Chicken Salad Budget-Friendly Cuts (Printable)

Affordable chicken combined with fresh veggies creates a satisfying, nutritious main course.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp paprika
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - ½ tsp salt
06 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ Vegetables

07 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1 large cucumber, diced
10 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
11 - 2 medium carrots, shredded
12 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
13 - 1 cup cooked chickpeas (optional)

→ Dressing

14 - 3 tbsp olive oil
15 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
16 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
17 - 1 tsp honey (optional)
18 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

19 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Toss chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
03 - Place chicken on a baking tray and roast for 18–20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Allow to cool slightly, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
04 - While chicken roasts, rinse and prepare lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, onion, and chickpeas; combine in a large bowl.
05 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small jar or bowl until emulsified.
06 - Add shredded chicken to the vegetable mixture, drizzle with dressing, and toss gently to combine.
07 - Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the salad before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Budget-friendly with affordable chicken cuts
  • Packed with fresh veggies for a hearty, wholesome meal
02 -
  • This salad is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free if you verify ingredient labels.
  • Contains mustard in the dressing, and chickpeas may have cross-contamination; check packaging.
03 -
  • Use leftover roasted chicken or poached breast for even quicker prep.
  • Add lentils or pumpkin seeds for extra plant protein and crunch.
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