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Layered Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.2 from 35 reviews

  • Author: Sky
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4 - 6
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Layered Chicken Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and healthy dish perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner. Featuring oven-baked seasoned chicken breast paired with crisp mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, flavorful cilantro, and tangy feta cheese, it’s dressed with fresh lemon juice and olive oil for a light, refreshing finish. Gluten-free, low-calorie, and low-fat, this salad is well-suited for various diets and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 chicken breasts, pounded evenly
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups mixed green lettuce
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups English cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 cup feta cheese, torn into bite-size pieces
  • 1 lemon, juiced

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400° F (200° C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan placed over a baking tray to catch any drippings.
  2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed chili flakes. Drizzle olive oil on top to coat the chicken breasts lightly.
  3. Bake the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160° F (71° C) using a meat thermometer. Allow the chicken to cool for 5 to 10 minutes afterward.
  4. Prepare Salad Components: While the chicken is baking, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and avocado, chop the cilantro, and tear the feta cheese into bite-size pieces. Wash and dry the mixed greens.
  5. Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the cooled chicken breasts into large bite-size chunks suitable for salad layering.
  6. Assemble the Salad: In a serving dish or individual bowls, layer the shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and mixed green lettuce in that order, finishing with the feta cheese on top.
  7. Add Dressing and Serve: Squeeze the fresh lemon juice evenly over the salad and optionally drizzle with additional olive oil. Serve the salad as a layered dish and toss just before eating to combine all ingredients. Enjoy your healthy meal!

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature for consumption.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and seasonings for 30 minutes before baking.
  • Feel free to substitute feta with goat cheese or omit if dairy-free.
  • The salad is best served fresh but can be prepared a few hours ahead; store components separately to maintain freshness.
  • Adjust chili flakes amount according to your spice preference.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://skysrecipes.com/layered-chicken-salad-recipe/