Easy Chicken Taco Salad

This easy-to-make Chicken Taco Salad features a flavorful salsa ranch dressing. Best of all, you can have it ready in less than 30 minutes!

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Why we love this recipe

This dish is so simple and quick to make with minimal prep time. It is also easy to customize by adding different toppings and adjusting the spice level of the ingredients.

Naturally gluten-free and loaded with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats, this salad recipe is a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Ingredients

• chicken breasts – you can also substitute chicken thighs if you prefer.
• olive oil
• sea salt
• chili powder – you can also substitute taco seasoning.
• freshly ground pepper
• ranch dressing – I use homemade ranch dressing which is made with Greek yogurt. You can totally use a store-bought ranch but read the nutrition label and avoid anything weird.
• salsa – choose your favorite spice level of salsa – we recommend Herdez brand.
• romaine lettuce – or any green leaf lettuce.

Topping ideas

• tortilla chips
• grated cheddar cheese
• sour cream
• fresh corn kernels
• chopped avocados
• torn cilantro
• fresh chopped tomatoes
• black beans
• diced red onion

Equipment

• Large Skillet – I recommend a large non-stick skillet for easy cleanup. Cast iron pans also work great.
• Mixing bowls – for mixing up the sauce.

Instructions

Step 1

First, wash the romaine lettuce and pop it in the fridge to keep it cool and crisp. Check out this post that details how to properly wash your greens.

Step 2

Second, slice up two chicken breasts into strips while your skillet warms up some olive oil. Use a sharp knife and a large cutting board to slice the chicken.

Step 3

Next, toss the chicken strips into the hot pan.

Stir the chicken pieces well with the oil to coat them, then sprinkle in the chili powder and stir again.

Step 4

While the chicken is cooking stir together the salsa and ranch dressing in a small bowl to make the dressing.

This becomes the taco salad dressing for your salad. I can’t even tell you how good this tastes!

Step 5

Once the chicken is cooked, drizzle the sauce over the chicken strips and stir well to coat everything.

Then, let this simmer for a bit so all of the flavors absorb.

Step 6

Now it is time to build the salad.

First, start with a layer of the crisp romaine lettuce.

Second, crumble the tortilla chips over the lettuce.

I like to add the chips before the chicken so they get drenched in the sauce.

Finally, top it with the warm chicken and spicy ranch dressing from the pan.

Don’t forget to spoon lots of sauce over the tender chicken!

Finish with your favorite toppings.

Check out the list above in the ingredients list or below in the recipe card for topping ideas.

Expert tips

Use fresh ingredients to ensure that your chicken taco salad tastes delicious. Opt for high-quality chicken that is free-range and hormone-free.

You can also make your own ranch dressing for a fresher and healthier option.

Recipe variations

• Use shredded rotisserie chicken, black beans, corn, and a BBQ ranch dressing instead of the salsa for a sweeter southwestern-style salad.
• Swap in ingredients such as feta cheese, olives, cucumbers, and a tzatziki dressing to give your chicken taco salad a Mediterranean twist.

Serving suggestions

• Serve with lime wedges. A squeeze of lime juice can enhance the flavor of your chicken taco salad and give it a zesty kick.
• Top your salad with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley to add a burst of freshness and flavor.

FAQS

Storing and reheating

This dish can be prepared ahead of time by cooking the chicken and transferring it to a glass container with a lid. Let it come to room temperature, close the airtight lid and refrigerate until you are ready to eat.

Through trial and error, I’ve learned not to layer the salad beforehand as the warm dressing will wilt the ingredients. Assemble the salad right before eating for the best taste and texture.

More easy dinner recipes

*This recipe was originally posted on July 9, 2014, updated on April 8, 2020, and updated again on May 11, 2023, with recipe notes, writing, and new photos.**

If you’ve tried our Chicken Taco Salad recipe, please rate it and let me know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!

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