High Protein Southwest Chicken is a flavorful, protein-packed dish that transforms your lunch routine. This salad is not just filling but also quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weekdays. With shredded chicken, beans, corn, and a zesty dressing, it’s designed for anyone looking to add a healthy twist to their meals. In under 30 minutes, you can enjoy a nutritious and satisfying salad that fits perfectly into a high-protein diet.
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Southwest Chicken
This Protein-Packed Southwest Chicken Recipe offers numerous benefits that make it a standout choice. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, it’s filled with wholesome ingredients that are not only nutritious but also delicious. Third, it boasts an impressive 37g of protein per serving, making it perfect for those aiming to build muscle or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, it’s low in carbs, making it suitable for low-carb diets. Finally, this salad is versatile; it can be served on its own, as a filling for tacos, or even as a side dish to complement your favorite meals. For more healthy recipes, check out Mediterranean Chickpea Salad.
Ingredients for High Protein Southwest Chicken
Gather these items:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb), cooked and shredded
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
How to Make High Protein Southwest Chicken Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Bake, boil, or grill chicken breasts until cooked through. Shred with two forks and let cool.
- Step 2: Dice red onion and bell pepper. Prepare corn and rinse beans.
- Step 3: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, beans, corn, and veggies. Add dressing and toss until well coated.
- Step 5: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Pro Tips for the Perfect High Protein Southwest Chicken
Keep these in mind:
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- Experiment with different beans like kidney or pinto for a twist.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste for a spicier or milder dish. Remember, the method involves mixing and cooking for best results.
Best Ways to Serve High Protein Southwest Chicken
This Southwest-Style High Protein Chicken Dish can be enjoyed in multiple ways. Serve it in a bowl with quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal. Alternatively, use it as a filling for High Protein Southwest Chicken Tacos or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Pair it with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole for an extra kick! For more ideas, check out Easy Avocado Toast Recipe.
How to Store and Reheat High Protein Southwest Chicken
To store your salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For meal prep, divide it into individual portions. When ready to eat, simply take it out and enjoy cold, or reheat gently in the microwave for a warm meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About High Protein Southwest Chicken
What’s the secret to perfect High Protein Southwest Chicken?
The secret lies in the seasoning and the balance of ingredients. Using fresh veggies and proper seasoning enhances the flavors, making your dish taste vibrant and fresh.
Can I make High Protein Southwest Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight.
How do I avoid common mistakes with High Protein Southwest Chicken?
Ensure your chicken is fully cooked and shredded properly. Avoid over-mixing the salad, which can make the ingredients mushy. Keep the dressing separate until serving if you prefer a fresher taste.
Variations of High Protein Southwest Chicken You Can Try
Feel free to mix it up! Try adding avocado for healthy fats or swap in different proteins like turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also incorporate seasonal vegetables to add color and nutrients. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to fit various diets while still being a Healthy Southwest Chicken with Protein.
High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad for Easy Lunches
Powerful High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad for Easy Work Lunches
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Cooking
- Cuisine: Southwest
- Diet: High Protein
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb), cooked and shredded
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bake, boil, or grill chicken breasts until cooked through. Shred with two forks and let cool.
- Dice red onion and bell pepper. Prepare corn and rinse beans.
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, beans, corn, and veggies. Add dressing and toss until well coated.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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