Flavor-Packed Cowboy Chicken

Featured in Fresh and Filling Salads.

Cowboy Chicken Salad combines smoky chicken with crisp romaine, sweet corn, black beans, and creamy avocado. Tossed in a rich, zesty Cowboy Butter Ranch Dressing, this hearty salad is topped with crispy bacon, Monterey Jack cheese, and crunchy croutons for the perfect blend of texture and flavor. Garnish with fresh jalapeños and a squeeze of lime for an extra kick. Ideal as a satisfying main dish or a vibrant lunch option.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 11 May 2025 13:28:57 GMT
A plate of food with chicken, corn, tomatoes, and avocado. Pin it
A plate of food with chicken, corn, tomatoes, and avocado. | zestplate.com

This hearty Cowboy Chicken Salad has become my go-to dinner for busy weeknights when I want something satisfying yet fresh. The smoky seasoned chicken pairs perfectly with crisp vegetables and a homemade Cowboy Butter Ranch Dressing that ties everything together in one delicious bowl.

I first created this recipe when looking for ways to use leftover grilled chicken from a weekend barbecue. The combination was such a hit with my family that it quickly evolved into this intentional meal that we now make at least twice a month.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provide lean protein and take on the smoky seasoning perfectly
  • Smoked paprika: adds that signature southwestern flavor that makes this truly cowboy style
  • Black beans and corn: create the authentic Tex Mex foundation
  • Fresh jalapeños: bring a bright heat that wakes up all the flavors
  • Crispy bacon: adds irresistible savory crunch and smokiness
  • Monterey Jack cheese: melts slightly when added to the warm chicken creating creamy pockets
  • Homemade Cowboy Butter Ranch Dressing: ties everything together with herb and butter notes

How To Make Cowboy Chicken Salad

Prepare the chicken:
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness which ensures they cook evenly and quickly. Take time to really flatten them to about half an inch thickness for best results. Season generously on both sides with the spice mixture making sure every bit of chicken gets covered in those aromatic spices.
Create the perfect sear:
Heat the skillet until very hot before adding oil and butter. This combination gives you both high heat cooking and rich flavor. Allow chicken to cook completely undisturbed for the first 4 minutes to develop that gorgeous golden crust that seals in juices.
Rest the chicken properly:
After cooking let the chicken rest under foil for a full 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than spilling out when you slice it. The chicken continues cooking slightly during this rest period.
Build layers of flavor:
Start with a bed of crisp romaine as your foundation. Then thoughtfully arrange each topping in sections around the bowl before adding the dressing. This creates visual appeal and ensures each bite has multiple components.
A bowl of food with chicken, avocado, tomatoes, corn, and lime. Pin it
A bowl of food with chicken, avocado, tomatoes, corn, and lime. | zestplate.com

My favorite part of this recipe is how the warm chicken slightly wilts the lettuce underneath it while keeping the outer edges crisp. This creates a wonderful textural contrast that reminds me of the first time I had a similar salad at a small roadside diner during a cross-country road trip with my family.

Make Ahead Tips

The chicken can be seasoned up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. This actually intensifies the flavor as the spices have more time to penetrate the meat. You can also cook the chicken completely and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before assembling your salad.

The dressing stays fresh for up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together overnight. Just give it a good shake before using.

Ingredient Substitutions

No Monterey Jack? White cheddar or pepper jack work beautifully depending on your preference for heat. For a lighter option, try crumbled queso fresco instead.

Romaine can be swapped for any sturdy lettuce like green leaf or iceberg. For a nutrient boost, try using half romaine and half baby spinach or arugula for a peppery kick.

Plant-based eaters can substitute the chicken with seasoned crispy tofu or tempeh that's been cooked with the same spice blend. The salad is hearty enough to satisfy without meat if you prefer.

A plate of food with chicken, tomatoes, and lettuce. Pin it
A plate of food with chicken, tomatoes, and lettuce. | zestplate.com

Serving Suggestions

This salad transitions seamlessly from casual weeknight dinner to weekend entertaining. For a complete meal, serve with warm flour tortillas or a basket of cornbread on the side.

For a fun presentation at parties, set up a Cowboy Salad Bar with all components separately and let guests build their own bowls. Include extra toppings like pickled red onions, crispy tortilla strips, or pepitas for added crunch.

The salad also pairs wonderfully with a chilled Mexican lager or a non-alcoholic agua fresca for a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes the chicken smoky?

The smoky flavor comes from smoked paprika and chili powder in the seasoning mix, which enhances the taste when cooked with olive oil and butter.

→ What is Cowboy Butter Ranch Dressing?

Cowboy Butter Ranch is a creamy dressing made with butter, ranch flavors, and zesty seasonings, adding richness and tanginess to the salad.

→ Can I substitute the vegetables?

Yes, you can customize the salad with your favorite vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or even roasted sweet potatoes for added variety.

→ How can I make it spicier?

To add more heat, increase the cayenne in the chicken seasoning or add extra diced jalapeños to the salad.

→ Is this salad meal-prep friendly?

Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance. Store the components separately and assemble just before serving to keep it fresh.

→ What’s the best way to cook the bacon?

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, or bake it on a lined sheet in a 400°F oven for about 15 minutes for even cooking.

Smoky Cowboy Chicken Salad

Juicy smoky chicken meets fresh veggies and creamy ranch for a bold salad.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
32 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Salads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: Serves 4-6

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds)
02 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 ½ teaspoon black pepper
05 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
06 ½ teaspoon onion powder
07 ½ teaspoon chili powder
08 ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
09 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
10 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

→ Salad

11 4-5 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
12 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 1 medium shallot, diced
14 1 cup (165 g) canned sweet corn, drained
15 1 cup (172 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
16 1 medium avocado, diced
17 1 cup (113 g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
18 1 medium jalapeño, diced
19 4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
20 ¾ cup Cowboy Butter Ranch Dressing
21 croutons, homemade or store-bought
22 1-2 medium jalapeño peppers, sliced for garnish
23 1 medium lime, cut into wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 01

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound them to an even thickness, about ½-inch each.

Step 02

In a small bowl, mix the salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne (if using). Season both sides of the chicken evenly.

Step 03

To a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts and starts to sizzle, add the chicken. Cook chicken undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Then, flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 04

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 05

To a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine. Top the lettuce with sliced cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, shallot, corn, black beans, avocado, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, jalapeño, and crispy bacon. Drizzle with Cowboy Butter Ranch Dressing. Toss gently to coat.

Step 06

Scatter croutons on top. Garnish with sliced jalapeños. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the salad.

Tools You'll Need

  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Large cast iron or stainless steel skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Aluminum foil
  • Large salad bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (Monterey Jack cheese, butter, dressing)
  • Gluten (croutons, depending on ingredients)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 580.5
  • Total Fat: 35.1 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18.2 g
  • Protein: 41.4 g