Chipotle Chicken Salad

Chipotle Chicken Salad Recipe from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chipotle Chicken Salad is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender rotisserie chicken with a zesty chipotle dressing, creamy avocado, and crunchy corn chips. This salad is perfect for a light and satisfying meal that is packed with protein and healthy fats.

History

Chipotle Chicken Salad is a modern twist on traditional chicken salad recipes. The addition of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce gives this dish a smoky and spicy flavor that sets it apart from classic chicken salads. This recipe is a popular choice for those looking to add a little heat and excitement to their meals.

Ingredients

1 (2 lb (907 g)) rotisserie-cooked chicken, at room temperature
1 medium white onion, chopped
black beans, rinsed and drained
0.5 cup packed fresh cilantro stems
1 tbsp canned chipotle chiles in adobo (to taste)
0.33 cup olive oil
0.33 cup fresh lime juice
0.75 tsp salt
0.75 tsp black pepper
2 firm-ripe california avocados, halved, pitted, and left unpeeled
3 oz (85 g) corn chips, such as Fritos corn chips (1.5 cup)
1 romaine lettuce hearts, separated into leaves

How to prepare

Remove the chicken from the bone in large chunks, including some skin if desired. Toss the chicken together with onion and black beans in a large bowl.
In a blender, purée cilantro, chipotles, oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the mixture to the chicken mixture.
Cut the avocado into 0.5 inch cubes without cutting through the peel.
Toss the chicken mixture with chips.
Using a spoon, scoop the avocado into the chicken mixture.
Serve the salad on romaine leaves.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or red onions for extra crunch and flavor.
Substitute the rotisserie chicken with grilled chicken breast or shrimp for a lighter option.
Top the salad with crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to let the rotisserie chicken come to room temperature before shredding it for the salad. This will make it easier to handle and mix with the other ingredients.

- Adjust the amount of canned adobo sauce to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less adobo sauce. For a spicier kick, add more sauce.

- To prevent the avocado from browning, wait until just before serving to cut it into cubes and add it to the salad.

- Serve the salad on a bed of romaine lettuce leaves for a fresh and crisp presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chipotle Chicken Salad on a bed of romaine lettuce leaves for a fresh and crisp presentation.

- Garnish with additional cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Use a blender to easily purée the cilantro, chipotles, oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper for the dressing.

- Toss the chicken mixture with the chipotle dressing to evenly coat all the ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the rotisserie chicken with leftover grilled or roasted chicken.

- Use canned black beans instead of dried beans for a quicker preparation.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the chipotle dressing and shred the chicken in advance to save time when assembling the salad.

- Wait to cut and add the avocado until just before serving to prevent browning.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chipotle Chicken Salad in individual lettuce cups for a fun and portable meal option. - Arrange the salad on a large platter and garnish with extra cilantro leaves and lime wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Chipotle Chicken Salad with a side of Mexican street corn or grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

- Serve with a refreshing agua fresca or margarita for a delicious and festive drink option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chipotle Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, gently warm the salad in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 23g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 24g

- Saturated Fat: 4g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 28g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% DV

- Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Calcium: 4% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the corn chips.

Summary

This Chipotle Chicken Salad is a well-balanced meal that is rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It is a nutritious option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying salad.

Summary

Chipotle Chicken Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this salad is a nutritious option for those looking to enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make recipe. Serve this salad on a bed of romaine lettuce leaves for a fresh and crisp presentation, and garnish with additional cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor. Enjoy this Chipotle Chicken Salad as a main course or side dish for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Chipotle Chicken Salad. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. The windows were open, and a gentle breeze wafted in, carrying the tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs.

Maria was a wonderful cook, and I always loved watching her work her magic in the kitchen. On this particular day, she was preparing a vibrant and flavorful Chipotle Chicken Salad. As she chopped, diced, and mixed, I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe.

Maria smiled and handed me a faded and stained piece of paper. "This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations," she said. "I'm happy to share it with you, my dear friend."

I eagerly read through the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watering at the thought of tasting the finished dish. As Maria continued to cook, I made mental notes of her techniques and tips, determined to recreate the dish at home.

That evening, I made the Chipotle Chicken Salad for my family, and it was a resounding success. The tender chicken, smoky chipotle peppers, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing all came together in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. My family couldn't get enough, and they begged me to make it again soon.

From that day on, the Chipotle Chicken Salad became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I even entered it in a local cooking competition and won first place, much to my delight and pride.

Over the years, I have made some slight adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own personal touches and variations. I have experimented with different types of lettuce, herbs, and seasonings, always striving to perfect the dish and make it my own.

I have shared the recipe with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have tasted the salad and wanted to know how to make it themselves. I have taught my children and grandchildren how to prepare the dish, passing down the tradition and ensuring that the recipe will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Each time I make the Chipotle Chicken Salad, I am reminded of that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, when I first discovered the recipe and fell in love with its bold and vibrant flavors. I am grateful for the friendships, memories, and experiences that this dish has brought into my life, and I look forward to many more years of cooking and sharing it with others.

So the next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, why not give my Chipotle Chicken Salad a try? I promise you won't be disappointed. Enjoy!