How to make Chicken Taco Salad Recipe

Crispy Chicken Taco Salad

Serves: 4 | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

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

• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil

• 1 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt to taste

For the Salad Base:

• 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cooked black beans or pinto beans, rinsed

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or roasted)

• 1 avocado, diced

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced

• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

Crunch Toppings:

• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or baked tortilla strips

• ½ cup shredded cheddar or Cotija cheese

Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

• 2 tbsp lime juice (fresh!)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:

   • Toss chicken cubes with oil, taco seasoning, paprika, and salt.

   • Heat a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 6–8 mins until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

2. Make the Dressing:

   • Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust salt/lime.

3. Prep the Salad Base:

   • In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, beans, corn, avocado, onion, bell pepper, and cilantro.

4. Assemble:

   • Add warm chicken to the salad base. Drizzle with ¾ of the dressing and toss gently.

   • Top with crushed tortilla chips, cheese, and extra cilantro.

5. Serve:

   • Divide into bowls. Drizzle with remaining dressing.

   • Add extra toppings: jalapeños, pickled red onions, or a squeeze of lime!

Pro Tips & Swaps

🔥 Spice It Up: Add chipotle powder to the chicken or diced jalapeños to the salad.
🌱 Vegetarian: Swap chicken for crispy tofu or spiced roasted chickpeas.
🥑 Lighter Dressing: Use lime juice + olive oil + pinch of cumin.
🍟 Extra Crispy: Air-fry tortillas with spray oil + salt for 5 mins instead of chips.
🥗 Meal Prep: Keep dressing separate. Store salad (without chips/avocado) for 3 days. Add crunchy toppings fresh.

Why You’ll Love It

✅ Balanced: Lean protein + fiber-rich beans + fresh veggies.
✅ Customizable: Use what’s in your fridge (cucumbers, radishes, mango!).
✅ Family-Friendly: Let everyone build their own bowls!