Succulent Chicken Asparagus Salad (Warm or Cold) π₯
Introduction:
Looking for a quick yet satisfying dish to impress your unexpected lunch guests? Look no further than this succulent Chicken Asparagus Salad! Born out of necessity and creativity, this dish is a testament to the wonders of last-minute culinary improvisation. Served alongside a vibrant platter of sliced tomatoes, celery sticks, carrot sticks, torn lettuce, and pickles, complemented by havarti jalapeno cheese slices and whole wheat kieser rolls, and rounded off with thawed frozen strawberries for dessert, this meal promises to delight both your taste buds and your guests’ palates.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 239.6
- Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Vegetable, Meat, Canadian, Very Low Carbs, Healthy, Weeknight, Roast, Oven, Easy
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breast halves
- 2 bunches fresh asparagus
- Dried thyme
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh thyme
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Roast the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Place the frozen chicken breasts on a rack in a roasting pan and roast them in the oven until they are cooked through and slightly browned on top, which should take about 1 hour. |
| 2 | Prepare the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, while it’s still hot, slice it into half-inch strips. Arrange these strips on a serving platter, creating a bed for the asparagus. |
| 3 | Steam the Asparagus: While the chicken is roasting, prepare the asparagus. Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears and place them in a steamer basket. Sprinkle them with dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Steam the asparagus for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. |
| 4 | Assemble the Salad: Arrange the steamed asparagus spears on the serving platter, intermingling them with the strips of chicken. Drizzle the entire platter with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for added flavor. |
| 5 | Season and Garnish: Sprinkle the salad with chopped parsley and fresh thyme leaves. For an extra kick, add some thinly sliced jalapenos. Season the salad with a bit more salt and pepper to taste. |
| 6 | Serve: This succulent Chicken Asparagus Salad can be served immediately, either warm or cold. If you’re not serving it right away, you can refrigerate it, lightly covered with plastic film, for up to 3 hours. Enjoy the tender chicken, flavorful asparagus, and vibrant array of fresh ingredients! |
Tips:
- Cooking the chicken from frozen helps keep it incredibly succulent and tender.
- Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Serve with a variety of accompaniments like sliced tomatoes, celery sticks, carrot sticks, torn lettuce, pickles, cheese slices, and rolls for a well-rounded meal experience.
- For dessert, frozen strawberries make a refreshing and simple choice, perfectly balancing the savory flavors of the salad.
This Succulent Chicken Asparagus Salad is not only easy to prepare but also packs a nutritious punch, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. With its combination of protein-rich chicken, fiber-packed asparagus, and a medley of fresh herbs and vegetables, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether served warm or cold, this salad is bound to impress your guests and leave them craving more!
