This Sweet Chili Chicken Salad is a colorful mix of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a zingy chili dressing. It’s light, crunchy, and oh-so-tasty!
If you’re like me, you might just toss in extra chicken because it’s that good! I love serving it on hot days; it’s refreshing and super easy to whip up. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this salad. If you need a quicker option, use rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked and shredded, saving you time!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick. If you can’t find it, try using teriyaki sauce mixed with a little Sriracha for a similar flavor. You could also make a simple version at home with sugar, vinegar, and chili flakes.
Mixed Lettuce: I love using a mix of greens for different textures and flavors. If you can’t find mixed greens, anything like spinach, green leaf, or even arugula works great too!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness, but if you’re not a fan, you can leave it out or substitute with fresh parsley for a milder flavor.
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken might seem tricky, but it’s really simple! After cooking, take the chicken out and let it rest. This makes it juicier. Then, use two forks to pull the meat apart. Start by holding one fork in the chicken piece and using the second fork to pull away layers. It’s that easy!
- Cook and rest your chicken before shredding.
- Use two forks for quick peeling.
- Make sure to shred while the chicken is still warm—it’s easier!
By following these tips, you’ll have a flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Salad that everyone will love! Enjoy your meal!
Sweet Chili Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed lettuce (romaine, red leaf, spinach, and/or kale)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice (for extra zing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sweet Chili Chicken Salad takes about 35-40 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing and cooking the chicken, plus 10 minutes to mix up the salad. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the chicken juicy and make all the flavors come together.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or get a skillet ready on medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. If you’re using the oven, place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly oiled. Bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and juices run clear. If you choose the skillet, cook the chicken in olive oil for about 6-8 minutes on each side.
2. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is important as it helps keep the chicken juicy! After resting, use two forks to shred the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
3. Mix the Chicken with Sauce:
Take your shredded chicken and place it in a bowl. Add the sweet chili sauce and toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. If you like a little extra tang, you can mix in a tablespoon of rice vinegar or lime juice — it gives it a nice zing!
4. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro (if using). Give it a good toss to mix everything together nicely.
5. Assemble the Salad:
Top the salad base with the sweet chili chicken mixture. If you have any leftover sweet chili sauce, feel free to drizzle that over the top for extra flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Sweet Chili Chicken Salad is now ready to serve! Enjoy it immediately while everything is fresh and delicious. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and can be complemented with some crusty bread or rice on the side if you like.
This salad is not just colorful, but bursting with flavors, making it a delightful meal that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great in this salad. Just shred it and mix it with the sweet chili sauce, and you’re good to go!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad base (greens, bell pepper, onions) and store it separately in the fridge. Mix in the warm chicken and sauce right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite veggies! Cucumbers, carrots, or even avocado would add some nice textures and flavors to the dish.
How Should I Store Any Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the salad mix separate from the chicken to prevent it from getting soggy. Reheat the chicken gently before adding it back to the salad!
