Chipotle’s menu features one of the tastiest chicken salads around, loaded with quality, fresh ingredients and bold flavors. It’s the perfect option for anyone looking for a flavorful, lighter meal. Our salad features a bed of chopped romaine lettuce.
Finally, sink your teeth into that perfectly seasoned, grilled chicken goodness on top, and customize to your heart’s content with black beans, fajita veggies, and salsas. You can customize it by adding extras such as guacamole or shredded cheese to your liking.
The chicken is marinated in a killer ancho chili sauce. This gives it a deep, smoky, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the different toppings available.
With its mix of protein, vegetables, and optional add-ons, Chipotle’s chicken salad caters to anyone looking for a customizable, flavorful, and fresh meal option.
What is Chipotle Chicken Salad?
Chipotle chicken salad is a bright, fresh, totally customizable dish that perfectly combines a variety of tasty, wholesome ingredients. This tasty salad is made with shredded rotisserie chicken, blended chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped green onion, celery, plain Greek yogurt, and just a little bit of mayonnaise.
Loaded with protein while providing a delicious smoky, slightly spicy flavor, this salad is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds. It’s so great to have on hand because it’s super versatile. It can be served over greens, in a wrap, or as a last sandwich filling.
You can make it in less than 20 minutes! It’s an easy Chipotle chicken salad meal prep favorite that keeps well in the fridge for 4–5 days.
Flavor Profile and Inspiration
This chipotle chicken salad is loaded with fresh, zesty flavor. It takes cues from the bright, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine that allow fresh ingredients to shine with their unique flavors.
The chipotle peppers lend a smoky heat, while green onions and celery introduce crunch and brightness. The cool, creamy base of Greek yogurt and mayo completely mellows out the spices and heat, providing the perfect luscious mix of flavors and textures.
A sprinkle of cilantro or diced tomatoes can further enhance the dish, making it adaptable to various preferences.
Why Make It At Home?
Making Chipotle chicken salad at home ensures that it’s always fresh and that you have total control over the quality of each ingredient. It’s a cost-effective alternative to dining out and allows for easy customization, whether you prefer extra spice or lighter ingredients.
Because of its easy preparation, it’s a perfect candidate for a hectic day. It gives you a nutritious, delicious meal in virtually no time at all.
Gather Ingredients for Chipotle Chicken Salad
Building a perfect Chipotle Chicken Salad starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. A combination of colorful, fresh produce, quality proteins, and pantry staples will take your salads to the next level. With the winning combination of proper preparation and attention to detail, this chicken salad transforms into a deliciously wholesome meal.
It doubles wonderfully as a quick meal-prep meal for the week!
Chicken Selection and Preparation
The base of this Chipotle Chicken Salad is chicken, and pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is an easy go-to. Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this meal come together quickly, and the chicken lends a deliciously rich, savory flavor. If you like cooking things from scratch, choose grilled or baked chicken breasts or thighs.
To develop flavor and add tenderness, marinate the chicken first in lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and chipotle peppers. Don’t forget to taste test! Adjust seasonings to suit your spice tolerance. Grilling adds a smoky richness, while baking creates a perfectly juicy bite.
Fresh Produce Choices
A hearty base of nutrient-rich greens, including romaine, kale, and spinach, gives it a strong start. Toss in some diced or sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocados for pops of color and added crunch. Fresh herbs, especially cilantro and parsley, really elevate the flavor.
Frozen corn is a great alternative if it’s cooler out!
Dressing Essentials
The dressing really pulls the salad together. Vinegrettes with lime or cream-used cream-based ingredients such as chipotle mayo are fantastic here. Homemade dressings, made with Greek yogurt and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, can easily be adjusted to suit taste buds and healthy eating habits.
Store-bought versions provide convenience if you’re in a pinch.
How to Make Chipotle Chicken Salad
It’s really easy—and delicious—to make a classic chicken salad recipe at home. Once you master these steps, you’ll have an easy lunch or hearty dish whipped up in no time.
1. Cook and Shred the Chicken
First, season 1 to 1½ lbs. Of chicken with taco seasoning and a little olive oil. Sear the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Then, flip it over and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until completely cooked through.
Using two large forks to shred the chicken will make mixing easier. Cooked, leftover chicken works great here, too, saving you time while still delivering that bold flavor.
2. Prepare the Supergreen Salad Base
Use a combination of nutrient-rich greens like kale, spinach, and arugula. Layer them in a large bowl to make a beautiful presentation that serves as a canvas for even more flavor.
Mixing multiple greens gives the salad a unique texture and flavor profile that takes it to another level of deliciousness.
3. Chop Fresh Vegetables
Dice fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, cabbage, and avocado into even-sized pieces for the perfect balance of flavor. Stirring in corn, black beans, and shredded cheese adds to this salad’s colorful appearance and flavor.
Once you have these prepped ahead of time, assembly goes much quicker.
4. Make Chipotle-Inspired Dressing
In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, and lime juice. Next, pour in the adobo seasoning, diced chipotle peppers, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
This zesty, smoky dressing mixes creamy and chipotle Chipotleperfect salad flavor. Change the spice level to suit your tastes.
