Crispy Chicken Salad

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5 from 7 votes

Crispy Chicken Salad is the move tonight. Easy shortcuts, bold flavor, and the absolute best honey BBQ dressing.

Prep Time7

Cook Time18

Total Time25

Course: Dinner, Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: crispy chicken salad

Servings: servings (as a meal)

Author: Chelsea Lords

Cost: $8.87

Equipment

Large bowl

Ingredients

Chicken

2 cups frozen crispy chicken strips diced, see note 1

Salad

8 cups chopped romaine lettuce 2 hearts, cut to bite-size pieces
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
1 cup English cucumber thinly sliced, see note 2
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion see note 3
1 large (or 2 medium) ripe avocados chopped
1/3 cup honey-roasted almonds or plain toasted almonds, optional

Honey BBQ Dressing

2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup mayo
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper

US - Metric

Instructions

Chicken: Cook chicken strips according to package directions (or make homemade). Let cool slightly, then dice.
Dressing: Whisk together all dressing ingredients with a generous pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. If not using right away, store in a jar in the fridge for up to 5–7 days.
Wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce (wet lettuce won’t hold dressing well). Add to a large bowl or divide between plates. Top with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and sliced chicken.
Drizzle salad with dressing, toss to combine, and serve immediately. Only dress what you’ll eat right away—dressed salad doesn’t store well.

Video

Notes

Note 1: I like Tyson® Crispy Chicken Strips; they cook in about 18 mins in the oven or 15 mins in the Air Fryer. Any crispy tenders work—store-bought or homemade.

Note 2: If your cucumber is extra wide, slice into half moons for better texture.

Note 3: To reduce the bite of red onion, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice, then drain before using.

Storage: Dressed salad doesn’t sit well. Store salad and dressing separately if making ahead. Only dress right before eating.

Nutrition