Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Salad (Printable)

Grilled chicken in spicy jalapeño ranch dressing over crisp romaine lettuce with fresh vegetables and a satisfying crunch.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound 2 ounces)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Jalapeño Ranch Dressing

07 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
08 - 1/2 cup sour cream
09 - 1/4 cup buttermilk
10 - 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
13 - 1 clove garlic, minced
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
15 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
17 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Salad

18 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
19 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
20 - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
21 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
22 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
23 - 1/4 cup crispy tortilla strips (optional, for garnish)

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Grill or cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
02 - In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, jalapeños, cilantro, chives, garlic, lime juice, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to use.
03 - In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cheddar cheese if using. Add chopped chicken. Drizzle generously with jalapeño ranch dressing and toss to coat evenly.
04 - Divide salad among plates. Top with crispy tortilla strips if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The homemade jalapeño ranch dressing is infinitely better than anything from a bottle and comes together in under 5 minutes
  • Perfect for those nights when you want something fresh and satisfying but dont want to spend hours in the kitchen
02 -
  • Letting the chicken rest after grilling is non negotiable if you want it juicy instead of dry
  • The dressing tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for an hour, so make it ahead if you can
03 -
  • Grill your chicken outside if weather permits for that extra smoky flavor that makes this salad sing
  • Use room temperature ingredients for the dressing to help it emulsify into that silky smooth texture
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