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Chipotle Chicken Salad

This EASY Chipotle Chicken Salad has a dressing that whips up in less than 5 minutes, is hearty, healthy (shhhh, I won’t tell anyone) and will satisfy the grumpiest of meat and potatoes people. Trust me, I know, I live with a house full.

Southwest Chipotle chicken Salad @loavesanddishes.net

Chipotle Chicken Salad Recipe

Do you live with someone who notices if there isn’t a minimum of 6 ounces of meat on the plate at night (uh-hmmm <throat clearing> you know who you are)?

Me too, but honey, we are gonna fool them tonight with a filling recipe that is ready in less than 30 minutes from beginning to end!

There’s lots of options for ingredients and you can probably make this with what you have in the pantry and fridge. What could be easier? Nothing, trust me.

You’ll feel like a super hero when your family licks the plate clean and you know you’ve fed them something filling and good for them!

Here’s how to fry a perfect chicken! Check it out! how to fry crispy pan fried chicken in oil (Recipe)

Here’s What You’ll Need:

ingredients on cutting board
  • 1/4 – 1/3 lb boneless skinless chicken breast per person.
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • The canned chipotle chilis in adobo sauce.
  • cumin
  • chili powder
  • lime juice
  • salt and pepper
  • oil
  • lettuce
  • tomato
  • avocados
  • black beans
  • corn

Here’s How It’s Done

  1. Mix up the dressing (just dump it in a bowl and whisk it, then let it set to thicken slightly).
  2. Cook up the chicken (Here’s an article on how to cook chicken pieces in a pan, if you need it). See the recipe notes for substitutions.
  3. Assemble the salad (see recipe notes for substitutions).
  4. Sit down to dinner and ENJOY!
southwest chicken salad @loavesanddishes.net

What To Serve With Chipotle Chicken Salad

I recommend serving this salad with a small piece of crusty bread and a cool glass of iced tea. Delish! Of course, you could include a wonderful dessert or a small side dish.

Tips and Tricks

  • There are lots of ways to change this chipotle chicken salad recipe up. Substitute canned chicken for fresh if cooking from your pantry (hello “stay at home” orders), use rotisserie chicken, etc. Check out the “notes” section of the recipe for more ideas.
  • Increase the heat of the dressing by increasing the adobo sauce.
  • The veggies in the recipe aren’t all that you can do. If you like another veggie more, add it. Can’t stand cilantro, remove it. It’s really that easy.
  • Here’s info on safe food handling for chicken.

If You Enjoy This Chicken Recipe, You Might Also Like…

Pressure Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

How to Poach Chicken Breasts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

How Long Does the Dressing Keep?

The dressing, if kept in the fridge covered, will keep for about 5-7 days.

Can I Freeze the Dressing?

No, don’t freeze the dressing, it separates when you thaw it back out and is a yucky oozy mess.

How Do I Keep My Salad From Being Watery?

Usually when your salad is watery, you washed the veggies but didn’t get them dry enough. I suggest a salad spinner, however, if that isn’t possible for you, wrap your washed veggies in a dry kitchen towel, hold it tight and sling it around like a wild west lasso. Make sure that you’ve got ahold of all edges of the towel, or it could wind up a mess.

Can I Freeze Salad?

No. The lettuce and other fresh veggies get all wilted and slimy and gross when you thaw them.

Can You Help Me Out?

Please leave a 5 STAR comment in the comment section below. This helps others to find the recipes at Loaves and Dishes!

southwest chipotle chicken salad on a white plate with two forks and cherry tomatoes sprinkled around the plate

Chipotle Chicken Salad

This EASY Chipotle Chicken Salad has a dressing that whips up in less than 5 minutes, is hearty, healthy (shhhh, I won't tell anyone) and will satisfy the grumpiest of meat and potatoes people. Trust me, I know, I live with a house full.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Save Rate
Course: main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chipotle chicken salad
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 236kcal

Ingredients

For the Dressing

  • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2/3 cup greek plain yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tbs minced chipotle chilis canned in adobo sauce
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 4 tsp fresh lime juice
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the Chicken

