If you're a fan of Chicken Salad Chick's delicious and flavorful Buffalo Barclay chicken salad, you're in for a treat. This copycat recipe brings the tangy, spicy, and creamy goodness of the Buffalo Barclay into your kitchen. It's perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner, and it's easy to make with simple ingredients.
The Buffalo Barclay chicken salad is a popular dish from Chicken Salad Chick, a Southern-inspired fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in various chicken salad flavors. Chicken Salad Chick was founded by Stacy Brown in Auburn, Alabama, in 2008. Stacy, a chicken salad enthusiast, began experimenting with different recipes in her home kitchen, creating several unique chicken salad varieties, including the Buffalo Barclay.
The Buffalo Barclay is one of the more adventurous options on the Chicken Salad Chick menu, catering to those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals. It's inspired by classic buffalo wing flavors, combining shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, mayonnaise, and crunchy vegetables. The recipe's name, "Buffalo Barclay," adds a playful touch, as many of the chicken salads at Chicken Salad Chick are named after friends and family members of the founder.
The Buffalo Barclay recipe reflects the growing popularity of buffalo-flavored dishes in American cuisine, which began with the invention of buffalo wings in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s. The recipe is a fusion of Southern comfort food traditions with the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo sauce, making it a standout choice for fans of chicken salad and spicy food.
By creating a copycat version of the Buffalo Barclay, you can enjoy the flavors of Chicken Salad Chick's original dish from the comfort of your home, paying homage to the restaurant's roots and the Southern culinary tradition.
In crafting your version of the Buffalo Barclay, you're not only recreating a beloved dish but also participating in a broader food tradition that blends regional tastes with modern culinary trends. The popularity of this recipe is a testament to the versatility of chicken salad, a dish that has been a staple in American homes for generations.
The Evolution of Chicken Salad
Chicken salad itself has a rich history in American cuisine, dating back to the late 19th century. Originally, it was a way to use up leftover chicken, mixed with mayonnaise and whatever ingredients were on hand, such as celery, onions, or pickles. Over time, this humble dish has evolved, with countless variations incorporating different flavors, textures, and regional ingredients.
In the South, where Chicken Salad Chick originated, chicken salad is particularly cherished. It's often served at gatherings, picnics, and potlucks, symbolizing comfort and hospitality. The Buffalo Barclay, with its bold, spicy twist, represents a modern take on this classic, showcasing how traditional recipes can be adapted to suit contemporary palates.
Cultural Significance
The Buffalo Barclay also highlights the influence of regional cuisines on mainstream food culture. The use of buffalo sauce, originally popularized in the Northeast, has spread across the country, becoming a favorite flavor in everything from wings to dips and now, chicken salad. This cross-regional influence is a hallmark of American cuisine, where diverse cultural elements come together to create new, exciting dishes.
By making the Buffalo Barclay at home, you're engaging in this culinary tradition, experimenting with flavors, and creating something that’s both familiar and novel. Whether you're a fan of Chicken Salad Chick or just looking to try a new recipe, the Buffalo Barclay offers a delicious way to experience the fusion of Southern comfort food with a spicy kick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Bold Flavors: The Buffalo Barclay chicken salad combines the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with the creaminess of mayonnaise, creating a flavor-packed dish that’s both spicy and satisfying.
2. Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for a hassle-free meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
3. Versatile: Enjoy it on a sandwich, with crackers, or as a salad topping. The Buffalo Barclay is versatile enough to fit into any meal, whether you’re having it for lunch, dinner, or a snack.
4. Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less buffalo sauce, making it suitable for everyone’s taste preferences.
5. Great for Meal Prep: This chicken salad stores well in the fridge, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, saving you time on busy days.
6. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, potluck, or family gathering, this flavorful chicken salad is sure to be a hit with guests.
7. Healthy and Filling: Packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the mayonnaise, this dish is both nourishing and filling, keeping you satisfied for hours.
8. Comfort Food with a Twist: It’s the perfect blend of Southern comfort food and modern flavors, giving you a delicious, familiar dish with an exciting twist.
For this recipe, you will require:
Water (not envisioned): You will require a huge pot of water to heat up the chicken in.
Chicken tenderloins: I suggest chicken tenderloins in all of my copycat Chicken Plate of mixed greens Chick recipes yet you can likewise substitute chicken bosom or rotisserie chicken with the skin eliminated.
Mayonnaise: I strongly suggest utilizing Duke's mayonnaise.
Garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, salt and pepper: To prepare the chicken plate of mixed greens with.
Gentle wing sauce: I utilized Honest's gentle wing sauce.
Tips and Variations
- Make it Healthier: Use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise to lighten up the dish.
- Add a Crunch* Include some chopped green onions, diced red bell peppers, or even some crushed tortilla chips on top for an extra crunch.
- Heat Levels: Adjust the buffalo sauce amount based on your spice preference. For a milder version, you can mix in some ranch dressing with the buffalo sauce.
Ingredients:
- - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- - 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- - 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- - Optional: blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing for extra flavor
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Start with cooked chicken breast. You can either use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken or poach some chicken breasts specifically for this recipe. Once cooked, shred the chicken into little, scaled down pieces.
2. Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and buffalo sauce. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Veggies: Add the finely chopped celery and onion to the buffalo mayo mixture. The celery adds a nice crunch, while the onion brings a bit of sharpness that balances the creamy sauce.
4. Season: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until the chicken is evenly coated with the buffalo sauce mixture.
5. Combine: Add the shredded chicken to the bowl and mix until the chicken is fully coated with the buffalo sauce and mayo mixture.
6. Taste and Adjust: Give the chicken salad a taste. If you want more heat, add a bit more buffalo sauce. For a creamier surface, you can add somewhat more mayonnaise.
7. Chill: For the best flavor, cover the chicken salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve: Serve the Buffalo Barclay chicken salad on a bed of lettuce, as a sandwich, or with crackers. You can also top it with blue cheese crumbles or drizzle with ranch dressing for an extra layer of flavor.