Crunchy Taco Chicken Salad (Printable)

Seasoned taco chicken over crisp lettuce with beans, cheese, tomatoes, and crunchy taco shell pieces. Ready in 35 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Taco Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
04 - ½ teaspoon salt
05 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Salad Base

06 - 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
09 - 1 cup corn kernels
10 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 2 green onions, sliced
12 - 1 avocado, diced
13 - 1 cup crushed taco shells

→ Creamy Lime Dressing

14 - ½ cup sour cream
15 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
16 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
17 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional
18 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
19 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub evenly with olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides.
02 - Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook seasoned chicken 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Transfer to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce if using, and ground cumin until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
04 - In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, green onions, and diced avocado. Toss gently to combine.
05 - Arrange sliced taco chicken over the prepared salad. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top.
06 - Drizzle with prepared dressing and toss lightly, or serve dressing on the side. Top with crushed taco shells immediately before serving to maintain crunchiness.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • High in protein with 31g per serving for a filling meal.
  • The homemade creamy lime dressing adds a zesty, fresh flavor.
  • Great for families with its customizable toppings and fun crunch.
02 -
  • Always verify ingredient labels for allergens as this dish contains dairy and eggs.
  • Use a skillet or grill pan over medium heat for the best chicken texture.
  • Check with guests before adding avocado, as it is a possible allergen.
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