Crunchy Taco Chicken Salad (Print Version)

Seasoned taco chicken over fresh greens with beans, corn, cheese, and crispy shell pieces in a zesty lime dressing.

# What You 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

→ Lime Crema Dressing

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

# How To Make:

01 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub evenly with olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides.
02 - Heat skillet over medium heat. Place seasoned chicken in pan and cook 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Transfer to cutting board and rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
03 - In small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, and cumin until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
04 - In large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, drained black beans, corn kernels, sliced green onions, and diced avocado. Toss gently to combine.
05 - Arrange sliced taco chicken over prepared salad. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across salad.
06 - Drizzle dressing over salad and toss lightly to combine, or serve dressing on the side. Top with crushed taco shells immediately before serving to preserve crunchiness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Texture Variety: The combination of tender chicken, creamy avocado, and crunchy taco shell pieces ensures every bite is interesting.
  • Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of cooking time, this 35-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Versatile Dressing: The lime and cumin-infused sour cream dressing adds a professional touch with minimal effort.
02 -
  • Stay Crunchy: Always add the crushed taco shells at the very last second before serving to avoid them getting soft from the dressing.
  • Chicken Prep: For the most tender slices, cut the chicken across the grain after its five-minute rest.
  • Dressing Prep: The dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge to let the cumin and lime flavors meld together.
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