Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Salad is a vibrant, satisfying dish that combines tender, spicy chicken with a medley of fresh, crisp vegetables. The hot honey glaze adds a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, making it a deliciously unique salad that’s both filling and refreshing. With a crunchy topping and the right amount of zing, this salad is perfect for a quick dinner or a flavorful lunch.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breastsolive oilpaprikagarlic powderonion powdercayenne pepperhoneyhot saucefresh greens (such as mixed lettuce, spinach, or arugula)cherry tomatoescucumbersavocadoshredded carrotsred onionspita chips (for crunch)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked and golden.
3. While the chicken bakes, make the hot honey glaze by combining honey and hot sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until well combined and warm.
4. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey glaze over the top. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it.
5. Prepare your salad base by tossing the fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, shredded carrots, and red onion together in a large bowl.
6. Top the salad with the sliced hot honey chicken and break pita chips over the top for an added crunch.
7. Drizzle any remaining hot honey glaze over the salad, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 2-4 people.

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add grilled corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
• Substitute the pita chips with crunchy croutons or nuts like almonds or walnuts.
• For a lighter version, swap the hot honey glaze with a balsamic vinaigrette or lemon dressing.
• Use a different protein such as grilled shrimp or tofu.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, store the salad components and the chicken separately, as the salad greens may wilt when mixed with the dressing. To reheat the chicken, microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm it in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great for this recipe and will add a slightly richer flavor.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time, but assemble the salad right before serving to maintain the freshness of the greens.

Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice depends on how much hot sauce you use in the glaze. Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your spice preference.

Can I use store-bought hot honey?
Yes, you can use store-bought hot honey if you want to save time. Just warm it up before drizzling over the chicken.

Can I make this without honey?
If you prefer a savory salad, you can leave out the honey and opt for a tangy vinaigrette dressing instead.

Conclusion

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, making it the perfect addition to your salad repertoire. The crunchy topping and the contrast of flavors make this salad a must-try. Whether you’re craving a zesty, fresh lunch or a satisfying dinner, this dish delivers both in taste and texture.

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