Chicken Salad Budget Cuts (Print View)

Affordable chicken paired with fresh vegetables for a wholesome, protein-rich meal.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp paprika
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Vegetables

07 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1 large cucumber, diced
10 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
11 - 2 medium carrots, shredded
12 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
13 - 1 cup cooked chickpeas (optional)

→ Dressing

14 - 3 tbsp olive oil
15 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
16 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
17 - 1 tsp honey (optional)
18 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

19 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Toss chicken thighs or drumsticks with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
03 - Arrange chicken on a baking tray and roast for 18-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let cool slightly, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
04 - Rinse and chop lettuce, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell pepper, shred carrots, thinly slice onion, and combine with cooked chickpeas in a large salad bowl.
05 - Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper together until emulsified.
06 - Add the cooled chicken to the salad bowl, drizzle with dressing, and toss gently to combine.
07 - Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the salad before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Budget-friendly chicken cuts offer protein without overspending
  • Loaded with fresh veggies for crunch and nutrition
02 -
  • If using canned chickpeas, always check labels for cross-contamination
  • This recipe is dairy-free and gluten-free as written, but double-check ingredient packaging
03 -
  • Swap in leftover roasted chicken or poached breast for faster prep
  • Add lentils or extra chickpeas to boost plant protein and make the salad go further
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