Chicken Salad Budget Cuts (Printer-Friendly)

Affordable chicken paired with fresh vegetables creates a vibrant, protein-rich main dish perfect for easy meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# Method:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Toss chicken thighs or drumsticks with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
03 - Arrange the chicken on a baking tray and roast for 18-20 minutes until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow to cool slightly, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
04 - While the chicken cooks, rinse and chop the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, onion, and chickpeas. Combine all in a large salad bowl.
05 - In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until emulsified.
06 - Add the cooled chicken to the salad bowl, drizzle with dressing, and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
07 - Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top as a fresh garnish before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Uses budget-friendly chicken cuts for a high-protein meal
  • Packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables for flavor and nutrition
02 -
  • If using canned chickpeas, verify labels for cross-contamination
  • This salad is dairy-free and gluten-free; always check packaged ingredient labels
03 -
  • Let chicken cool before tossing to keep veggies crisp
  • Make the dressing ahead and chill for deeper flavor
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