Craving something spicy, creamy, and full of flavor? The Buffalo Barclay from Chicken Salad Chick is a fan favorite for a reason. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and smooth creaminess. Whether you’re a loyal CSC fan or just love buffalo-style dishes, this recipe is worth trying. Keep reading to learn how to recreate this bold and addictive chicken salad at home.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Chicken Salad Chick Buffalo Barclay Recipe

Chicken Salad Chick is known for its wide variety of chicken salad flavors, each with its own unique twist. Among them, Buffalo Barclay stands out as a bold, spicy option that adds a punch of flavor to the classic southern-style chicken salad.

This flavor is inspired by the popular buffalo chicken dip but transformed into a creamy, scoopable salad that’s both satisfying and versatile. It appeals to those who enjoy a bit of heat without overwhelming spice. The Buffalo Barclay combines shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and a creamy base, delivering a balance of tanginess and smoothness in every bite.

Unlike traditional chicken salads that lean sweet or savory, this version caters to those who prefer a little kick. It’s a go-to for game days, casual lunches, or even high-protein snacking.

What is Buffalo Barclay?

Buffalo Barclay is one of the signature chicken salad flavors offered by Chicken Salad Chick, designed for those who enjoy bold, spicy food with a creamy twist. It’s essentially a buffalo chicken dip reimagined as a chicken salad — perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or scooping with crackers and veggies.

At its core, Buffalo Barclay blends shredded chicken with creamy dressing and buffalo sauce, resulting in a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile. Unlike overly hot buffalo dishes, this salad has a balanced heat that enhances the taste without overpowering it. It’s ideal for people who enjoy the flavor of buffalo wings but want a lighter, more versatile version.

What makes Buffalo Barclay special is its texture and taste. It’s not watery or overly saucy like some buffalo dips. Instead, it’s thick, spreadable, and satisfying. The creamy base softens the heat of the buffalo sauce, making it approachable for a wide range of spice tolerances.

This flavor is often a top choice for fans of Chicken Salad Chick who want something with a little more attitude. It pairs well with crunchy veggies, fresh bread, or even lettuce wraps — making it a favorite for low-carb eaters and sandwich lovers alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To recreate the Buffalo Barclay chicken salad at home, you’ll need a simple set of ingredients that deliver bold flavor and creamy texture. These are easy to find at most grocery stores and can be adjusted slightly to match your taste preference.

Main Ingredients:

Cooked Chicken (2 to 3 cups, shredded or chopped)

Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for the best texture. Rotisserie chicken, boiled, or baked chicken all work well. Shredded chicken helps blend the flavors evenly.

Buffalo Sauce (¼ to ½ cup)

This is the key flavoring agent. Choose your favorite brand—Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice. Adjust the amount depending on your heat tolerance.

Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened)

Adds richness and balances the heat. Let it soften to room temperature before mixing for easier blending.

Mayonnaise (¼ to ½ cup)

Use a high-quality mayo to help create the smooth, creamy base. You can adjust the quantity based on how creamy you want the salad.

Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing (2 to 3 tablespoons) (optional)

Adds a tangy depth and helps replicate that classic buffalo wing pairing. Ranch is more subtle, while blue cheese adds a sharper, bolder flavor.

Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

Enhances all the other ingredients. Add gradually and adjust as needed.

Optional Add-ins:

Celery (finely chopped) for crunch and freshness
Shredded Cheddar or Blue Cheese Crumbles for added richness
Green Onions or Chives for a mild onion flavor
Paprika or Garlic Powder for a subtle flavor boost

Choosing the Right Chicken

The foundation of any great chicken salad — including Buffalo Barclay — is the chicken itself. Getting the texture and flavor right starts with selecting and preparing the best type of chicken for the job.

Best Types of Chicken to Use:

Rotisserie Chicken:

Why it’s great: Pre-cooked, tender, and flavorful.
How to use it: Remove the skin, shred the white and dark meat, and allow it to cool before mixing.
Bonus: It saves time and adds a slightly roasted depth to the salad.

Boiled Chicken Breast:

Why it’s great: Lean, neutral flavor that soaks up buffalo sauce well.
How to use it: Boil in salted water or chicken broth until just cooked. Let it cool, then shred or dice.

Baked or Grilled Chicken:

Why it’s great: Adds a bit of smoky flavor if seasoned lightly.
How to use it: Avoid heavily seasoned or charred pieces. Stick to plain seasoning if possible.

Texture Tips:

Shredded vs. Chopped:

Shredded chicken is traditional and helps the creamy mixture coat every piece evenly. However, a mix of shredded and finely chopped chicken can add an interesting texture contrast.

Cool Before Mixing:

Always let the chicken cool completely before combining with cream cheese or mayonnaise. Warm chicken can cause the dressing to separate and turn oily.

