Crispy Chicken Salad (Restaurant-Style)

This crispy chicken salad is a hearty, restaurant-style salad made with chicken cutlets sliced over fresh greens, crisp vegetables, and sharp cheddar. The chicken is coated and cooked until perfectly crunchy, then layered warm over cool, fresh toppings for contrast in every bite. The hot, crispy chicken cutlets paired with crisp veggies and a bold dressing create the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

a crispy chicken salad with a sliced chicken cutlet on top.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crispy chicken salad isn’t just a side salad with protein tossed on top. It’s a true, meal-sized salad that’s actually satisfying enough for dinner! The contrast of crunchy chicken tenders against crisp, fresh greens is what makes it feel special and restaurant-worthy.

It’s also incredibly adaptable. You can use our fried crispy chicken cutlets, breaded chicken breasts, frozen chicken tenders, or baked panko crusted chicken, whatever is easiest for you! And when that warm chicken hits the chilled greens, the smell alone draws everyone into the kitchen. It’s fresh, savory, and feels like something special even though it’s simple to pull together. Serve with your favorite veggies and a homemade Ranch or honey mustard dressing for a super flavorful salad dinner.

Courtney

Ingredients You’ll Need

ingredients for a crispy chicken salad including lettuce, crispy chicken cutlets, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, onions, and dressing

Crispy chicken cutlets: The star of any great chicken salad. Use our crispy breaded chicken cutlets (leftover or fresh), breaded chicken breasts, or even frozen tenders.
Mixed greens: A blend keeps the texture interesting. I like a blend of Romaine or Little Gem lettuces paired with spring mix.
Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy for balance.
English cucumber: Cool, crisp, and refreshing. Slice into half moons for easy bites.
Red onion: Adds bite and sharpness. To mellow it, soak slices in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain before adding.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Salty and creamy, it softens slightly against the warm chicken. You could also use a bright feta or creamy goat cheese.
Honey mustard vinaigrette or cilantro ranch dressing: Go sweet and tangy with a vinaigrette or creamy and herby with a ranch. Both pair beautifully with crispy chicken.

Want to customize? Radishes, avocado, bell pepper, or sweet corn are great additions. And if you love extra crunch, toss in a handful of homemade croutons.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Salad

warming up a chicken cutlet in the air fryer

Step 1: Slice the Chicken. Cut the crispy chicken into even strips.

assembling the crispy chicken salad with chicken on top

Step 2: Assemble the Salad. In a large bowl (or four individual bowls), combine the mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded cheese. Top with the sliced chicken and drizzle with your favorite dressing.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Slice just before assembling. Cut the chicken into strips right before serving to keep the coating intact and prevent the juices from softening the breading.
Dry your greens well. Make sure your lettuce and vegetables are completely dry after washing. Excess moisture can weigh down the salad and dull the crisp texture you want.
Layer for texture. Start with greens, add sturdy vegetables like cucumbers and onions, then finish with warm sliced chicken and cheese. This keeps the ingredients distinct and gives you balanced texture in every bite.
Dress right before serving. Toss the greens lightly with dressing or serve it on the side so the salad stays fresh and the chicken stays crisp.
Make it a crispy chicken cobb salad. Add chopped bacon and a sliced hard-boiled egg, then swap in blue cheese dressing for a richer, heartier twist. If you love a fresh-meets-savory Cobb variation, try our strawberry cobb salad for another bold, flavor-packed option.

a chicken cutlet sliced atop on a salad with mixed greens and veggies

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover crispy chicken separately from the greens whenever possible. Keep the salad components in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to restore its crisp texture before assembling it fresh.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this crispy chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes! Store the chicken and salad components separately, then reheat the chicken and assemble just before serving to keep it crisp.

What dressing goes best with crispy chicken salad?

Honey mustard vinaigrette and cilantro ranch are two of our favorites. Their tangy, creamy flavor pairs perfectly with crunchy chicken and fresh greens. You could also pair it with a creamy blue cheese or homemade Italian vinaigrette.

How do I keep crispy chicken from getting soggy on a salad?

Dress the greens lightly instead of the chicken and assemble right before serving to preserve the crunch.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for crispy chicken salad?

Yes. Bake or air fry them until golden and crisp before slicing and adding to the salad. I’ve even used chicken nuggets in a pinch!

This salad proves that salads don’t have to feel like an obligation. With crunchy chicken, crisp greens, and bold dressing, it’s a dinner that feels comforting and fresh at the same time. Give it a try and tell me, are you team honey mustard or cilantro ranch? I love hearing how you make these recipes your own!

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