Name: Southern Fried Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups torn Romaine lettuce; 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced; 7 or 8 grape tomatoes, sliced; 1 fried chicken strip, sliced; ¼ cup (1 oz) shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup (4 oz) mayonnaise; 2 tbsp (1.5 oz) honey; 1 ½ tbsp (0.75 oz) yellow mustard; 1 tbsp (0.5 oz) fresh lemon juice

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There’s something magical about crispy, golden-fried chicken resting on a bed of crisp greens, drizzled with a luscious honey mustard dressing. This Southern Fried Chicken Salad is the perfect balance of crunchy, juicy, fresh, and tangy. It’s comfort food meets wholesome salad—proof that you don’t have to choose between indulgence and eating well. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or serving it up for guests, trust me, this one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile: Whether you’re craving a hearty lunch, a satisfying dinner, or an impressive dish for guests, this salad fits the bill.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients you probably already have, so no need for a grocery store marathon.

Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps make this foolproof, even for beginners.

Customizable: Adjust the seasoning, dressing, or toppings to match your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: Crispy chicken and honey mustard dressing? Everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!

Southern Fried Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard

Ingredients in Southern Fried Chicken Salad

This salad is a flavor explosion thanks to these key ingredients:

Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! Tender, juicy, and fried to crispy perfection.

Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken while adding a rich, tangy flavor.

Seasoned Flour: A blend of flour, salt, pepper, and spices that coats the chicken for that irresistible crunch.

Eggs: Helps the breading stick to the chicken.

Panko Breadcrumbs: Extra crispy texture for the ultimate crunch.

Lettuce: A fresh, crisp base—use romaine, iceberg, or a mix of your favorites.

Tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity.

Cucumbers: Adds a refreshing crunch.

Shredded Cheese: Because cheese makes everything better! Cheddar or Monterey Jack work great.

Croutons: A little extra crunch never hurt anyone.

Honey Mustard Dressing: The perfect balance of sweet and tangy to tie everything together.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This makes them extra tender and flavorful.

Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, whisk eggs. In another, mix flour with seasoning. In a third, add panko breadcrumbs.

Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from buttermilk, dredge in seasoned flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the coating stick.

Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Prepare the Salad Base: While the chicken cools slightly, arrange lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded cheese, and croutons in a large bowl.

Slice the Chicken: Cut the crispy chicken into strips and place them over the salad.

Drizzle with Dressing: Pour honey mustard dressing generously over the top.

Serve and Enjoy: Grab a fork and dig into this delicious, crispy, and flavorful salad!

How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken Salad

With a Side of Cornbread: A Southern classic that pairs beautifully.
As a Wrap: Toss the salad in a tortilla for a delicious handheld meal.
With a Light Soup: A bowl of tomato soup makes a great pairing.
With Extra Dressing: Serve with a side of honey mustard or ranch for dipping.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Chop veggies in advance for quick assembly.

Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne to the flour for a spicy kick.

Make It Healthier: Air-fry or bake the chicken instead of deep frying.

Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Store dressing separately to keep everything fresh.

Double the Batch: Make extra chicken and store in the fridge for easy meal prep.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken tenders work great and cook even faster.

Q2: Can I bake instead of fry?
A2: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store salad and dressing separately to keep everything fresh.

Q4: Can I use a different dressing?
A4: Ranch, blue cheese, or balsamic vinaigrette also work well.

Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?
A5: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for an easy swap.

Q6: What’s the best way to reheat the chicken?
A6: Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to keep it crispy.

Q7: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A7: Yes, but fresh-fried chicken gives the best crunch!

Q8: Can I make the dressing from scratch?
A8: Definitely! Just mix honey, Dijon mustard, mayo, and a splash of lemon juice.

Q9: How can I make it spicier?
A9: Add hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade or spice up the flour mix.

Q10: What’s the best lettuce for this salad?
A10: Romaine and iceberg are best for crunch, but mixed greens add variety.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Fried Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard is a total game-changer. It’s crispy, crunchy, fresh, and packed with flavor what more could you ask for? Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish is bound to be a favorite. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it!