Imagine a salad that's not just a healthy meal, but a flavor explosion that transforms your dinner table into a culinary fiesta! Lee's Firehouse Grilled Chicken Taco Salad is more than just a recipe—it's a mouthwatering adventure that combines the smoky char of perfectly grilled chicken, the crisp freshness of romaine, and a symphony of vibrant toppings that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises to turn an ordinary evening into an extraordinary dining experience.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the boneless chicken breasts dry with paper towels and seasoning thoroughly with taco seasoning on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F), lightly oiling the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips across the grain.
- While chicken is resting, chop romaine lettuce and prepare other salad ingredients: halve cherry tomatoes, dice avocado, and measure out corn kernels.
- In a large serving bowl, create a bed of chopped romaine lettuce as the base of the salad.
- Arrange sliced grilled chicken on top of the lettuce, then layer cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, and diced avocado.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the salad, then drizzle with salsa and add dollops of sour cream.
- Serve immediately while chicken is still warm, optionally garnishing with additional taco seasoning or fresh cilantro.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in taco seasoning for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance the spice penetration.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F—no guesswork, just juicy results!
- Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its moisture and tenderness.
- For extra crunch, consider toasting some tortilla strips as a garnish.
- Choose ripe, creamy avocados for the best texture and flavor.
- If you don't have a grill, a cast-iron skillet or grill pan works wonderfully for achieving those beautiful char marks.
- Customize the heat level by selecting mild or spicy taco seasoning based on your preference.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
