Description

This Easy Chicken Taco Salad is a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender, seasoned chicken strips cooked to perfection in a skillet, tossed with a zesty ranch and salsa dressing, and layered over crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy tortilla chips, and shredded cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, this salad combines classic taco flavors in a fresh, satisfying way.

Ingredients

Chicken and Dressing

2 chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp fine sea salt
½ tsp chili powder
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
½ cup ranch dressing
½ cup salsa

Salad Base

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup crumbled tortilla chips
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend works well)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once warmed, add the chicken strips. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with oil. Sprinkle with salt, chili powder, and freshly ground pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Prepare Dressing Mixture: While the chicken cooks, combine the ranch dressing and salsa in a bowl. Reserve 2 to 3 tablespoons of this mixture to toss with the greens later.
Simmer with Dressing: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the remaining ranch and salsa mixture over it. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prepare Greens and Cheese: Shred the cheese if not pre-shredded. Toss the chopped romaine lettuce with the reserved ranch and salsa dressing to lightly coat the greens with flavor.
Assemble the Salad: Start your plate by layering the dressed greens first, then add the crumbled tortilla chips for crunch followed by the warm chicken mixture. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
Add Toppings (Optional): Customize your salad with additional toppings such as diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, black beans, corn, chopped tomatoes, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add more chili powder or include sliced jalapeños in the salad.
Use baked tortilla chips for a healthier option.
Substitute ranch dressing with a cilantro lime dressing for a fresh twist.
Chicken can be replaced with grilled shrimp or black beans for a vegetarian version.
This salad can be meal-prepped by storing components separately and assembling just before eating to maintain freshness and crunch.