Name: Chipotle Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chipotle chili powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 mango (peeled and chopped); 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp white vinegar; 2 tbsp lime juice; 2 garlic cloves (peeled); 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/4 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup canola oil; 1 head romaine lettuce (chopped); 1 salad tomato (diced); 1 avocado (cubed); 1 cup corn (canned); 1/2 cup black beans (drained, rinsed); 1 red bell pepper (chopped); 1/2 English cucumber (peeled and chopped); 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); 1/4 red onion (sliced)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something that sings with color, flavor, and a hint of smokiness, Chipotle Chicken Salad is the answer to your lunch or dinner dreams. It’s hearty yet fresh, zesty with a touch of spicy chipotle, and finished with a luscious honey mango dressing that turns every forkful into a tropical party. With juicy chipotle-spiced chicken, crunchy vegetables, sweet mango, and a tangy, creamy dressing, this salad delivers a delightful flavor punch without feeling heavy. Trust me, once you master this Chipotle Chicken Salad, you’ll be hooked for life.

Chipotle Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chipotle Chicken Salad lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that make each bite unforgettable. Every component brings something essential to the table—vivid colors, satisfying crunch, or vibrant flavor—so make sure you gather each one for the best result.

Chicken breasts: The juicy, protein-packed base for our salad, soaking up all the chipotle flavors.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the spices stick to the chicken.
Chipotle chili powder: The star spice, giving smoky heat and depth to the chicken.
Paprika: Brings a subtle sweetness and glowing color to the mix.
Garlic powder: Lends a savory kick and boosts the aromatic profile.
Cumin: Adds an earthy, slightly nutty undertone that complements the chipotle.
Onion powder: Enhances the savory notes and rounds out the flavor profile.
Salt: Essential for drawing out all the flavors in both the chicken and dressing.
Lime juice: Infuses zing and brightness, both in the marinade and the dressing.
Romaine lettuce: Chopped crisp greens create the perfect crunchy salad foundation.
Salad tomato: Gives juicy pops of freshness in every bite.
Avocado: Creamy, buttery texture balances all the spices and acidity.
Corn (canned): Sweet and slightly chewy, corn adds color and flavor contrast.
Black beans: Protein-packed and tender, with an earthy taste that pairs perfectly.
Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness, crunch, and a burst of vibrant red.
English cucumber: Cool, crisp, and refreshing with every bite.
Cheddar cheese (shredded): Adds rich, melty goodness and a sharp bite.
Red onion: Sliced thin, it adds tang and a satisfying crunch without overpowering.
Mango: Bright, juicy, and sweet—mango is the secret that elevates this salad’s dressing.
Honey: Naturally sweetens the dressing and balances the lime and vinegar.
White vinegar: Gives the dressing a gentle acidic bite and helps cut through the richness.
Garlic cloves: Adds bold flavor and depth to the honey mango dressing.
Chili powder: Gives the dressing a hint of warmth and color.
Cumin: Lends earthy complexity to the sweet and savory dressing blend.
Black pepper: Adds a little kick and balances the sweetness in the dressing.
Canola oil: Whips the dressing into a silky, pourable emulsion.

How to Make Chipotle Chicken Salad

Step 1: Flavor Up the Chicken

Start by combining olive oil, chipotle chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, salt, and fresh lime juice in a bowl. Whisk them together to form a bold, aromatic rub—the secret to that signature smokiness. Add the chicken breasts and massage the marinade into every nook and cranny, making sure each piece is well coated. Let your chicken hang out in this spicy embrace for at least 30 minutes. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes works, but longer yields bolder flavor.

Step 2: Cook to Perfection

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, lay in the marinated chicken breasts and let them sear for 4 to 5 minutes, undisturbed. You’re looking for a deep, golden crust with just a hint of char for that authentic chipotle flavor. Flip, reduce the heat a little, and let them finish cooking—about 6 to 7 minutes more, or until no longer pink inside. Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for a couple of minutes, then slice it into strips for easy salad topping.

Step 3: Whip Up the Honey Mango Dressing

Add diced mango, honey, white vinegar, fresh lime juice, garlic cloves, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to your blender. Blitz everything until the mango is perfectly smooth and everything’s combined. With the blender running, drizzle in the canola oil to emulsify. You’ll end up with a silky, golden dressing that tastes like tropical sunshine! Let it sit in the fridge while you assemble the salad.

