Spicy Southwest Salad Chicken (Print Version)

Flavorful chicken, fresh veggies, and spicy ranch unite in a vibrant Southwest salad bowl.

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken Marinade

01 - 1 lime, juiced and zested
02 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
04 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
06 - 2 tablespoons honey
07 - 1 tablespoon avocado oil
08 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

→ Spicy Ranch Dressing

09 - 1/2 cup ranch dressing
10 - 2 to 3 tablespoons chipotle hot sauce

→ Salad

11 - 1 head green leaf lettuce, chopped
12 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced
13 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
14 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
15 - 2 avocados, sliced
16 - 1 cup corn kernels
17 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
18 - 1/2 cup tortilla strips
19 - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
20 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Steps:

01 - In a large bowl or gallon-sized zip-top bag, combine the lime juice and zest, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, honey, and avocado oil. Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, up to 24 hours.
02 - Preheat a grill pan over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray. Place marinated chicken breasts onto the heated pan and grill for 5–6 minutes per side, turning once, until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Set aside and allow to cool, then slice into thin strips.
03 - In a small mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing with chipotle hot sauce. Stir until fully blended. Set aside.
04 - Arrange chopped lettuce in serving bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken, diced tomatoes, black beans, red bell pepper, avocado, corn, and red onion. Sprinkle tortilla strips and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice.
05 - Drizzle prepared spicy ranch dressing over assembled salad. Serve immediately with additional lime wedges, if desired.

# Notes:

01 - For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight and assemble the salad just before serving to preserve freshness and texture.

Go Back