When I tell you this salad is hearty, I mean it. Yes, potentially one of the least ‘healthiest’ salads you’ve witnessed, but what more do you expect around here 🤣 Follow me…
Chipotle Mayo Dressing
This is the kind of thing you could drink from the bowl. Well, actually don’t try that. But you get the message. Here’s what you’ll need:
Mayonnaise – This makes up the bulk of the dressing. Full fat, of course. Chipotle Paste – Chipotle paste has a very powerful, condensed flavour which is packed with various other flavour/spices alongside the chipotle. I prefer this over chipotle chilis in adobo sauce or chipotle powder (more on this in the recipe card notes). Lime Juice – This livens up the dressing and pairs perfectly with the chipotle paste. Garlic – A little goes a long way with this! Make sure it’s very finely minced. Milk – This thins out the mayo and gives it more of a dressing consistency.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yup! Just tightly cover in the fridge. It’ll last at least a week! Process shots: add ingredients to mixing bowl (photo 1), mix and thin out with milk as needed (photo 2).
Grilled Chicken
The chicken is indeed the star of the show here, so it’s important to show it in its best light. Today we’re using boneless skinless chicken thighs. I find they grill really well, where you can get some nice char without the meat drying out. The easiest way to inject some flavour into the chicken is to whip up a super simple marinade. Here I’ve just used some store-cupboard spices (smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion & garlic powder, salt & black pepper) to create a smoky & slightly spicy flavour coating. This smokiness compliments the chipotle beautifully! To help bind the spices you’ll need some olive oil and lime juice. The oil will help prevent chicken from sticking to the pan, whilst the lime tenderizes the meat and wraps it in a vibrant flavour.
How long to marinate for?
I find around 4 hours+ works best (up to overnight). If you’re pushed for time even just marinating as you prep the other ingredients will work wonders.
Grilling the Chicken
If you have one I recommend using a griddle pan, just so you can add some smoky grill marks without drying out the chicken. This helps inject some smoky flavour into the chicken and enhance the flavour of the smoked paprika and chipotle. A heavy bottom pan or cast iron skillet will also work well if you don’t have a griddle pan (main thing is just getting a nice bit of char).
Room Temp Chicken
I recommend taking the chicken out of the fridge around 15mins before needed. Frying chicken straight from the fridge will cause it to seize up and go chewy. Allowing the chicken to come close to room temp will relax the meat and ensure it stays nice and juicy as it fries. Process shots: add spices, lime juice and oil to bowl (photo 1), whisk together (photo 2), add chicken (photo 3), mix then marinate (photo 4), add to griddle pan (photo 5), fry both sides until charred and cooked through the centre (photo 6).
Grilled Chicken Salad
Of course salads are always to preference, but here’s the combo I find brings out the best in the chicken to create the most delicious salad:
Romaine Lettuce – this forms a nice firm bed for the salad and holds up against the heavy dressing really well. Baby Plum Tomatoes – or cherry tomatoes! Avocado – sliced or diced. Bacon – cooked until crispy then chopped. Chicken – as discussed. Slice just before adding to salad. Crispy Onions – oh c’mon, I needed something fried in this salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
I highly recommend serving this right away to avoid a soggy salad. You could prep the salad without dressing, but you’ll find the chicken won’t be as juicy and the onions/bacon won’t be crispy. Process shots: add lettuce to large salad bowl (photo 1), add tomatoes (photo 2), add avocado (photo 3), add bacon (photo 4), add chicken (photo 5), add onions (photo 6).
Serving Grilled Chicken Salad
I usually hold back on some of the dressing and onions, then serve individual portions with extra on top! I also sometimes like to serve with a lime wedges, but that’s completely optional. For another delicious chicken salad recipe check out my Spicy Mango Chicken Salad and Greek Chicken Salad! For more similar recipes check out these beauties too:
Hearty Salad Recipes
Pesto Pasta Salad Leftover Chicken Salad Chicken Waldorf Salad Bites Creamy Potato Salad Bacon Broccoli Salad
Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for this chipotle chicken salad shall we?!
How to make Grilled Chicken Salad (Full Recipe & Video)
If you plan on making the Grilled Chicken Salad recipe then be sure to Pin it for later! Already made it or got a burning question? Give me a shout in the comments below and pick up your free ecookbook along the way!