Step 4: Build the Salad Base

In a large salad bowl, toss together chopped romaine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, cucumber, cheddar cheese, and red onion. Look at all those gorgeous colors—this is a salad that celebrates freshness! Toss gently to combine, spreading the creamy avocado through the bowl for extra richness.

Step 5: Assemble Your Chipotle Chicken Salad

Divide the mixed salad base among four bowls. Top each serving with a generous pile of the warm, sliced chipotle chicken. Drizzle liberally with the honey mango dressing, letting it cascade over the chicken and greens. If you’re feeling fancy, add a final sprinkle of cheddar, a dash of chili powder, or a squeeze of lime. Dive in while everything’s at its vibrant best!

How to Serve Chipotle Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Go wild with toppings! Extra shards of cheddar, a scattering of fresh cilantro, or even thin slices of jalapeño add bursts of color and flavor. I love a final drizzle of lime juice or a few avocado chunks on top for more creaminess in every bite. For extra crunch, toss on some toasted pepitas or crumbled tortilla chips right before serving.

Side Dishes

This Chipotle Chicken Salad is a meal in itself, but it shines even brighter with the right sides. Pair it with warm corn tortillas, a bowl of spicy black bean soup, or a simple slice of crusty sourdough. If you want to lean into the Tex-Mex vibe, serve it with sweet potato fries or some cooling cilantro-lime rice.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Try serving the Chipotle Chicken Salad in a hollowed-out bell pepper or avocado half for a playful, edible bowl. For a handheld twist, tuck the salad and chicken into large romaine leaves and eat them like lettuce wraps. Or, layer all the components in a mason jar for an Instagram-worthy to-go lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chipotle Chicken Salad components separate if possible. Store the chicken and veggies in airtight containers in the fridge, and keep the honey mango dressing in a jar. The salad base and chicken stay fresh for up to 3 days, while the dressing will last about a week. Give everything a good toss before serving again!

Freezing

Freezing the cooked chipotle chicken works well—just cool and store it in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. The salad veggies and dressing do not freeze well, as they’ll lose their delightful texture upon thawing. Only freeze the chicken and assemble the salad fresh when you’re ready.

Reheating

If you’ve frozen or chilled leftover chipotle chicken, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 30–45 seconds until gently warmed through. Add it to your fresh salad base and drizzle with cold honey mango dressing for a delicious, next-day lunch.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Chipotle Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Shred or slice a rotisserie chicken, toss it with the chipotle seasoning, and warm in a skillet for a few minutes to infuse those bold flavors before building your salad.

What can I use instead of mango in the dressing?

If mango isn’t available, ripe peaches or pineapple work beautifully too. Both provide the needed sweetness and tropical flair that matches the smokiness of the chicken.

How spicy is this salad?

The heat level is moderate, thanks to chipotle chili powder and a touch of chili in the dressing. If you prefer less spice, reduce the chipotle powder or leave out the extra chili in the dressing.

Can I make the Chipotle Chicken Salad vegetarian?

You bet! Swap the chicken for hearty grilled tofu or chickpeas seasoned with the same chipotle spice blend for a protein-packed, plant-based bowl.

What’s the best way to pack Chipotle Chicken Salad for lunch?

Keep the salad, chicken, and dressing in separate containers in the fridge. Assemble and dress your salad just before eating to avoid sogginess and enjoy crisp, flavorful bites.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t fallen head over heels for salad before, this Chipotle Chicken Salad is about to change that. With spicy, juicy chicken, sweet mango, fresh veggies, and a crave-worthy dressing, every bite feels like a celebration. Give it a try with your own spin—your next go-to salad is waiting!

Chipotle Chicken Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 7 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Chipotle Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of spicy chipotle chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and a tangy honey mango dressing. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds!

Instructions

Chipotle Chicken: Mix together all the ingredients except for the chicken in a bowl. Add in the chicken breasts and cover them with the rub. Let the chicken sit for 30 minutes before cooking. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on one side until browned. Turn the chicken over, reduce the heat, and cook for another 6-7 minutes until fully cooked. Slice the chicken breasts.
Honey Mango Dressing: Blend all ingredients except canola oil until smooth. Add canola oil and blend. Let it sit.
Salad: Toss all chopped salad ingredients in a bowl. Divide into 4 bowls, top with chicken slices, and drizzle with dressing.

Notes

You can customize the salad by adding your favorite toppings like nuts or seeds.
Feel free to adjust the spice level in the chipotle chicken rub to suit your taste.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Mexican