Ranch Taco Chicken Salad
🕒 Cook Time: 10 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 25 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6
Description:
Indulge in the flavors of the Southwest with this delightful Ranch Taco Chicken Salad recipe. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a burst of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt
- Pepper
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- 1 cup salsa (divided)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup tortilla chips
- Salad greens
- Ranch dressing
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, a dash of ground cumin, and chili powder, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed. |
| 2 | In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the seasoned chicken breast along with 1/2 cup of salsa for about 8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. |
| 3 | Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and allow it to cool slightly. Then, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. |
| 4 | In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, salad greens, and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss well to evenly distribute the ingredients. |
| 5 | Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup of salsa and ranch dressing over the chicken and salad mixture. Toss again until everything is well coated in the dressing. |
| 6 | Just before serving, sprinkle the top of the salad with tortilla chips for added crunch and texture. |
| 7 | Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite! |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 378
- Total Fat: 29.3g
- Saturated Fat: 7.7g
- Cholesterol: 81.4mg
- Sodium: 910.5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 7g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugar: 2.4g
- Protein: 22g
Keywords:
Poultry, Cheese, Meat, Southwestern U.S., Quick & Easy, Stove Top
Recipe Notes:
- This Ranch Taco Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings such as avocado, black beans, or corn.
- For a lighter option, you can use low-fat cheese and a light ranch dressing.
- Make sure to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more chili powder for extra heat or omit it if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the tortilla chips may become soggy, so it’s best to add them just before serving.
