Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful salad that's both healthy and incredibly delicious? Then look no further! This Fogo de Chão inspired chicken salad recipe brings the zesty, smoky flavors of Brazilian cuisine right to your kitchen table. It’s a perfect quick dinner idea, a satisfying lunch, or a delightful addition to your next gathering. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
This healthy meal comes together quickly with readily available ingredients.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 cups mixed greens (spring mix, romaine, etc.)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese for a readily available alternative)
- For the Cilantro-Lime Dressing:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
This recipe is a great example of homemade cooking at its finest, simple yet impressive.
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and rub the spices into the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken cool slightly before shredding it with two forks.
- Make the Dressing: While the chicken is baking, whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado. Add the shredded chicken.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the cilantro-lime dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Top with crumbled cotija cheese (or feta) and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or the dressing.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, corn, or black beans.
- If you don't have cotija cheese, feta cheese or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese makes a delicious substitute.
- For a heartier salad, add some cooked quinoa or brown rice.
- Make this a complete meal prep solution by prepping the chicken and dressing in advance and assembling the salad just before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Fogo de Chão inspired chicken salad is a delightful blend of smoky, zesty, and fresh flavors. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adapted to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy this delicious and healthy meal! It's guaranteed to become one of your best recipes.