The Speedy Fiesta Chicken Salad No Faffing About

The Speedy Fiesta Chicken Salad No Faffing About

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Preparation time:12 Mins

Cooking time:0

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 450 g (1 pound) cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded or diced
• 1 (425 g / 15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained well
• 1 (425 g / 15 oz) can sweet corn, thawed and drained
• 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced (about 150 g / 5 oz)
• ¼ cup (50 g) red onion, finely minced
• ½ cup (15 g) cilantro (coriander leaf), coarsely chopped
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) good quality, full-fat mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) chili powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) fine sea salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions:

• Drain and Rinse: Thoroughly rinse the black beans and corn kernels in a colander until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain completely.
• Prep Components: Finely dice the red bell pepper and mince the red onion. Coarsely chop the cilantro leaves. If using whole cooked chicken, shred it into small pieces.
• Whisk the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt/sour cream, and fresh lime juice until smooth. Incorporate the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until uniformly spiced and lump-free.
• Assemble the Salad: Add the shredded chicken, drained beans, corn, diced bell pepper, and minced red onion to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the base ingredients.
• Fold Gently: Use a rubber spatula to gently fold all ingredients together until the dressing evenly coats the chicken, beans, and vegetables.
• Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the spices and lime juice to truly meld. Stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving and perform a final taste test.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:400 calories

Protein:30 g

Fat:22.5 g

Carbs:25 g

Fiber:6 g

Sodium:500 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Tex-Mex

Seriously, Are We Actually Cooking Tonight?

Honestly, who has the energy after a proper long day? I know I often just stare into the fridge hoping a meal magically appears.

If you are desperate for something delicious, fast, and satisfying, you need to meet my new best friend: the Quick and Easy Southwest Chicken .

It is genuinely a game-changer for those nights when the idea of faffing about with pans is just too much.

This vibrant Southwest Chicken Salad is your secret weapon for a stress-free week. It uses all those gorgeous Tex-Mex flavours you love—think smoky spices and a bright, zesty tang.

We are talking zero cooking time here, which makes this the ultimate 15 minute chicken meal .

The Case for the Rotisserie Cheat

I used to think making a brilliant Chicken Salad meant boiling chicken breast and waiting forever. But let me tell you, grabbing a pre-cooked bird from the shop is the greatest kitchen shortcut ever.

This entire dish, built around that handy rotisserie chicken salad recipe , is ready in under 15 minutes. It’s perfect for beginner cooks or anyone who wants minimum commitment.

It serves four very hungry people, or maybe six if you’re spooning it into dainty sandwiches. It's the definition of an easy cold chicken recipe and proves that convenience does not mean compromising on flavour.

Why This Salad Rules Your Lunchtime

This is not just some watery side dish; it is a nutritional powerhouse. It is packed with beans and lean protein, making it one of the best High Protein Salads out there.

For busy people, this recipe is fantastic for Healthy Meal Prep because the flavours actually get better the next day.

Seriously, prep it Sunday, eat well all week.

The magic truly lies in the dressing. We bypass boring mayo and whip up a punchy, fresh lime cumin dressing .

That zest and spice cut through the creaminess perfectly. It means this chicken salad sandwich filling is light, vibrant, and never heavy.

Maximum Flavour, Zero Faff

I remember the first time I made a creamy salad and it went totally soggy. Lesson learned: always, always drain the beans and corn properly! Keeping the ingredients dry ensures that fabulous dressing coats everything perfectly.

This Southwest Chicken delivers that amazing texture combination—creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavour.

It is perfect for those quick garden lunches or stuffing into a wrap when you are absolutely starving. Ready to ditch the dreary leftovers? Right, let’s get stuck into those ingredients!

Getting Started: Your 15 Minute Chicken Meal Base

Honestly, who has time to stand over a stove in summer? I certainly don’t! This recipe for Quick and Easy Southwest Chicken is my secret weapon for Healthy Meal Prep .

It is maximum flavor with zero faff. We’re talking about a proper meal, perfect for making a hefty batch of chicken salad sandwich filling .

You just need to grab the right gear and the right grub.

The Foundation: Building a High Protein Salad

This whole Southwest Chicken Salad hinges on speed, so we are cheating a bit. Embrace the rotisserie chicken salad recipe ethos!

You will need 450 g (1 pound) of pre-cooked chicken. Seriously, just buy a warm bird from the supermarket and shred it up.

I once tried to boil chicken for this, and honestly, what a waste of 20 minutes! Shredding it in a stand mixer is pure genius, by the way.

For the crunch, we rely on pantry heroes. Ensure your beans and corn are bone dry. This is crucial! Soggy ingredients mean a watery dressing, and nobody wants that.

Drain 1 can of black beans and 1 can of sweet corn thoroughly. I often leave them in the colander while I chop the peppers.

Dice 1 medium red bell pepper and ¼ cup (50 g) of red onion very finely. You want tiny bursts of flavour, not huge chunks.

Seasoning Secrets: The Zesty Lime Cumin Dressing

This dressing is where the magic happens and what makes this a true Southwest Chicken experience. We skip boring mayo dressings and go straight for the bright, zesty flavour of a proper lime cumin dressing .

Use a good quality mayonnaise—it makes all the difference. You’ll need ½ cup (120 ml) of mayo, mixed with ¼ cup (60 ml) of Greek yogurt for that lovely tang.

