Zesty Pioneer Woman Chicken Taco Salad Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s chicken taco salad unleashes a flavor fiesta that tingles every taste bud with excitement.

Southwestern spices weave magic through crisp greens and tender chicken, transforming an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Colorful ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that pop on your plate.

Crunchy vegetables intertwine with succulent, seasoned protein, promising a delightful culinary journey.

Cool, creamy elements beautifully balance the bold, zesty spices, crafting a perfect harmony of flavors.

Each forkful delivers a burst of freshness and satisfaction that will have you craving more.

Elevate your dinner game with this mouthwatering masterpiece that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Keep It Fresh Tips for Pioneer Woman Chicken Taco Salad

• Store Smartly: Transfer any leftover salad components into separate airtight containers to maintain freshness. Chicken and corn stay crisp when refrigerated separately from lettuce and vegetables.
• Refrigeration Timeframe: Consume prepared salad within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture. Separate dressing in a sealed container can last up to 5 days when chilled properly.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and cook chicken in advance to streamline meal preparation. Store prepped ingredients in sealed containers for quick assembly during busy weekdays.
• Freezing Tips: Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months when placed in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve moisture and flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 680 kcal

Servings: 5

Things to Prep for Pioneer Woman Chicken Taco Salad

• Ranch Dressing: Choose a creamy, high-quality brand with rich herb notes.
• Salsa: Opt for fresh, chunky salsa with vibrant tomato flavor.
• Cilantro: Select bright green, fragrant leaves without wilting.

• Chicken Breasts: Pick fresh, plump cuts with minimal visible fat.
• Taco Seasoning: Look for a blend with balanced spicy and smoky undertones.
• Oil: Use light olive or vegetable oil with neutral taste.
• Butter: Select unsalted for better flavor control.

• Lettuce: Choose crisp, green romaine or iceberg for maximum crunch.
• Tomatoes: Pick ripe, firm fruits with deep red color.
• Cheese: Select sharp cheddar or Mexican blend for zesty kick.
• Corn: Look for fresh ears with bright, plump kernels.
• Avocados: Choose slightly soft fruits with smooth, unblemished skin.
• Green Onions: Pick bright white and green sections with firm stems.
• Tortilla Chips: Select crispy, restaurant-style chips for textural contrast.
• Fresh Cilantro: Seek bright green leaves with strong aromatic quality.

Tools Required for Pioneer Woman Chicken Taco Salad

• Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for combining dressing ingredients.
• Whisk or Spoon: For stirring and blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Large Skillet: Spacious pan for searing chicken and roasting corn.
• Cutting Board: Flat surface for slicing chicken, corn, and vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: Precise tool for cutting chicken, corn kernels, and chopping herbs.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate taco seasoning and oil measurements.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping chicken and corn in the skillet.
• Serving Platter: Wide dish for assembling and presenting the salad.
• Cheese Grater: Optional tool for shredding cheese.
• Refrigerator: Chilling spot for dressing to develop flavors.

How You’ll Cook Pioneer Woman Chicken Taco Salad

• Craft Zesty Southwest Dressing

Blend ranch, salsa, and chopped cilantro in a bowl until smooth. Refrigerate to intensify flavors while preparing other components.

• Transform Chicken Into Flavor Bombs

Season chicken breasts with robust taco spices. Sear in a hot skillet with a touch of oil and butter until golden and perfectly cooked. Rest briefly, then slice into delectable cubes.

• Elevate Corn to Next-Level Goodness

Use the same skillet to caramelize corn, creating charred edges and intense sweetness. Slice kernels off the cob with precision.

• Assemble Spectacular Salad Landscape

Layer crisp lettuce as a foundation, then artfully arrange seasoned chicken, vibrant tomatoes, melty cheese, roasted corn, creamy avocado, zesty green onions, and fresh cilantro. Crown with crunchy tortilla chip shards for textural excitement.

• Serve With Flair

Cascade dressing over the salad moments before serving. Provide extra dressing on the side for enthusiastic diners. Dive into a explosion of southwestern flavors that dance across your palate.

Kitchen Notes for Pioneer Woman Chicken Taco Salad

• Boost Flavor Impact: Add a splash of fresh lime juice to the dressing for an extra zesty kick that brightens the entire salad.
• Swap Protein Power: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, ground beef, or black beans to create a personalized protein experience that matches your taste preferences.
• Spice Level Control: Customize the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa and adding jalapeños or hot sauce according to your spice tolerance.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components separately and store in airtight containers up to 24 hours in advance, keeping crispy elements like tortilla chips separate to maintain maximum crunchiness.

How to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Chicken Taco Salad

• Pair with Cool Sides: Refresh your meal with chilled cucumber slices or a zesty watermelon salad to complement the bold taco salad flavors.
• Garnish with Zest: Sprinkle extra lime wedges and additional chopped cilantro on top to brighten the dish and add a burst of fresh herbs.
• Customize Your Crunch: Offer various tortilla chip varieties like blue corn, multigrain, or spicy chili-lime chips for guests to personalize their salad texture and taste.
• Share Family-Style: Present the salad on a large platter in the center of the table, allowing everyone to scoop and enjoy their own portion with extra dressing on the side.

Sizzling Pioneer Woman Chicken Taco Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delicious chicken taco salad from the Pioneer Woman brings Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table. Crisp lettuce, seasoned chicken, and zesty toppings create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup (2 oz) pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 3 roma tomatoes, diced
• 2 ears corn, husked and silk removed
• 2 avocados, diced
• 1 large head green leaf lettuce, shredded (about 8 cups)
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 tbsps cilantro, finely minced
• ½ cup cilantro leaves, loosely packed
• ¾ cup (6 fl oz) ranch dressing
• ¼ cup (2 fl oz) salsa
• 2 tbsps taco seasoning
• ¼ cup (2 fl oz) vegetable oil
• 2 tbsps butter
• tortilla chips of choice, slightly crushed

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk ranch dressing, salsa, and cilantro in a bowl until smooth. Refrigerate to blend flavors and chill thoroughly.
2. Chicken Cooking: Season chicken breasts with taco seasoning. Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 4 minutes per side. Rest for 10 minutes, then cube into uniform pieces.
3. Corn Roasting: Utilize the same skillet to char corn kernels until crisp-tender and slightly caramelized. Remove kernels from cob using a sharp knife.
4. Salad Assembly: Layer shredded lettuce as the base. Top with seasoned chicken cubes, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, roasted corn, avocado cubes, green onion slices, and cilantro leaves. Scatter crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
5. Final Presentation: Drizzle chilled dressing over the salad just before serving. Offer extra dressing on the side for personalized flavor enhancement. Serve in individual decorative bowls.

Notes

• Seasoning Secrets: Use high-quality taco seasoning and consider making your own blend for a more personalized flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Chicken Cooking Precision: Ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F to guarantee food safety while maintaining maximum juiciness; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Corn Roasting Technique: Char corn carefully to develop deep, smoky flavors without burning; rotate consistently for even caramelization and optimal taste.
• Salad Assembly Strategy: Layer ingredients strategically to prevent soggy lettuce and maintain crisp textures; add crunchy elements like tortilla chips just before serving to preserve their crispness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1300 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg