Crispy Chicken Taco Salad (Printer Version)

Vibrant, crunchy salad featuring spiced crispy chicken, fresh lettuce, tortilla strips, and creamy salsa ranch dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crispy Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Salad

12 - 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
13 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
14 - 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
15 - 1 cup corn kernels
16 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
17 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
18 - 1 avocado, diced
19 - 1/2 cup tortilla strips

→ Salsa Ranch Dressing

20 - 1/3 cup ranch dressing
21 - 1/3 cup tomato salsa
22 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

# How to Prepare:

01 - Pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into bite-sized strips.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls: fill the first with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Dredge each chicken strip in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in seasoned breadcrumbs.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken strips for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, salsa, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
06 - In a large bowl or on individual plates, layer romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, cheddar cheese, red onion, and avocado.
07 - Top the salad with crispy chicken strips and tortilla strips.
08 - Drizzle salsa ranch dressing over the salad just before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It hits that perfect spot between crispy, creamy, and fresh without feeling heavy afterward.
  • You can prep most of it ahead and just fry the chicken when hunger strikes.
  • Everyone at the table can customize their bowl, which means fewer complaints and more happy faces.
02 -
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when frying or the chicken will steam instead of crisp up.
  • Let the chicken rest on paper towels for a minute before adding it to the salad so the coating stays intact.
  • Dress the salad right before eating or the lettuce will wilt and the tortilla strips will get soggy.
03 -
  • Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken so they don't fall off when you flip the strips.
  • Taste your dressing before you pour it and adjust the lime or salsa to match your mood.
  • If you're meal prepping, keep the chicken, dressing, and toppings separate until you're ready to eat.
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