Viral Southwestern Chicken Salad

Viral Dinner Fast
Viral Southwestern Chicken Salad

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Viral Southwestern Chicken Salad

Must Try Viral Southwestern Chicken Salad (Healthy & Creamy)

A vibrant, high-protein chicken salad tossed with fire-roasted corn, black beans, crisp peppers, and a rich, smoky Greek yogurt dressing.

★★★★★ 4.9 / 5 (384 reviews)
Prep Time15 Mins
Cook Time20 Mins
Total Time35 Mins

Ingredients

  • – 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (*)
  • – kosher salt & black pepper (to taste)
  • – 1 cup full-fat plain greek yogurt or skyr
  • – 2 tbsp lime juice
  • – ¾ tsp ground cumin
  • – ¾ tsp chili powder
  • – ¾ tsp smoked paprika
  • – kosher salt & black pepper (to taste)
  • – cayenne (optional, to taste)
  • – ¾ cup black beans
  • – ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • – ½ cup corn ((I prefer fire-roasted))
  • – ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • – ¼ cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. 1
    To begin, place the chicken breasts inside a medium-sized cooking pot and season them thoroughly with kosher salt and black pepper. Pour in enough water to cover the meat by at least one inch, then bring the liquid up to a rolling boil. As soon as it reaches a boil, cover the pot tightly with its lid, turn the heat down to low, and let the chicken simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes (depending on how thick your pieces are) until the interior temperature registers a safe 165F.
  2. 2
    Move the fully cooked chicken breasts into a large mixing bowl, or directly into the bowl of your stand mixer, and shred the meat completely. Alternatively, you can pull it apart using two forks, though employing a stand mixer is highly recommended because it finishes the job much faster!
  3. 3
    In a separate large bowl, combine the full-fat Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, and all the dry spices. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until a uniform consistency forms. After that, fold in the shredded chicken followed by all the remaining prepared ingredients. Stir the salad well until everything is evenly coated. Take a small bite to sample, then adjust the levels of salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper to match your liking.
  4. 4
    Transfer the completed chicken salad into the refrigerator and let it rest until it cools down completely and all the bold flavors have a chance to meld together perfectly. Present the chilled mixture spread over toasted whole wheat bread, served alongside crunchy tortilla chips, scooped onto a crispy rice cake, or rolled snugly inside a soft tortilla. Enjoy your fresh meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt instead? Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free plain Greek yogurt, but keep in mind that full-fat yogurt or skyr yields the creamiest texture and helps temper the citrus juice and warm spices. Non-fat yogurt can sometimes taste a bit more tangy and thin.
How long does this Southwestern chicken salad keep fresh in the fridge? When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad stays incredibly fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. It's actually a fantastic choice for meal prep because the bold flavors continue to develop and meld together beautifully as it sits.
Can I substitute the poached chicken with rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftovers is an excellent way to cut down your prep time significantly. Simply shred or chop about 2.5 to 3 cups of cooked meat and jump straight to the dressing assembly step.

Emma

Everyday Home Cooking

Emma shares simple, comforting meals perfect for everyday family cooking.

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