Southwest Chicken Salad

5 from 1 vote

The best recipe for a fresh and flavorful Southwest Chicken Salad! Juicy chicken, sliced avocado, black beans and corn are tossed with zesty ranch dressing.

Prep Time35

Cook Time20

Total Time55

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Southwest Chicken Salad

Servings:

Calories: 577kcal

Author: Kelly Anthony

Ingredients

FOR THE CHICKEN:

1 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
¾ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast
3 tablespoons canola or avocado oil (separated)

FOR THE DRESSING:

1 cup prepared ranch dressing
2 tablespoons minced cilantro
1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 finely chopped chipotle pepper (from a can of chipotles in adobo sauce)

FOR THE SALAD:

6 cups washed, dried, and chopped Romaine lettuce
1 ½ cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise
1 avocado, halved and cut into ¼" strips
1 cup yellow corn
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
½ cup diced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 cup grated Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of the two (optional)

Instructions

MAKE THE CHICKEN

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Add all of the chicken spices to a small bowl and stir to combine. Set aside until ready to use.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil. Sprinkle all of the seasoning over the chicken breasts and rub all over to adhere. Don't worry if all of the seasoning doesn't stick to the breasts.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to a large oven-safe skillet or pan over medium-high heat and allow it to come to temperature. Sear each chicken breast for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, then flip, and sear 1 to 2 minutes more.
Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Allow to rest about 5-10 minutes. Then, cut it into thin strips or 1" cubes. Set aside until ready to use.

MAKE THE DRESSING

Add all of the dressing ingredients to a bowl and stir to combine. Set aside until ready to use.

ASSEMBLE THE SALAD

Add all of the remaining salad ingredients to the bowl, add the chicken, and toss to combine. Drizzle with the desired amount of dressing, serve, and enjoy!

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