Description
Pioneer Woman Chicken Taco Salad blends zesty Mexican-inspired flavors with crisp, fresh ingredients. Homemade seasoned chicken nestles among crunchy greens, creating a satisfying meal that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 large head of Green Leaf Lettuce, shredded (about 8 cups)
- 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 2 ears of corn, husked and silk removed
- 2 avocados, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons finely minced Cilantro
- ½ cup cilantro leaves, loosely packed
Sauces, Seasonings, and Extras:
- ¾ cup Ranch Dressing (bottled is fine)
- ¼ cup Salsa (choose your preferred spice level and texture, smooth or chunky)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or mix your own with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Tortilla chips of your choice, slightly crushed
Instructions
- Craft a zesty fusion dressing by whisking together ranch dressing, vibrant salsa, and finely chopped cilantro in a mixing bowl. Blend thoroughly, then refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and chill.
- Transform chicken breasts by generously coating with robust taco seasoning. In a large skillet, melt a combination of oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until achieving a deep golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 4 minutes per side. Allow chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carefully cubing into uniform pieces.
- Utilize the same skillet’s residual flavored oil to enhance corn’s natural sweetness. Grill or pan-roast corn ears until edges become slightly charred and kernels turn crisp-tender, rotating every 2-3 minutes. Skillfully slice kernels from the cob using a sharp chef’s knife.
- Construct a visually appealing salad foundation by arranging crisp, shredded lettuce as the base. Layer cubed seasoned chicken, juicy diced tomatoes, melty shredded cheese, roasted corn kernels, creamy avocado cubes, delicate green onion slices, and fresh cilantro leaves. Introduce textural contrast by sprinkling crushed tortilla chips across the top.
- Finalize the dish by elegantly drizzling the chilled, tangy dressing moments before serving. Provide additional dressing on the side, allowing guests to customize their culinary experience. Present individual portions in decorative serving bowls.
Notes
- Seasoning Secrets Unleashed: Cumin, spicy salt, and cayenne pepper create a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary chicken into a taste sensation.
- Corn’s Flavor Magic: Sizzling chicken drippings coat the corn, infusing it with rich, buttery goodness that elevates the entire dish.
- Dressing Drama: Combine ranch and salsa for a zesty dressing that brings unexpected excitement to your salad, with cilantro adding a fresh, vibrant kick.
- Meal Prep Mastery: Get ahead by prepping chicken, corn, and dressing beforehand, turning a potentially stressful meal into a breeze of culinary creativity.
- Salad Artistry: Layer ingredients strategically to create a visual and flavor masterpiece that guarantees an incredible bite every single time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg