# Cowboy Chicken Salad If you're on the hunt for a salad that feels hearty enough to be a meal, look no further than this Cowboy Chicken Salad! It’s loaded with smoky seasoned chicken, crunchy lettuce, sweet corn, black beans, creamy avocado, diced jalapeños, crispy bacon, and Monterey Jack cheese, all drizzled with my homemade **Cowboy Butter Ranch Dressing**. I love topping it with **homemade croutons** (my personal favorite!) and additional jalapeños for an extra kick, plus a squeeze of fresh lime to elevate the flavors! If you're a fan of robust salads like this, make sure to check out my **Avocado Chicken Salad** for another delicious option! ## Ingredients & Substitutions - **Chicken:** For this salad, I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Before cooking, gently pound each breast to an even thickness for even cooking. Season both sides with salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, **onion powder**, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick if desired! Chicken thighs work great too—just ensure they're cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. - **Lettuce:** While I used Romaine lettuce, feel free to switch it up with whatever greens you prefer. Iceberg is refreshing; green leaf or red leaf offers a delightful sweetness, and butter lettuce is soft and tender. For added nutrients, toss in some spinach or mixed greens for a variety of flavors and textures. I like to combine my favorite greens for the ultimate salad experience! - **Salad Mix-ins:** The salad includes cherry tomatoes, a shallot, sweet corn, black beans, avocado, Monterey Jack cheese, jalapeño peppers (plus more for garnish), and delicious crispy bacon! Customize it with your favorite add-ins—think bell peppers, sliced radishes, or even crushed **tortilla chips** or **fried wonton strips** for that extra crunch! - **Dressing:** The star of this salad is undoubtedly my homemade **cowboy butter ranch dressing**, crafted from my beloved **cowboy butter**! It’s a flavorful twist on standard ranch dressing, which is also fantastic on its own! - **Croutons:** If you're a crouton lover, you must try my buttery homemade croutons. Once you make them, you won’t want to buy store-bought again—they're that good! - **Lime Wedges:** A squeeze of lime brightens up each bite, but the salad is still delightful even without it! ## Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken In A Cowboy Chicken Salad? Absolutely! You can easily use **rotisserie chicken** for a quick and tasty shortcut. Since it's already seasoned, you can simply reheat it or add a bit more smoked paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder to align the flavor with the rest of the salad. Just be cautious not to over-season since the rotisserie chicken brings its own flavor! ## Other Dressings You Can Use For Cowboy Chicken Salad While I'm a huge fan of my cowboy butter ranch dressing (and trust me, you'll want to use it for more than just salads!), there are plenty of other dressings that work beautifully. Try pairing this salad with **ranch dressing**, blue cheese, **Thousand Island**, **Russian dressing**, **Caesar dressing**, honey mustard, or even a **creamy balsamic vinaigrette**! ## Can You Make Cowboy Chicken Salad Ahead Of Time? Yes, this salad can be prepared in advance! Here’s how to keep it fresh: 1. Prep the ingredients (wash and chop vegetables, cook the chicken, and whip up the dressing), but store the dressing separately until it's time to serve. 2. Place the salad mix (lettuce, veggies, and chicken) into an airtight container to maintain freshness. 3. Add the crispy bacon, cheese, and croutons just before you serve to keep them crunchy. This method ensures everything stays fresh and vibrant when you're ready to dig in! ## How To Store Cowboy Chicken Salad For Freshness To store your Cowboy Chicken Salad, keep the salad mix and dressing separate. Store the salad (including chopped veggies, chicken, and cheese) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing in a separate container. When it's time to eat, simply combine them! If you have croutons or bacon, wait to add them right before serving to maintain their crispiness.

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Main Dishes

Cowboy Chicken Salad

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