What is Sticky Finger Salad?

Sticky Finger Salad is a hearty chicken salad made with crispy breaded chicken tenders coated in a sweet-and-spicy glaze, served over fresh romaine lettuce with toppings like shredded cheese, cherry tomatoes, and creamy ranch dressing. It’s a perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and tangy flavors.

How many calories are in a Sticky Finger Salad?

A restaurant-style serving of Sticky Finger Salad typically has about 620 calories. Most of the calories come from the crispy breaded chicken, cheese, and ranch dressing. If you want to cut the calories down, consider using grilled chicken and a lighter dressing while keeping the signature sweet-heat flavor.

What are some common mistakes when making Sticky Finger Salad?

The biggest mistake is overdressing the greens, which can make the lettuce soggy. Another is glazing the chicken too early — this causes the breading to lose its crispness. To keep your Sticky Finger Salad at its best, add the sauce right before serving and keep the lettuce chilled until assembly.

Can I make Sticky Finger Salad ahead of time?

Yes, but for best results, prepare the chicken and salad components separately. Store the chicken in the fridge and reheat it in an air fryer or oven before adding it to the greens. Assemble your Sticky Finger Salad right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and the chicken crunchy.

What dressing works best with Sticky Finger Salad?

Classic ranch is the go-to dressing for Sticky Finger Salad because it balances the sweet and spicy flavors. However, blue cheese dressing or a creamy garlic sauce can also be delicious alternatives.

Can I make Sticky Finger Salad gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply use gluten-free breaded chicken tenders or coat fresh chicken in gluten-free breadcrumbs before cooking. Ensure that your hot sauce and ranch dressing are also gluten-free, and you can enjoy Sticky Finger Salad without worry.

Sticky Finger Salad – 7 Mouthwatering Reasons You’ll Love This Ultimate Dish

Description

Enjoy the ultimate Winger’s Sticky Finger Salad at home with crispy chicken, sweet-spicy sauce, fresh greens, and creamy ranch in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb breaded chicken tenders
1/2 cup hot sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp water
8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup ranch dressing
Optional: sliced cucumbers, red onions, croutons

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Instructions

Cook chicken tenders according to package directions or air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
In a small saucepan, combine hot sauce, brown sugar, and water. Simmer until sugar dissolves.
Toss cooked chicken in sauce until fully coated.
Place romaine in a large serving bowl.
Top with cherry tomatoes, shredded cheeses, and optional veggies.
Slice sauced chicken and arrange over salad.
Drizzle with ranch dressing.
Serve immediately for the crispiest chicken.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Diner
Method: Baking / Air Frying + Tossing in sauce
Cuisine: American