Easy Crispy Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal, the Easy Crispy Chicken Salad is a great option. This dish combines baked chicken, fresh greens, and colorful vegetables for a balanced meal. It’s also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for various diets. You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste. Ready to learn how to whip up this delicious salad in just 15 minutes? Let’s explore the details.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this crispy chicken salad recipe, you’ll discover a dish that’s both delicious and easy to make. This recipe stands out because it takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy days. You can use gluten-free and dairy-free options to suit your dietary needs. Whether you opt for store-bought chicken tenders or prepare your own, the choice is yours. The salad is packed with protein, veggies, and healthy fats, ensuring a nutrient-rich meal. Plus, you can customize the vegetables and lettuce types to match your preferences. With a simple homemade dressing and easy assembly, you’ll enjoy a satisfying meal that rivals restaurant salads without the extra calories or sodium. Additionally, this salad is rich in protein and includes probiotics from the pickled onions, enhancing gut health.

History

Crispy chicken salad not only delights your taste buds today but also has a rich history that reflects its evolution through various cultures.

The dish traces its origins to Chinese cuisine, where pieces of chicken were mixed with spices and oils. By 1808, French cookbooks featured chicken salad, especially with the emerging use of mayonnaise.

In the Southern United States, early recipes appeared in the 19th century, like those in Sarah Rutledge’s The Carolina Housewife. Liam Gray’s 1863 version, which combined leftover chicken, mayonnaise, tarragon, and grapes, popularized the dish further. This evolution showcases how the role of mayonnaise became central to many chicken salad recipes.

Over the years, chicken salad adapted globally, leading to countless variations, including the crispy chicken salad we enjoy today.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 pound chicken tenderloins
– 6 to 8 cups spring greens or romaine lettuce
– 1.5 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 cup white all-purpose flour
– 1 egg
– ⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
– 2 cups finely shredded cabbage
– 2 cups finely shredded kale
– Cherry tomatoes
– Cucumbers
– Feta cheese
– Red onion
– Olive oil extra virgin
– Salt

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a shallow bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, and grated parmesan cheese.
In another bowl, whisk the egg until well beaten.
In a third bowl, place the all-purpose flour and season with salt.
Take each piece of chicken and first coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Next, dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
While the chicken is baking, prepare the salad by combining the spring greens, shredded cabbage, shredded kale, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion in a large bowl. Toss gently to mix.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing it into strips.
Add the crispy chicken on top of the salad and sprinkle with feta cheese.
Serve immediately, drizzled with your favorite dressing or a simple olive oil and vinegar mixture. Crispy chicken can be used in salads, wraps, or as a snack, making it a versatile option for meal prep.

For extra tips, remember that you can adjust the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste.

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also be added for an extra layer of flavor.

If you prefer a lighter option, consider grilling the chicken instead of baking it.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy crispy chicken salad!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your crispy chicken salad preparation, keep in mind that this dish is all about customization and personal preference.

You can choose different types of lettuce, like iceberg or Romaine, to suit your taste. For the chicken, consider using fried, baked, or even store-bought strips. Fried chicken strips really add a delightful crunch to your salad and mimic the restaurant-style experience.

Enhance your salad with hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese. Don’t hesitate to add extras like avocado or bell peppers for more flavor.

Homemade dressings, such as honey mustard or ranch, really make a difference. Layer your ingredients beautifully for presentation, and remember to serve your salad right away for the best taste.

With these tips, you’ll create a delicious, personalized meal every time!

FAQ

When you’re ready to enjoy your crispy chicken salad, you might’ve a few questions about how to make it even better.

A crispy chicken salad combines crunchy chicken with fresh vegetables and cheeses. To achieve crispy chicken, marinate it in eggs and buttermilk, then coat it with flour and panko breadcrumbs before frying until golden. Juiciness is enhanced by marinating the chicken in buttermilk, which also adds great flavor.

For greens, romaine or mixed greens work well, but you can also use kale or shredded cabbage. Enhance your salad with hard-boiled eggs, bacon, or avocado for added flavor and creaminess.

When it comes to dressings, try tangy vinaigrettes or creamy options. Remember to serve crispy chicken immediately to keep it crunchy!