Crunchy Taco Chicken Salad (Print Version)

Seasoned taco chicken over crisp lettuce with beans, corn, cheese, avocado, and crushed taco shells for a satisfying Tex-Mex main dish.

# 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

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

→ Dressing

14 - ½ cup sour cream
15 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
16 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
17 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce
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. Place seasoned chicken breasts in the pan and cook 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, and ground cumin until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
04 - In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn kernels, sliced green onions, and diced avocado. Toss gently to combine.
05 - Arrange sliced taco chicken over the salad base. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top.
06 - Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss lightly to combine, or serve dressing on the side. Top with crushed taco shells immediately before serving to maintain crispness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Nutrient-Dense: Packed with 31g of protein and fresh vegetables.
  • Texture Contrast: Combines tender chicken with crunchy taco shells and creamy avocado.
  • Quick Prep: Ready in just 35 minutes using simple kitchen staples.
  • Customizable: Easy to adapt for gluten-free diets or personal heat preferences.
02 -
  • Lighten it up: Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream in the dressing for a lower-fat, higher-protein version.
  • Advance Prep: You can cook the chicken and whisk the dressing ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge.
  • Flavor Boost: Toast the corn kernels in a dry skillet for a few minutes to add a smoky charred flavor to the salad.
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