This Easy Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad is a fun, tasty way to enjoy your veggies! With tender chicken, crunchy peppers, and zesty spices, it packs a flavor punch!
I love how quick it is to throw together. Just mix everything in a big bowl and enjoy a healthy meal that’s also super satisfying. Plus, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken can save time. Just shred it and it’s ready to go!
Spices: The combo of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika adds a nice depth to the flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika works, or you could add a dash of liquid smoke for that smoky vibe.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine provides a nice crunch. If you prefer another green, feel free to use kale or spinach for a change. Just be sure to chop them well.
Black Beans: Packed with protein, black beans can be swapped with pinto beans or chickpeas if you want something different. Just rinse them well before adding.
Avocado: Avocado adds creaminess. If it’s not in season, try using a handful of diced mango for a sweet twist.
Tortilla Strips: For crunch, tortilla strips are a must! If you’re looking to cut carbs, try crushed nuts for a different texture.
How Do I Grill the Chicken Perfectly Every Time?
Grilling chicken is simple, but getting it just right can be tricky. Here’s how I do it for juicy, flavorful results:
- Start by marinating the chicken in olive oil and spices for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for even more flavor).
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. A hot surface helps sear the chicken for awesome flavor!
- Cook for 5-7 minutes without moving the chicken around. This creates nice grill marks.
- Flip and cook the other side for the same amount of time. Check if it’s done by using a meat thermometer; aim for 165°F (75°C).
Letting it rest for 5 minutes after cooking helps lock in the juices, making every bite tender!
Easy Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup multicolor tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
For the Spicy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook the chicken, totaling about 25 minutes. Perfect for a delicious and quick meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, and then coat them evenly with the spice mix for a flavorful kick.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re fully cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne or hot sauce, and salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
4. Assemble the Salad:
On a large platter or in individual bowls, arrange a bed of chopped romaine lettuce. Neatly layer the sliced chicken, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, chopped tomatoes, avocado slices, and tortilla strips over the lettuce.
5. Drizzle & Garnish:
Generously drizzle the spicy dressing over the entire salad. Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top for a beautiful finish.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve immediately and dig into your fresh, flavorful Easy Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad! Enjoy this nutritious meal packed with vibrant colors and delicious tastes!
FAQ: Easy Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad
Can I Use Cooked Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! If you have cooked chicken on hand, like rotisserie chicken or leftovers, just shred or slice it and add it straight to the salad. This will save you time and still give you a delicious result.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder salad, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use less chili powder. For an extra kick, feel free to add more cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing to suit your taste!
What Can I Substitute for the Mayonnaise in the Dressing?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for mayonnaise. You can also use avocado for a creamy texture without the mayo. Just blend it well to ensure smoothness in the dressing.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the salad from getting soggy. When you’re ready, toss it all together and enjoy!
