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Layered Loaded Chicken Taco Salad Recipe

Layered Loaded Chicken Taco Salad is a delicious and hearty meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. This salad is packed with flavor and texture, featuring layers of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tender chicken. Topped with a zesty taco seasoning and drizzled with a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

A colorful bowl filled with layers of seasoned chicken, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, shredded cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips

To make this Layered Loaded Chicken Taco Salad, start by cooking the chicken until it is tender and juicy. Then, layer the ingredients in a large bowl or serving dish, starting with a bed of lettuce and building up with the remaining ingredients. The final touch is a drizzle of dressing, which ties all the flavors together and adds a tangy kick. This salad is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or a satisfying dinner, and it is sure to become a favorite in any household.

Recipe Overview

A colorful array of fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, tender grilled chicken, crunchy tortilla strips, and zesty salsa, layered in a clear glass bowl, creating a vibrant and appetizing taco salad

Ingredients

The Layered Loaded Chicken Taco Salad is a delicious and hearty meal that is easy to make. The recipe requires simple and readily available ingredients, making it a popular choice for many households. Some of the key ingredients include:

Flavor Profile

The Layered Loaded Chicken Taco Salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The salad is fresh, zesty, and full of flavor. The combination of the juicy chicken breast, creamy avocado, tangy tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla chips offers a unique and satisfying taste. The black beans and corn add a touch of sweetness and a bit of texture to the salad.

The dressing is a simple blend of sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning, which adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the salad. The dressing is poured over the salad, giving it a delicious and satisfying taste.

In summary, the Layered Loaded Chicken Taco Salad is a fantastic meal that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With its unique blend of ingredients and flavors, it is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Preparation Steps

A colorful array of fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, seasoned chicken, and creamy avocado dressing arranged in layers in a clear glass bowl

Cooking The Chicken

To make a delicious Layered Loaded Chicken Taco Salad, the first step is to cook the chicken. Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it is golden brown and fully cooked. You can season the chicken with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning to add some flavor.

Another option is to grill the chicken for a smoky flavor. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush the chicken with oil. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until it is fully cooked.

Assembling The Salad

The next step is to assemble the salad. Start by layering the lettuce at the bottom of a large salad bowl. Then, add a layer of cooked chicken on top of the lettuce.

Next, add a layer of black beans, followed by a layer of corn. You can use canned or frozen black beans and corn, but make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding them to the salad.

Add a layer of diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and chopped cilantro on top of the corn.

Finally, add a layer of shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips on top of the salad. You can use any type of cheese you like, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend.

To serve, drizzle some ranch dressing or salsa on top of the salad. You can also add some lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.

In just a few simple steps, you can make a delicious and satisfying Layered Loaded Chicken Taco Salad that is perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

A colorful bowl filled with layers of lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and cheese, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro

Garnishes

When serving Layered Loaded Chicken Taco Salad, there are a variety of garnishes that can be added to enhance the flavor and visual appeal of the dish. Some popular options include:

These garnishes can be arranged in small bowls or plates and placed on the table for guests to add to their salads as desired. They can also be used to create a visually appealing presentation by arranging them in a decorative pattern on top of the salad.

Dressing Options

Layered Loaded Chicken Taco Salad can be served with a variety of dressings to suit different tastes and preferences. Some popular options include:

These dressings can be served on the side in small bowls or drizzled over the top of the salad before serving. Guests can then mix the dressing into the salad as desired.

When selecting dressings, it’s important to consider the flavors of the salad and choose a dressing that complements them. For example, a creamy ranch dressing pairs well with the spicy chicken and tangy salsa in the salad, while a zesty lime vinaigrette can help to brighten up the flavors of the dish.

Nutritional Information

A colorful array of fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, tender chicken, and crunchy tortilla strips layered in a clear glass bowl, with small dishes of zesty salsa and tangy sour cream on the side

The Layered Loaded Chicken Taco Salad is a delicious and filling meal that is perfect for those who are looking for a healthy and nutritious option. This salad is packed with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients that are important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

One serving of this salad contains approximately 350 calories, 20 grams of fat, 25 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of protein. It also contains 8 grams of fiber and 10% of the recommended daily intake of calcium.

The salad is made with fresh ingredients such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and avocado, which are all great sources of vitamins and minerals. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices that add flavor without adding unnecessary calories or sodium.

To make this salad even healthier, you can substitute the sour cream and cheese with Greek yogurt and low-fat cheese. You can also add more vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots to increase the fiber and nutrient content.