5. Combine and Toss Ingredients
Combine the shredded chicken, greens, and vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Transfer to the serving bowl or platter, add the dressing, then toss gently to thoroughly coat without bruising the greens.
I’d recommend serving this right away for the best flavor, though.
Customize Your Chicken Salad Bowl
A Chipotle Chicken Salad Bowl with lots of yummy toppings is to die for! Best of all, it’s super versatile, so you can customize it to suit your tastes and nutrition needs. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or savoring bright, fresh, seasonal ingredients, this dish provides unlimited opportunities to personalize it.
From protein-packed toppings to savory bases, each option brings its distinct flair.
Add Beans and Rice
Adding beans and/or brown rice to your salad bowl is an easy way to fill it with hearty goodness. Black beans and pinto beans add a wonderful punch of protein and filling fiber, making them a smart choice for creating a super hearty meal, too!
Choose cilantro lime rice as your base to add a whole new dimension of flavor to your dish. It’s the ideal combination, especially when you consider the vibrant flavors of chipotle chicken. You can even combine both kinds of beans for something special.
Black beans make everything creamy and delicious, and pinto beans add just the right touch of nutty flavor. Together, they make a perfectly hearty blend.
Spice It Up
For those who love bold flavors, adding a bit of heat can enhance your salad. To bring that extra kick, include jalapeños or a spicy salsa. You could also sprinkle cumin or chili powder over your bowl to deepen the flavor profile.
Adjusting the spice level by mixing mild and spicy ingredients lets you find the perfect balance.
Include Toppings
Toppings such as cheese, guacamole, and crunchy tortilla strips give different options and textures. Fresh herbs, like cilantro, make the dish pop.
In the meantime, nuts and seeds, like almonds or pumpkin seeds, provide crunch and plant-based nutrition.
Tips for the Best Flavor
Developing a Chipotle Chicken Salad full of bold, smoky flavors begins with care and consideration at each touchpoint. No detail is too small. Each aspect, from the marinade to that last seasoning adjustment, is key.
Combining their talents, they make a salad that’s pretty darn classy.
Marinate the Chicken
Marinating is the perfect way to guarantee maximum flavor and deliciously tender, juicy chicken. While 30 minutes is all you need for the flavors to penetrate, going overnight brings them to another level.
Use a tenderizer, such as fruit juices (citrus, like lime or orange, work well). You can also quick-pickle shrimp with a vinegar-based marinade to give it a zesty flavor throughout.
If you don’t have the time, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can easily do the job, cutting down on the work but still producing a good outcome.
Freshness Matters
Fresh ingredients always produce a more vibrant flavor. Crisp shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and rich avocado round out this taco’s contrasting texture and flavor bomb.
Our top recommendation is to use local, in-season produce for the best flavor. Remember to look at expiration dates on packaged products, such as cheese or dressing.
Soaking onions in salted ice water for 7 to 10 minutes will mellow their pungency without changing their crispness.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste, taste, taste, it’s very important before you serve! A sprinkle of salt, a grind of pepper, or a dash of adobo sauce (1–2 tsp for milder heat) can balance flavors.
If you still want to brighten things up, add a splash of lime juice. The smoky dressing ties it all together, so don’t skimp—a double batch in the fridge is always a good idea.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Proper storage and serving methods ensure that you’ll always enjoy your chicken salad recipe at its best. By preparing and storing each ingredient with care, you can keep your bowl vibrant and delicious for an easy lunch.
Keep Ingredients Separate
To avoid a wilty salad, pack moist items such as salad dressings apart from leafy greens. This keeps the leaves from wilting and helps keep the salad nice and crisp.
For instance, package the dressing separately into small, leak-proof containers and add it just before serving. Cut or slice up veggies, such as tomatoes or cucumbers, and keep them in individual containers. That stops moot moisture from ruining your greens or chicken.
Assemble your salad immediately before eating. This allows the lettuce to be crunchy while keeping the chicken juicy, resulting in a superior eating experience.
Serve Cold
Serving the chicken salad cold brings out its cooling, refreshing qualities. Make sure to chill each element—greens, chicken, and veggies—before assembling for a super crunchy bite on all ends that feels refreshing and crispy.
That’s doubly good on hot days. Serve it with iced tea or sparkling water, and you’ve got a refreshing treat! A cooled salad brings out the taste of all those vibrant produce to better emphasize fresh ingredients and make each bite extra delicious.
How Long Does It Last?
If stored in an airtight container, your chicken salad should be kept in the fridge for 4-5 days. For maximum freshness, try to enjoy within 3-4 days.
No matter the method, always check for spoilage (think weird smell or slimy feel) before consuming. Storing the salad in the coldest part of your refrigerator will preserve the best flavor and ensure safety as well.
Nutritional Information Overview
Chipotle’s chicken salad is a delicious option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health. It’s a perfect meal that provides everything your body needs. It’s designed to deliver the nutrients people need most, all in a form you can personalize, perfect for any dietary preference or goal.
Rich with lean protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this hearty dish fosters a healthy lifestyle while satisfying even the largest appetites.