Moisture Matters:

If your chicken seems dry, add a tablespoon of ranch or extra mayo to bring back moisture. Avoid overcooked chicken, which can result in a dry or stringy salad.

Preparing the Buffalo Sauce Blend

The heart of the Buffalo Barclay chicken salad lies in its buffalo sauce blend — a creamy, tangy, spicy mixture that ties everything together. Getting this part right ensures that your chicken salad delivers bold flavor without being overwhelming.

Step-by-Step: Making the Buffalo Base

Soften the Cream Cheese

Use: 4 oz of cream cheese
Tip: Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to make it easier to mix.
Why it matters: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly with other ingredients and gives the salad its signature creamy texture.

Add Mayonnaise

Use: ¼ to ½ cup mayonnaise
Tip: Start with less, then add more to reach your desired creaminess.
Optional: Use a mix of mayo and plain Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter version.

Stir in the Buffalo Sauce

Use: ¼ to ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
Tip: Start with ¼ cup, then taste and add more for extra heat.
Best brands: Frank’s RedHot or any mild-to-medium buffalo wing sauce
Why it matters: The right amount gives you heat without drowning out the other flavors.

Add Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing (Optional)

Use: 2–3 tablespoons
Tip: Ranch gives a smooth tang, while blue cheese adds a sharper bite. Choose based on your flavor preference.
Note: If using blue cheese crumbles later as a topping, you may skip the dressing here.

Season to Taste

Add:

¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Tip: Keep seasonings simple — the buffalo sauce already carries a lot of flavor.

Blending Tips:

Mix thoroughly until smooth and fully combined — no visible lumps of cream cheese should remain. Use a hand mixer or whisk for a fluffier texture, especially if you’re doubling the recipe. Let the mixture chill for 10–15 minutes if it seems too loose before mixing in the chicken.

Mixing and Combining the Salad

Once you’ve prepared the buffalo sauce blend and have your chicken ready, it’s time to bring everything together. This is the step where the salad truly comes to life — transforming from individual ingredients into the bold, creamy Buffalo Barclay chicken salad you know and love.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Add the Chicken to a Large Bowl

Use about 2 to 3 cups of cooked, shredded or chopped chicken.
Make sure the chicken is completely cooled to prevent melting the dressing mixture.

Pour in the Buffalo Sauce Blend

Add your prepared buffalo-cream cheese mixture to the bowl.
Use a spatula or large spoon to fold it gently into the chicken.
Be patient — ensure the chicken is fully coated and evenly mixed without over-mashing it.

Mix Gently but Thoroughly

Fold until the sauce fully binds to the chicken without breaking it down too much.
If the mixture feels too thick, you can add a little extra mayo or dressing to loosen it slightly.
If it’s too thin, refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to let it firm up.

Add Optional Ingredients (If Desired)

Now is the time to fold in any mix-ins for added texture or flavor:

Chopped celery for crunch
Green onions or chives for a mild oniony bite
Shredded cheddar or blue cheese crumbles for extra richness
Add small amounts and mix gently to keep the consistency creamy.

Chill Before Serving (Optional but Recommended)

Let the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to thicken slightly, improving both taste and texture.

Final Texture Check:

The salad should be thick, scoopable, and spreadable — not runny or dry. It should cling well to bread, wraps, or crackers without dripping.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of the Buffalo Barclay chicken salad lies in its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping meals, or just craving something flavorful and satisfying, there are many delicious ways to enjoy this spicy, creamy chicken salad.

Classic Sandwich Style

How to serve: Spoon a generous portion onto a toasted bun, brioche roll, or croissant.
Why it works: The soft, buttery bread balances the bold buffalo flavor.
Add-ons: Lettuce, tomato, or a slice of provolone or cheddar cheese for extra richness.

Lettuce Wraps (Low-Carb Option)

How to serve: Scoop the salad into large romaine or butter lettuce leaves.
Why it works: Keeps things light while letting the buffalo flavor shine.
Bonus: Great for gluten-free or keto-friendly meals.

Crackers or Crostini

How to serve: Serve chilled as a dip or spread with your favorite crackers, crostini, or pretzel chips.
Why it works: Ideal for parties or quick snacking. The crunch contrasts perfectly with the creamy texture.

Tortilla Wrap or Pinwheels

How to serve: Spread onto a large tortilla, add lettuce and thinly sliced veggies, roll up, and slice into pinwheels or halves.
Why it works: Great for lunchboxes, potlucks, or casual entertaining.

Buffalo Chicken Salad Bowl

How to serve: Scoop over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded carrots.
Dressing tip: Drizzle with a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Why it works: A hearty salad meal with protein and crunch.

