Description
This Zesty Chipotle Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken with a creamy, smoky chipotle dressing for a flavorful and easy meal prep option. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or tortilla wraps, this recipe balances spicy, tangy, and fresh flavors with crunchy vegetables and a luscious dressing made from mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 cups Shredded Chicken (Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience or homemade baked chicken breasts.)
- 1/2 cup Red Onion (Finely diced)
- 1 cup Celery (Chopped)
- 1/4 cup Cilantro (Use both leaves and stems)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Creamy base)
- 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (Opt for 0% fat for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (Juice from about 2 limes)
- 1 whole Chipotle Pepper (in Adobo Sauce, adjust quantity to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Adobo Sauce (From the chipotle pepper can)
- 1 clove Garlic (Minced)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then bake for 15–18 minutes until cooked through. Allow the chicken to cool before shredding it finely.
- Chop Vegetables: Finely chop the celery and red onion. Rinse and chop the cilantro, including both leaves and stems. Combine these chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl along with the shredded chicken.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, lime juice, whole chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until creamy and well combined.
- Combine Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly until every component is evenly coated with the flavorful chipotle dressing.
- Serve: Enjoy the zesty chipotle chicken salad served in tortillas, over a bed of fresh greens, or alongside crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time instead of baking chicken breasts.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper and adobo sauce for desired spice level.
- This salad holds well for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Great as a sandwich filling, taco topping, or a protein addition to salads.
- Using 0% fat Greek yogurt reduces calories and fat while keeping creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chipotle chicken salad, meal prep recipe, shredded chicken salad, spicy chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, Greek yogurt dressing, smoky chicken salad
