This Crispy Chicken Salad Bowl delivers juicy breaded chicken over a bed of fresh greens, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing. It’s high in protein, satisfying, and easy to customize—perfect for lunches or light dinners.
Table of Contents
Why This Salad Bowl Hits the Spot
The magic is in the contrast: crispy golden chicken strips meet crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy dressing. Every bite has texture and flavor. It feels indulgent yet balanced, with plenty of protein to keep you full through the day.
I like serving this alongside lighter dishes like my One‑Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup—the bowl adds crunch and protein while the soup offers warmth and comfort.
Ingredients & Prep Tips
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast or tenders, cut into strips | 500 g |
| Bread crumbs or panko | 1 cup |
| Egg (beaten) or buttermilk | 1 |
| Mixed salad greens | 4 cups |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1 cup |
| Cucumber, sliced | 1/2 cup |
| Shredded carrots or bell pepper strips | ½ cup |
| Olive oil or cooking oil | for frying |
| Your favorite dressing (ranch, honey‑mustard, yogurt‑based) | as desired |
| Sea salt & black pepper | to season |
Prep & Crisp Tips
To ensure crispy chicken, pat strips dry before dredging in egg and breadcrumbs. Use panko for extra crunch. Fry or bake until golden. Chop salad ingredients uniformly, so every bite includes balanced textures. Use cold dressing to retain salad crunch.
This bowl is a nice contrast to creamy meals like the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Potatoes. Serve it together for a meal that balances richness and crisp freshness perfectly.
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare Chicken
In a shallow bowl, beat the egg or use buttermilk. Dip chicken strips into egg, then coat in breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper.
2. Cook Chicken Strips
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry strips 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp; drain on paper towel. Or bake at 200°C for 15 minutes, flipping once.
3. Assemble Salad Bowl
In a large bowl, combine greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots or peppers. Arrange crispy chicken strips on top. Drizzle with dressing and season as needed.
Crispy Chicken Salad Bowl – High Protein & Crunchy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Crispy Chicken Salad Bowl features golden breaded chicken on a bed of fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a creamy dressing. It’s high in protein and packed with crunch!
Ingredients
500g chicken breast or tenders, cut into strips
1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
1 beaten egg or 1/2 cup buttermilk
4 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cucumber slices
1/2 cup shredded carrots or bell pepper strips
Olive oil or cooking oil (for frying)
Your favorite dressing (ranch, honey-mustard, or yogurt-based)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Dip each strip in egg or buttermilk, then coat in breadcrumbs.
3. Fry in hot oil for 3–4 minutes per side until crispy or bake at 200°C for 15 minutes.
4. Assemble the salad: mix greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and carrots in a bowl.
5. Top with crispy chicken strips and drizzle with your choice of dressing.
6. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.
Add boiled egg or avocado for more protein.
Air-fry the chicken for a healthier version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Crispy Chicken Salad Recipe, High Protein Chicken Recipes, Salad Bowls, Chicken Strip Salad
High-Protein Variations & Add-Ins
Add boiled egg halves, avocado slices, or chickpeas for more protein. Use spiced seasoning on chicken—paprika or garlic powder—for flavor. Swap breadcrumbs for almond meal for low‑carb versions. Add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for extra crunch and nutrition.
Pair this bowl with light soup or fruit salad—together, they make a balanced, satisfying meal for warm days or active schedules.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
You can prep chicken in advance and reheat or crisp before topping your salad. Keep salad components and dressing separate until assembly for freshness.
Is frying necessary?
No—baking works great. Brush strips lightly with oil and bake until crispy. You can even air-fry for a healthier, crisp result.
How healthy is this salad?
High in lean protein from chicken, loaded with fiber-rich vegetables, and lightly dressed. Using olive oil for cooking and yogurt-based dressing reduces fat while staying satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad bowl with quinoa or brown rice on the side for added complex carbs. Pair with light soup or smoothie bowls for a balanced meal. It’s also ideal for meal-prep—you can pack strips and salad separately and assemble fresh later.
Ideal for lunches, quick dinners, or meal kits—this satisfies both protein needs and a crunch craving in one bowl.
Conclusion
The Crispy Chicken Salad Bowl is a delicious, high-protein meal that balances crispy chicken with fresh greens and crunchy veggies. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and endlessly adaptable. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad delivers satisfaction without compromise.