Hearty Oven Baked Chicken Salad Recipe

Looking for a family meal that is both delicious and packed with nutrients? You’ve come to the right place! This Hearty Oven Baked Chicken Salad is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick to prepare and a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. So grab your apron, and let’s dive in!

Ingredients

To whip up this tasty chicken salad, you'll need the following ingredients:

• For the Chicken:

- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Salad:

- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine, etc.)

- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1 cucumber, diced

- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced

- ½ red onion, thinly sliced

- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

- ¼ cup olives (optional)

• For the Dressing:

- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

- 3 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

- Salt and pepper to taste

Prepping the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle them with oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is well-coated on both sides to lock in delicious flavors.

Bake the chicken for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This simple method guarantees moist, flavorful chicken, perfect for your hearty salad.

Creating the Salad Base

While the chicken bakes, get the salad base ready. In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed greens. A variety of greens enhances texture and flavor.

Toss in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Feel free to include other veggies like grated carrots or sliced avocado, as these can add distinct flavors. If you like, add olives or feta cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

Gently toss everything to ensure even distribution of colors and ingredients. The vibrant mix alone will excite everyone for dinner!

Making the Dressing

To elevate your salad, make a homemade dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Balsamic vinegar adds a delightful tang, balancing the chicken and veggies perfectly.

Once the dressing is ready, set it aside until the chicken finishes cooking.

Bringing It All Together

Once your chicken is perfectly baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, keeping your chicken juicy.

Slice the chicken into strips or cubes and add it to the bowl of mixed greens and veggies.

Drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad. Toss everything together gently, ensuring all ingredients get to taste that delicious dressing.

Your Hearty Oven Baked Chicken Salad is now ready to serve!

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve this salad with crusty bread or whole-grain crackers for crunch. This meal is not just filling; it’s a feast for the eyes, bursting with color.

For added flavor and texture, consider including grilled corn or roasted chickpeas. Feel free to customize according to your family’s preferences.

Final Thoughts

Cooking for your family can be enjoyable, and this Hearty Oven Baked Chicken Salad meets all the essentials. It’s nutritious, colorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend, this recipe is a delightful way to gather your family around the dinner table.

Next time you need a satisfying meal, try this chicken salad. It’s a quick solution that everyone will love. Happy cooking!