Chipotle Lime Chicken Salad (Printable)
A vibrant, zesty salad with smoky chipotle-marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy lime dressing. Perfect for a refreshing, protein-packed meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken and Marinade
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
04 - 2 tsp chipotle chili powder
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1 garlic clove, minced
07 - 1 tsp honey
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Salad Components
10 - 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, baby spinach)
11 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
13 - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
14 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
15 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
16 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
→ Chipotle Lime Dressing
17 - 3 tbsp olive oil
18 - 2 tbsp lime juice
19 - 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
20 - 1 tsp honey
21 - 1/2 tsp salt
22 - 1/4 tsp cumin
23 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours refrigerated for deeper flavor penetration.
02 - Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
03 - Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, honey, salt, cumin, and minced garlic until fully emulsified and smooth.
04 - Combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn kernels, avocado slices, red onion, and cilantro in a large bowl. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss gently to coat evenly.
05 - Arrange sliced chicken over the dressed salad. Drizzle remaining dressing over the top and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade does double duty, infusing the chicken with deep smoky flavor while keeping it incredibly juicy
- Everything hits the table in under 45 minutes but tastes like something from a restaurant
- You get that perfect balance of smoky heat, bright citrus, and creamy avocado in every single forkful
02 -
- Don't skip the resting time after cooking the chicken or you'll lose all those precious juices when you slice
- The dressing will separate if it sits too long, so give it a quick whisk right before pouring
- Add the avocado and dressing at the very last minute to prevent everything from getting soggy
03 -
- Pound your chicken breasts to even thickness before marinating for more uniform cooking
- Grill some extra chicken and keep it in the fridge for quick salads throughout the week