Chipotle Lime Chicken Salad (Print version)
A vibrant salad with smoky chipotle chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy lime dressing.
# Ingredient List:
→ For the Chicken
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
04 - 2 tsp chipotle chili powder
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1 garlic clove, minced
07 - 1 tsp honey
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ For the Salad
10 - 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, baby spinach)
11 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
13 - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
14 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
15 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
16 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
→ For the Chipotle Lime Dressing
17 - 3 tbsp olive oil
18 - 2 tbsp lime juice
19 - 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
20 - 1 tsp honey
21 - 1/2 tsp salt
22 - 1/4 tsp cumin
23 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
# How To Make It:
01 - Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
02 - Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, honey, salt, cumin, and minced garlic until fully emulsified and smooth.
04 - Combine mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn kernels, sliced avocado, red onion, and cilantro in a large serving bowl. Drizzle with half the prepared dressing and toss gently to coat evenly.
05 - Arrange sliced grilled chicken over the dressed salad. Drizzle remaining chipotle lime dressing over the top and serve immediately while chicken is still warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade does double duty as flavor booster and tenderizer
- Everything comes together in under 45 minutes even on a weeknight
- Cold salad meets warm chicken in that perfect temperature contrast
02 -
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps all those juices inside instead of on your cutting board
- The salad wilts quickly once dressed, so add dressing only right before serving
- Chipotle powder varies wildly in heat intensity, start with less and taste as you go
03 -
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly than cold straight from the fridge
- Invest in an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooked dry chicken