Stuffed Veggies

How to serve: Fill celery sticks, mini bell pepper halves, or halved avocados with the chicken salad.
Why it works: Fun, colorful, and perfect for appetizers or lighter meals.

Warm it Up (Optional)

How to serve: Gently warm the chicken salad in a skillet for 2–3 minutes and serve it like buffalo chicken dip.
Why it works: A cozy twist — great with tortilla chips or baked potatoes.

Storing and Shelf Life

Proper storage is essential to keep your Buffalo Barclay chicken salad fresh, flavorful, and safe to eat. Since the salad contains perishable ingredients like chicken, mayonnaise, and cream cheese, it’s important to handle it correctly.

How to Store

Use an Airtight Container:

Transfer the chicken salad to a clean, airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. This prevents it from absorbing other fridge odors and helps maintain moisture.

Refrigerate Promptly:

After preparing the salad, refrigerate it within 1–2 hours to avoid bacterial growth. Never leave it at room temperature for extended periods.

Label with a Date:

It’s a good habit to label your container with the preparation date, especially if you’re meal prepping or storing multiple dishes.

Shelf Life in the Refrigerator

Best enjoyed within 3 to 5 days

For maximum freshness and flavor, consume the salad within 3 days, though it can be safely stored for up to 5 days if kept chilled.

Stir before serving:

After refrigeration, give it a quick stir before eating. The salad may firm up or slightly separate — a quick mix will restore its creamy texture.

Can You Freeze It?

Not recommended:

Because of the mayonnaise and cream cheese, freezing the salad may cause the texture to break down and become grainy or watery upon thawing.

Alternative tip:

If you must freeze, consider freezing only the shredded chicken portion and making the buffalo base fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Signs It’s Time to Toss

Sour or off smell
Discoloration or liquid separation
Slimy texture
More than 5 days in the fridge

When in doubt, throw it out. Freshness is key to enjoying this salad safely and at its best.

Customization Tips

One of the great things about the Buffalo Barclay chicken salad is how easily it can be tailored to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences. Whether you want to dial up the heat, add crunch, or make it lighter, here are some simple ways to customize this flavorful dish.

Adjusting the Spice Level

Mild: Use less buffalo sauce or swap half of it with a mild hot sauce or even a bit of smoked paprika for flavor without too much heat.
Medium: Stick to the classic amount of buffalo sauce (¼ to ½ cup) for that balanced spicy kick.
Extra Hot: Add more buffalo sauce or mix in a dash of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or even chopped jalapeños for a fiery punch.

Adding Crunch and Freshness

Celery: Finely chopped celery adds a refreshing crunch that cuts through the creaminess.
Green Onions or Chives: These add a mild onion flavor and a bit of color.
Bell Peppers: Diced red or yellow bell peppers add sweetness and crunch.
Water Chestnuts: For an unexpected crisp texture.

Cheese Variations

Blue Cheese Crumbles: Amplify the classic buffalo wing flavor with blue cheese. Stir some into the salad or sprinkle on top before serving.
Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack: Adds a melty richness that pairs well with buffalo spice.

Healthier Substitutions

Greek Yogurt: Replace some or all of the mayonnaise and cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version.
Low-Fat Cream Cheese or Mayo: Use reduced-fat versions to cut calories while maintaining creaminess.
Chicken Alternatives: Use shredded turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.

Additional Flavor Boosters

Garlic Powder or Fresh Minced Garlic: For a deeper savory note.
Smoked Paprika or Cumin: Adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, or dill can add brightness and color.

Serving Variations

Wrap It Up: Add avocado slices, lettuce, or tomatoes in a wrap for a complete meal.
Stuff It: Use as a filling for stuffed peppers or baked potatoes.
Dip It: Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or pita chips for a tasty snack.

Conclusion

Chicken Salad Chick Buffalo Barclay Recipe

Discover the bold and creamy Chicken Salad Chick Buffalo Barclay recipe — a spicy twist on classic chicken salad that's perfect for game day or meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

1 pound chicken tenderloins Use 2 cups of shredded chicken if you are using rotisserie chicken or chicken breast
¾ cup Duke's mayonnaise you can use another brand but Duke's is a really high quality mayo that a lot of restaurants use.
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 pinch celery salt
1 pinch salt or to taste
1 pinch black pepper or to taste
3 tablespoons wing sauce mild I recommend Frank's mild wing sauce. You can add more to taste, if needed.

Equipment

Large pot
hand mixer or food processor to shred the chicken

Method

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken tenderloins and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until no longer pink. Chicken should register 165 degrees (Fahrenheit) with a meat thermometer.
Let the chicken cool.
Move the chicken to a large mixing bowl and shred with your hand or stand mixer. This will help the chicken get super fine just like the restaurant version.
Add the mayonnaise, seasonings, and wing sauce.
Serve with crackers, toast, or on a salad.