Print

Honey Hot Chicken Salad

Honey Hot Chicken Salad
Print Recipe

Honey Hot Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that balances sweet honey and spicy chicken with fresh, crunchy vegetables. Perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or snack, this protein-packed salad combines tender chicken strips marinated and cooked with honey and hot sauce, served over mixed greens with a tangy honey-lemon dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized strips
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1–2 tbsp hot sauce or chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Salad Base

  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken breast into bite-sized strips. In a bowl, marinate the chicken with honey, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Add the marinated chicken strips and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked but still juicy.
  3. Prepare the Salad Base: While the chicken cooks, wash and slice the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Combine all vegetables in a large bowl to create a fresh and colorful base.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
  5. Assemble the Salad: Place the cooked chicken strips on top of the salad greens and vegetables. Drizzle the honey-lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently to mix all flavors. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to fully develop the sweet and spicy flavors.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy; aim for a golden crust with a tender center.
  • Use fresh, crisp vegetables and freshly squeezed lemon juice for best flavor brightness.
  • Adjust the amount of honey and hot sauce to match your preferred level of sweetness and spice.
  • Serve the salad immediately to maintain its fresh crunch and vibrant flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Hot Chicken Salad, spicy chicken salad, honey chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, protein salad, quick salad recipe

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/honey-hot-chicken-salad/