Chicken Taco Chopped Salad (Printable)

Taco-seasoned chicken, crisp lettuce, fresh veggies, tortilla chips, and creamy salsa ranch dressing in one satisfying bowl.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 lb)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Salad

06 - 6 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
09 - 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
10 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
12 - 1 avocado, diced
13 - 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

→ Salsa Ranch Dressing

14 - 1/2 cup ranch dressing
15 - 1/3 cup tomato salsa
16 - 1/2 lime, juiced

# Directions:

01 - Preheat skillet over medium-high heat. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
02 - Cook chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, salsa, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
04 - In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, cheese, and avocado.
05 - Add chopped chicken to the salad base and drizzle with salsa ranch dressing. Toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
06 - Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top immediately before serving to maintain maximum crunch and texture.
07 - Serve immediately while ingredients are fresh and crisp.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Every bite delivers that perfect taco flavor without the hassle of warming shells
  • The crunch from tortilla chips stays satisfying until the very last forkful
  • You get all the taco toppings you love in one giant, colorful bowl
02 -
  • I learned the hard way that adding the tortilla chips too early turns them into mushy disappointment
  • Letting the chicken rest for even 3 minutes makes a noticeable difference in juiciness
  • The dressing tastes better after 10 minutes in the fridge, giving flavors time to mingle
03 -
  • Warm the chicken slightly before adding if it has been refrigerated, the temperature contrast matters
  • Taste your dressing before pouring it on, some salsas are saltier than others
Return