Southern Style Chicken and Crispy Rice Salad: A Fresh Twist on Comfort Food

If you love Southern cooking but want something a little lighter, Southern Style Chicken and Crispy Rice Salad is the perfect bridge between comfort food and fresh, vibrant eating. This dish brings together crispy golden rice, tender fried or roasted chicken, and a medley of vegetables, all tossed in a tangy, flavorful dressing.

It’s a salad that eats like a meal—hearty from the chicken and rice, yet refreshing thanks to crunchy greens, juicy tomatoes, and bright herbs. Inspired by Southern fried chicken dinners and picnic salads, this recipe takes those traditional flavors and reimagines them into a modern, textural salad that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or potluck gatherings.

The combination of warm crispy rice and cool, crisp veggies makes each bite exciting, while the seasoning and dressing give it that unmistakable Southern flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced and hearty – Protein, carbs, and fresh veggies in one bowl.

• Southern-inspired flavors – Buttermilk chicken, spices, and tangy dressing.

• Perfect for any season – Enjoy warm in winter or cool in summer.

• Meal prep friendly – Components can be made ahead.

• Versatile – Works with roasted or fried chicken, white or brown rice.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For 4 servings:

For the Chicken

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup flour (for dredging, if frying)

• Oil for frying or roasting

For the Crispy Rice

• 2 cups cooked and cooled rice (white, brown, or a mix)

• 2 tablespoons butter or oil

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Salad

• 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, or baby spinach)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 small cucumber, sliced

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup shredded carrots

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon honey

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Add chicken and coat well.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for best flavor).

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Step 2: Cook the Chicken

If frying:

1. Heat ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Dredge marinated chicken in flour, shaking off excess.

3. Fry until golden and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side).

4. Drain on paper towels and slice.

If roasting:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Place marinated chicken on a baking sheet.

3. Roast for 20–25 minutes, until cooked through, then slice.

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Step 3: Make the Crispy Rice

1. Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add rice in an even layer and sprinkle with smoked paprika and salt.

3. Press lightly with a spatula and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until crisp on the bottom.

4. Stir and cook another 3 minutes until evenly golden.

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Step 4: Mix the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, honey, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

2. Adjust seasoning to taste.

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Step 5: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, arrange greens, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, carrots, and parsley.

2. Top with sliced chicken and crispy rice.

3. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently, or serve dressing on the side.

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Tips for the Best Southern Style Chicken and Crispy Rice Salad

• Use day-old rice – It crisps better than freshly cooked rice.

• Don’t skimp on marinating – Buttermilk tenderizes and adds flavor to the chicken.

• Balance textures – Keep greens fresh and crunchy, rice crispy, and chicken juicy.

• Dress just before serving – Prevents soggy greens.

• Make extra crispy rice – It’s addictive and great as a snack.

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Flavor Variations

• Spicy version – Add cayenne pepper to the chicken and dressing.

• BBQ twist – Swap dressing for a BBQ ranch sauce.

• Seafood swap – Use crispy fried shrimp instead of chicken.

• Veggie option – Use crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas for protein.

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Serving Suggestions

• Summer lunch – Serve chilled with iced tea.

• Hearty dinner – Add cornbread or biscuits on the side.

• Potluck dish – Assemble just before serving for freshness.

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Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store chicken, rice, and vegetables separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

• Reheat chicken and rice: Warm in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness.

• Dressing: Keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week.

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Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 590

• Protein: 34g

• Carbohydrates: 52g

• Fat: 26g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 8g

Exact values will vary based on ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the chicken in an air fryer?
Yes—air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

2. What’s the best rice for crispy rice?
Medium-grain white rice works best for a balance of crispness and chew.

3. Can I make this ahead for lunch?
Yes—store all components separately and combine just before eating.

4. Is there a lighter dressing option?
Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and reduce honey for fewer calories.

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Final Thoughts

Southern Style Chicken and Crispy Rice Salad is proof that Southern-inspired food can be both comforting and fresh. It’s a beautiful balance of textures—crispy, tender, crunchy—and flavors, from the seasoned chicken to the tangy dressing.

Whether you make it for a casual lunch, a dinner party, or a picnic, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress while still being easy to prepare.

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