Crispy Chicken Salad from Friendly's features golden, crunchy fried chicken atop a fresh bed of crisp mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded cheese, drizzled with your choice of creamy dressing for a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Salad spinner
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Sheet pan (for draining fried chicken)
- Paper towels
- Cheese grater
- Salad serving bowl
- Measuring cups/spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup cucumber
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Creamy salad dressing of choice
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures even cooking and a tender texture, while soaking them in buttermilk helps to keep the chicken moist and enhances flavor. The all-purpose flour combined with salt, black pepper, and paprika creates a well-seasoned coating that crisps perfectly in vegetable oil. Fresh mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers add a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the fried chicken and shredded cheddar cheese. Choosing your favorite creamy salad dressing allows you to customize the salad's flavor profile to your preference. Your Crispy Chicken Salad from Friendly's copycat menu will deliver the same satisfying blend of textures and flavors as the restaurant original.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Slice chicken breasts into strips.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken strips and buttermilk; marinate 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk; dredge in flour mixture until coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken strips in batches until golden brown and cooked through, 4-5 minutes.
- Transfer fried chicken onto a paper towel-lined sheet pan to drain excess oil.
- Wash and spin dry the mixed salad greens.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in halves and cucumber into thin slices using chef’s knife.
- Grate cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.
- In a salad serving bowl, layer mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Top salad with crispy fried chicken strips.
- Drizzle with creamy salad dressing of choice and serve immediately.
Substitution
Crispy Chicken Salad from Friendly's copycat menu delivers a delicious combination of golden fried chicken and fresh vegetables, making it a satisfying meal. You can substitute boneless chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat or use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk for marinating. When frying, maintain oil temperature between 350-375degF to ensure the chicken crisps properly without absorbing excess oil. If you don't have a deep fryer, use a heavy skillet or Dutch oven with enough oil for shallow frying. To keep the salad vibrant, spin your greens dry thoroughly before assembling to avoid sogginess.
Tips
Ensure the vegetable oil reaches and maintains 350degF (175degC) for perfectly crispy chicken without absorbing excess oil. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to keep it tender and moist after frying. Use paper towels on a sheet pan to drain the fried chicken thoroughly, preventing sogginess when added to your salad. When slicing cucumbers and tomatoes, maintain uniform sizes to ensure even texture and balanced flavor in every bite.
Nutritions
The Crispy Chicken Salad from Friendly's offers a balanced combination of protein, vitamins, and fats. With 1 lb of boneless chicken breasts providing approximately 90 grams of lean protein, this dish supports muscle maintenance and repair. The fresh mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers contribute essential vitamins A, C, and K, along with dietary fiber to aid digestion. Your choice of creamy dressing and cheddar cheese adds calcium and healthy fats, but be mindful of portion sizes to manage calorie intake.
Storage
Store leftover crispy chicken and salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined tray to absorb excess oil before refrigerating, and consume within 2 days for optimal texture and safety. Your creamy dressing should be stored in a sealed container to avoid contamination and added just before serving to preserve the salad's crispness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat. Swap out cheddar cheese for crumbled feta or goat cheese to add a tangy contrast to the crispy chicken. Instead of deep frying, try oven baking the coated chicken strips at 400degF (200degC) for 20-25 minutes for a healthier option. Using a vinaigrette dressing like balsamic or honey mustard can provide a lighter, zesty twist to the creamy dressings.
Allergies
Crispy Chicken Salad contains common allergens such as dairy from buttermilk and shredded cheddar cheese, wheat from all-purpose flour, and eggs or soy if the creamy dressing contains these ingredients. The fried chicken may also pose a risk for cross-contamination with other allergens due to the frying process. If you have food allergies, carefully review ingredient labels and communicate your concerns when ordering to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
The Crispy Chicken Salad from Friendly's restaurant combines perfectly seasoned, crunchy chicken strips with fresh, crisp greens and a variety of vibrant vegetables, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. The dish offers a flavorful blend of textures and tastes, making it a popular choice among customers seeking a delicious yet health-conscious option. Recreating this salad at home allows you to customize ingredients and dressings to your preference while enjoying a gourmet-quality meal at a fraction of the cost. Your copycat version can capture the essence of Friendly's signature dish, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.