Calorie Count and Macros
A regular Chipotle chicken salad is 240 kcal. Their macronutrient breakdown includes 35% carbohydrates, 29% fat, and 35% protein. This nutritious composition quickly provides the energy you need while supporting muscle recovery.
This delicious salad delivers a big protein punch, with 39% of the DV. This makes it particularly useful for anyone interested in maintaining or gaining muscle. When you add ingredients like guacamole or cheese, you can easily double the calorie count.
Toppings like salsa or lettuce make these burritos leaner. If you’re serious about tracking macros, Chipotle iChipotleend! They provide extensive nutritional information so you can perfectly tailor your salad to your genetic needs.
Allergen Considerations
When constructing a chicken salad of allergens, take care to recognize common offenders. Potential common allergens include dairy (from cheese and sour cream) and gluten (from flour tortillas if included).
Chipotle has some great substitutes available, like dairy-free topping options or going with a gluten-free salad base. If packaged foods, such as dressings, are included, reading ingredient labels helps guarantee that you don’t end up with surprise allergens.
These changes, alongside our air salad bar, mean that you can experience the wow of the meal while still being healthy and/or meeting dietary requirements.
Recreate Chipotle’s Salad at Home
Recreating your version of Chipotle’s Chipotle’s Salad at home is incredibly exciting and worthwhile. With an emphasis on vibrant, wholesome ingredients, you’re well on your way to a deliciously hearty meal that’s sure to hit the spot. This new recipe provides you with a brand new, bolder twist!
It combines smoky chipotle chipotle with bright lime juice and a touch of fire from the jalapeño. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or making it a weekly recipe, this salad is going to pack a flavorful punch.
Cost Savings
Making this Chipotle homemade salad at home will save you a ton of money versus eating out! With a few simple ingredients like rotisserie chicken, fresh greens, and chipotle mayo, you can make multiple servings for the same price as one restaurant order.
For example, pre-cooked chicken can be used as the starting point for multiple meals, making it a more economical option. BMeal prepping also saves you time during the week, keeping you budget-friendly.
Storing a double chipotle mayo batch in the fridge ensures you always have some on hand. This allows for easy, quick meal assembly in a time-crunched world!
Control Ingredients
When you recreate Chipotle’s Salad at home, you’ll be in charge of every component—which is perfect for all diets and dietary needs. Skip the cheese to keep it dairy-free, or whip up roasted garlic in your mayo for an added layer of flavor.
You can increase or decrease the spice level as you desire or even switch from arugula to another green to change things up. Knowing exactly what goes into your meal is comforting, and the ability to customize it to your own unique tastes is an added bonus.
Conclusion
Add bold chipotle flavors and a fresh twist to any meal. Juicy chicken and a variety of crisp greens and toppings build big, bold flavors. When you make it yourself, you can control every factor—how spicy it is, how big a portion, everything. Stay traditional, or get creative with additional toppings. Either way, you’re guaranteed a hearty, vibrant creation every time!
This salad conveniently accommodates even the busiest of lifestyles, providing a delicious option for a quick, nutritious lunch or dinner. With simple prep ahead and storing practices, it’s perfect for meal prep as well. Get a taste of Chipotle’s flavors without delivery—straight from your kitchen. Download the app today, start customizing with your favorite combos, and savor the ultimate blend of flavor and convenience!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chipotle Chicken Salad made of?
Chipotle Chicken Salad features classic grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, fajita veggies, beans, salsa, guacamole, cheese, and a zesty vinaigrette to top it off. This easy lunch is a delicious, wholesome meal, perfect for anyone seeking nutritious chicken salad recipes.
Can I customize my Chipotle Chicken Salad?
Yes! You can easily adapt this chicken salad recipe by adding or omitting ingredients as desired. Pick your preferred salsa, leave off the cheese for a dairy-free meal, or get more protein by ordering double-shredded chicken.
Is Chipotle Chicken Salad keto-friendly?
It doesn’t have to be! Instead of beans and rice, try loading up with keto-friendly, high-protein toppings like shredded chicken, cheese, and creamy avocado for the perfect healthy, easy lunch option!
How do I make Chipotle chicken at home?
In a food processor, combine chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic, and spices, blending to a smooth paste. Grill the mixture until nice and cooked through, imparting the real smoky, spicy flavor that tastes just like a good chicken salad.
How many calories are in a Chipotle Chicken Salad?
Tortillas are great for tacos, burritos, and quesadillas but also perfect for a delicious chicken salad recipe. A regular Chipotle Chicken Salad with basic toppings is 400–600 calories, making it an easy lunch option.
What’s the best way to store leftover Chipotle Chicken Salad?
To enjoy a great option for an easy lunch, keep the salad ingredients in different compartments in the refrigerator. Store moist toppings like guacamole in leak-proof containers, and assemble your chicken salad recipe fresh when it’s time to eat.
Can I make a vegetarian version of Chipotle Chicken Salad?
You betcha! You can easily swap out the chicken for sofritas (spicy tofu) or grilled veggies. For a delicious recipe, pack them with beans, guacamole, and cheese for a filling vegetarian option.
