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.
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:
- 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
- Mix up the dressing (just dump it in a bowl and whisk it, then let it set to thicken slightly).
- 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.
- Assemble the salad (see recipe notes for substitutions).
- Sit down to dinner and ENJOY!
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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
The dressing, if kept in the fridge covered, will keep for about 5-7 days.
No, don’t freeze the dressing, it separates when you thaw it back out and is a yucky oozy mess.
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.
No. The lettuce and other fresh veggies get all wilted and slimy and gross when you thaw them.
Can You Help Me Out?
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Chipotle Chicken Salad
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
***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.
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
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!