  • 2 tbs olive oil
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste
  • 2 cups chopped roasted boneless chicken breasts 2 breasts

For the Salad

  • 4 cups fresh lettuce – any type
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in quarters
  • ½ cup diced and peeled avocados
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced onions
  • 1 can black beans- rinsed and drained
  • 1 can whole kernel corn – rinsed and drained
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

For the Dressing

  • Mix the dressing ingredients together in a medium bowl with a whisk. Allow to sit out on the counter at room temp until the rest of the salad is ready. This allows time for the flavors to meld. If not using immediately, place in the fridge.

For the Chicken

  • Heat 2 tbs of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken breast in the frying pan – about 3-5 minutes per side.
  • While chicken is cooking, mix salad ingredients together in a bowl.

For the Salad

  • Cut the veggies and toss together in a large salad bowl or on a platter.
  • When chicken is done (juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink in the center), assemble the salad. Salad topped with chicken – Pour dressing over the top or serve on the side.

Notes

  • If you do not like cilantro, just leave it off or serve on the side. 
  • Plain yogurt or sour cream is acceptable substitution for the greek yogurt. 
  • Chipotle Chilis in Adobo sauce can be found in the international section of the grocery and come in a small can (they are powerful, be careful). 
  • Bottled lime juice works as well as fresh.
  • Use any cut of chicken or even a shredded rotisserie chicken. For a situation where you have no other choice, canned chicken will work too. No need to cook it first. 
  • Any type of lettuce or tomato will work. 
  • Purple onions look the prettiest, but any kind will work. 
  • Really, just about any veggies will work on this salad, but the corn and beans do add a lot of heartiness and help to fill you up. 
  • If you like the dressing more spicy, add more adobo sauce from the can. 
  • Serve with lime wedges for an added twist. 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Chipotle Chicken Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 236 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 8g
Cholesterol 50mg17%
Sodium 316mg13%
Potassium 611mg17%
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 21g42%
Vitamin A 1179IU24%
Vitamin C 13mg16%
Calcium 78mg8%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @loavesanddishes or tag #loavesanddishes!

***This article originally appeared on the pages of Loaves and Dishes in March 27, 2015 and has been updated with a new format, new photos, video, “heres what you’ll need”, “Heres What to Do”, Tips and Tricks, Equipment, Recipe Notes and Substitutions.

A Verse to Share

It’s important to remember to be forgiving with one another and this is one of the reasons why.

The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him. ~ Daniel 9:9

Wendi is the writer, CEO and dishwasher at Loaves and Dishes! When not in the kitchen or behind the computer, you can find Wendi serving on International Food Conference Boards, Speaking at various conferences, Leading and Cooking for the local Arts Council's "Taste of Stokes" events or donating home cooked goodies to various local non profits such as the Danbury Songwriters and Stokes Partnership for Children. Wendi is also a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree and serves on her town's board of councilmen.

Recipe Rating




Deborah

Friday 5th of January 2024

Like the fact it is easy,simple and you can’t go wrong with salad. I like to use rotisserie chicken. It gives a little extra flavor to it.

Wendi Spraker

Friday 5th of January 2024

Thanks Deborah! I love that the dressing is SO flavorful! A bit spicy but DELICIOUS! Thank you for leaving a comment!

Wendi J Spraker

Wednesday 15th of September 2021

aggregate ratings test

Moxie

Friday 2nd of February 2018

I tried this about a year ago and it was just the best!

Ann Krieg

Wednesday 15th of April 2015

Wendi, We had this for dinner tonight and it was delicious!!! I added a few crumbled Doritos on top before serving and it was just great. Thanks! I look forward to reading your blog!

wendi.spraker@yahoo.com

Wednesday 15th of April 2015

Oh Ann! Thanks! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!!!

Caroline at A Whole New Twist

Saturday 28th of March 2015

Looks delicious!!

wendi.spraker@yahoo.com

Saturday 28th of March 2015

Caroline - Thank you!

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