top of crackers as a snack.
- With celery sticks or cucumber slices for low-carb option.
- Over a bed of lettuce like a spicy salad bowl.
It’s also amazing stuffed in pita bread or croissants. The combo of creamy and spicy just works with everything.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
If you make a big batch, you can store it in the fridge up to 3–4 days. Keep it in an airtight container. Stir before eating because sometimes the dressing separates a bit.
Don’t freeze it though—the mayo texture changes weirdly after thawing. Trust me, it’s not nice.
If you plan to meal prep, store the chicken salad and bread separately so it stays fresh and doesn’t make the sandwich soggy.
Why Buffalo Flavor Works So Well
Buffalo flavor is that perfect mix of spicy, tangy, and buttery. When you mix it into chicken salad, it gives energy and flavor in every bite. It’s not too spicy, just enough to keep things exciting.
And with creamy ranch, it balances the heat. That’s why Buffalo Barclay became one of Chicken Salad Chick’s most popular flavors. People crave that combo of kick and cool.
How to Make Homemade Buffalo Sauce (If You Want to Go Fancy)
If you don’t have bottled sauce, you can make your own. It’s easy!
- ¼ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- A small squeeze of lemon juice
Mix it all together until smooth. It smells strong but tastes amazing once mixed with chicken and ranch.
What Makes This Salad Different from Other Chicken Salads
Most chicken salads are mild and creamy. Buffalo Barclay stands out because of its spice and color. The orange tint from the buffalo sauce makes it look appetizing, and the flavor is much bolder than the usual kind.
It’s great if you’re bored with plain chicken salad. Plus, it fits any season—light enough for summer, warm flavor for winter.
Common Mistakes People Make
- Using too much hot sauce—it overpowers everything.
- Skipping the chilling time.
- Using low-quality mayo or watery ranch.
- Forgetting to season the chicken.
Even a pinch of salt can make a big diff. So taste as you go, always.
Fun Add-Ins to Try
Once you’ve made the classic version, you can play around.
- Blue cheese crumbles for extra tang.
- Chopped pickles for a bit of crunch.
- Diced avocado to make it creamier.
- Shredded cheddar for cheesy goodness.
- Chopped green onions for freshness.
I once added a few drops of honey to balance the spice—turned out surprisingly good.
Nutritional Side of It
Okay, it’s not the lightest meal ever, but it’s still better than fast food. Chicken gives protein, and you can control how much mayo or ranch you use. If you switch to Greek yogurt or light dressing, it becomes a pretty healthy lunch idea.
And since it’s high in protein, it keeps you full longer. So, it’s a win-win really.
A Little Story Behind the Buffalo Barclay
The name actually comes from Chicken Salad Chick’s fun idea of naming their salads after personalities. Buffalo Barclay represents bold, spicy, and a little wild flavor. Makes sense right? It’s like the adventurous version of classic chicken salad.
When it came out, it quickly became one of their bestsellers. People who love buffalo wings instantly loved it too.
Quick Recap of How to Make It
- Mix mayo, ranch, and buffalo sauce.
- Add seasonings and mix until smooth.
- Toss in shredded chicken and celery.
- Chill for a few hours.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
That’s it. Simple, spicy, and sooo delicious.
Final Thought (sort of)
This Chicken Salad Chick Buffalo Barclay Recipe is one of those dishes that just hits every craving at once—spicy, creamy, filling, and comforting. It’s great for lunch, parties, or just snacking while watching TV.
Even if you mess up a bit, don’t worry. It’s hard to ruin something that has buffalo sauce and ranch in it. Just mix, chill, and enjoy the heat!
