Taco Chicken Salad
A flavorful taco chicken salad featuring crispy tortillas, seasoned chicken, fresh lettuce, and a creamy salsa topping—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 (6 inch) corn tortillas ⓘ
- vegetable cooking spray
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz) cans tomatoes and green chilies, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 cup nonfat sour cream ⓘ
- 6 cups torn iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp shredded reduced fat sharp Cheddar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup mild salsa ⓘ
Instructions
- Place tortillas on a large baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 6 minutes.
- Remove from oven and turn over.
- Lightly coat with vegetable cooking spray.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and red pepper over tortillas.
- Bake an additional 6 minutes until crisp; set aside.
- Coat a large nonstick skillet with spray and heat over medium-high heat.
- Saute onion until tender.
- Add cooked chicken and drained tomatoes and green chilies.
- Stir well and cook over medium heat.
- Stir in nonfat sour cream.
- Place tortillas on individual plates.
- Top each with 1 cup torn iceberg lettuce.
- Spoon chicken mixture evenly over lettuce.
- Sprinkle with shredded reduced fat sharp Cheddar cheese.
- Garnish with cilantro if desired.
- Serve with mild salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice and spices before cooking. You can substitute corn tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free options if needed. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great for this dish. Adding black beans or corn to the chicken mixture can enhance the nutrition and flavor. This recipe can be easily adjusted to fit into your favorite Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Taco Chicken Salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and pairs beautifully with mild salsa or guacamole on the side. For a complete meal, serve with a side of Mexi-Veg Rice Salad for a colorful and nutritious addition. You can also offer tortilla chips for crunch and extra flavor, making it a festive dish for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Taco Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the chicken mixture in a skillet over low heat until heated through, and serve again on fresh tortillas or over lettuce. Avoid reheating the tortillas to maintain their crispness, and add fresh toppings before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Taco Chicken Salad contains roughly 808 calories, with 23g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (335% of the Daily Value), iron (95% of the Daily Value), and potassium (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1434mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and toppings in advance, but it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the tortillas crisp. Store each component separately in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to sour cream, consider using Greek yogurt, which provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. You can also use avocado for a richer taste or omit it entirely for a lighter version.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spice level, you can add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture or use a spicier salsa. Additionally, consider incorporating a dash of hot sauce or using diced chipotle peppers for a smoky heat that complements the flavors of the salad.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).