Overall, the Layered Loaded Chicken Taco Salad is a great option for those who want to enjoy a delicious meal while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With its high protein and fiber content, it will keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours.

Storage and Leftovers

A colorful, layered taco salad in a glass bowl, filled with shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and tortilla strips, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro

Leftovers of Layered Loaded Chicken Taco Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is recommended to store the dressing separately from the salad to prevent it from getting soggy.

To reheat the chicken, microwave it for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until it reaches the desired temperature. However, it is not recommended to reheat the entire salad, as the lettuce and other vegetables may become wilted and lose their texture.

If you plan to make this salad ahead of time, it is best to assemble it without the dressing and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

It is important to note that the nutritional value of the salad may change after storage, as the vegetables may lose some of their nutrients over time. Therefore, it is recommended to consume the salad as soon as possible after preparation for maximum nutritional benefits.

Layered Loaded Chicken Taco Salad
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Layered Loaded Chicken Taco Salad

Recipe by Sarah JenCourse: SaladsCuisine: Other world cuisineDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

5

minutes
Total time

15

minutes

Indulge in the savory delight of this Layered Loaded Chicken Taco Salad, a quick and effortless dish that tantalizes your taste buds with juicy chicken, avocado, tomatoes, corn, black beans, cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips. The ensemble is elevated by a zesty creamy lime-cilantro dressing that adds a burst of flavor to each bite.

Ingredients

  • CHICKEN AND SALAD:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • One 1.25-ounce packet taco seasoning, divided (preferably reduced sodium, medium heat)

  • 6 cups romaine lettuce (one 9-ounce bag), divided

  • 1 ½ cups seasoned tortilla chips, crushed (try crushing Doritos for an extra kick), divided

  • One 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed (opt for no-salt added)

  • 1 ¼ cups corn, fresh, frozen, or canned (drained)

  • 2 small/medium Roma tomatoes or 1 cup cherry tomatoes (a mix works well)

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend recommended)

  • 1 medium Hass avocado, peeled and diced small

  • 1 or 2 green onions, sliced into thin rounds

  • CREAMY LIME-CILANTRO DRESSING:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise (lite okay)

  • ¼ cup sour cream (lite okay, plain Greek yogurt can be substituted)

  • 3 to 4 tablespoons lime juice (adjust as necessary for flavor and consistency)

  • ¼ cup cilantro leaves, minced

  • ½ teaspoon granulated sugar, optional and to taste

Instructions:

  • Chicken and Salad:
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil, add chicken, sprinkle evenly with 1 heaping tablespoon taco seasoning, and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, flipping intermittently for even cooking. For saucier chicken, add 1/2 cup water about 2 minutes into the cooking process.
  • Let the chicken rest in the pan off the heat while assembling the salad.
  • In a large trifle bowl or your preferred dish, layer 4 cups lettuce, half the chips, black beans, corn, tomatoes, remaining lettuce, chicken (plus cooking juices if desired), cheese, avocado, green onions, and remaining tortilla chips. Set aside.
  • Creamy Lime-Cilantro Dressing:
  • In a small bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, lime juice, 1 heaping tablespoon taco seasoning, and whisk until smooth.
  • Stir in minced cilantro. Adjust dressing consistency by adding more lime juice if needed.
  • Taste the dressing and add sugar to balance, depending on the lime juice used.
  • Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad to taste and toss.
  • Nutrition:
  • Serving: 1 ,Calories: 1004kcal ,Carbohydrates: 64g, Protein: 66g, Fat: 54g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 36g, Trans Fat: 1g ,Cholesterol: 168mg, Sodium: 2028mg ,Fiber: 18g ,Sugar: 9g

Notes

  • Storage: Best enjoyed fresh. Extra dressing stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days and makes an excellent veggie dip.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
    • Absolutely! Prepare the layers separately, and assemble just before serving for optimal freshness.
  2. What are some creative topping ideas?
    • Experiment with grilled corn, black beans, or even a drizzle of chipotle mayo for added flair.
  3. Can I substitute the chicken for a vegetarian option?
    • Certainly! Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or your favorite meat alternative for a vegetarian twist.
  4. How long does the dressing stay fresh in the refrigerator?
    • The dressing can be refrigerated for up to a week, ensuring you have a quick flavor boost whenever needed.
  5. Can I use store-bought tortilla chips?
    • Yes, feel free to use store-bought chips for convenience, but making them from scratch adds a personal touch.
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