Now for the spice blend. Measure out 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of chili powder.

Add ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika—that's the smoky depth that separates a good salad from a great one.

Don't forget the fresh kick from 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of lime juice. If you find your limes are stingy, stick them in the microwave for 10 seconds before juicing; it really helps! This blend guarantees easy cold chicken recipes that pack a punch.

Tools of the Trade: Minimal Equipment Needed

You absolutely do not need fancy gear for this. We are aiming for a 15 minute chicken meal here, so simplicity is key.

All you really need is one big mixing bowl . That’s the main character in this story. Get a sharp Chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board.

Trying to chop a pepper with a blunt knife is a proper kitchen nightmare. Trust me, I've been there!

Finally, grab a small whisk or just a fork to blitz the dressing together. A can opener and a colander complete the set.

See? No need to pull out the food processor. This is pure, accessible cooking, focused on great, simple High Protein Salads for everyone.

Getting Started: The 12 Minute Dream Prep

Right, let's get down to brass tacks. This is about making a proper, hearty Southwest Chicken Salad without losing your marbles.

When you need a genuine 15 minute chicken meal , you have to cheat smartly. First up: the prep. We are aiming for a 12 minute total active prep time, remember? That means absolutely no dithering!

If you’re serious about Healthy Meal Prep , get your ingredients lined up before you start chopping. I always use a pre-cooked bird, honestly.

Who has time to poach chicken mid-week? Grab that leftover rotisserie chicken salad recipe from the shop. Use two forks or your hands to shred it quickly.

That’s essentially step one done before you even look at a knife.

Now, for the beans and corn. You must drain them properly. Give them a good rinse under cold water in a colander.

If they stay wet, your lovely lime cumin dressing will turn into soup. Don't skip that rinsing step! Finely dice the pepper and onion.

We want pieces suitable for a perfect chicken salad sandwich filling , not giant chunks. This quick organisation is the secret to this brilliant easy cold chicken recipes success.

Mixing Up the Magic: The 4-Step Assembly

This is where the magic happens and we create the perfect Quick and Easy Southwest Chicken . We need that iconic zingy flavour!

1. Whisk the Dresser: Grab a medium bowl for the lime cumin dressing . Whisk your mayonnaise, yogurt, and fresh lime juice until creamy.

   I always sneak a tiny taste here. Add your smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Whisk until it looks like perfectly creamy sunshine.

   It should taste slightly too punchy right now—that's good, because the chicken will soak up the flavour later, you know?

2. Combine the Goods: In your biggest mixing bowl, chuck in the shredded chicken, the super-drained beans and corn, the diced pepper, and the tiny bit of onion.

3. Dress and Fold: Pour that gorgeous dressing right over the lot. Use a rubber spatula, not a big wooden spoon, and fold gently.

   We want the chicken coated, not completely pulped. This ensures a textured and satisfying Chicken Salad .

4. The Critical Rest: If you can possibly wait, stick this in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . Seriously, skipping this resting time is a crime against flavour.

   It allows the spices to marry the meat.

Blogger's Best Secrets

Honestly, my biggest struggle when I first made these easy cold chicken recipes was ending up with watery dressing. So here’s the best hack: Make sure your shredded chicken is stone cold when you mix it.

Warm chicken releases moisture—bad news!

Pro Tip 1: The Drain Game. I cannot stress this enough: dry ingredients make a rich salad. If your beans and corn look remotely wet, pat them with a paper towel before adding them.

Trust me.

Pro Tip 2: Spice It Up. For maximum impact, dry-toast your ground cumin in a tiny pan for 30 seconds before mixing the dressing.

It smells incredible and makes the flavour deeper. Plus, this is a brilliant High Protein Salads option, keeping you full for ages.

Give this a go. You will love it!

Top Tips and Tricks for Your Speedy Southwest Chicken

Oh my gosh, this is the one! When I first made this, I was aiming for a 15 minute chicken meal .

Honestly, this Quick and Easy Southwest Chicken recipe is a total game-changer. It’s perfect for summer lunches or when you just need something fast.

It’s more than just a recipe. It's about making your life easier!

Plating Up: Making the Most of That Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad

Don't just chuck it on a plate! Presentation matters, you know? Serve this gorgeous mix in little crunchy butter lettuce cups.

That bright red pepper looks amazing against the deep green. I personally love it piled high on a toasted croissant too.

It makes the perfect hearty chicken salad sandwich filling . For a side? Keep it simple. A cold bottle of crisp Mexican lager is the ideal drink.

The zesty lime cumin dressing really pops with something cold and bubbly. It’s such a simple meal but feels proper fancy.

Healthy Meal Prep & Keeping it Fresh

This is one of those brilliant easy cold chicken recipes . It keeps really well. You can batch make this on a Sunday! Pop the Southwest Chicken mix into airtight containers.

It stays perfect in the fridge for 3 to 4 days . Pro tip: if you’re using this for Healthy Meal Prep , make sure your beans and corn are super drained .

Residual moisture is the enemy! Once, I didn’t drain the black beans enough. By day two, the whole Chicken Salad was swimming! It got really watery.

Freezing? Nah, skip freezing anything with mayonnaise. It changes the texture completely.

Mix It Up: Diet Swaps and Seasoning Shifts

This dish already boasts a massive protein hit—hello, High Protein Salads ! If you need a quick swap, remember you can always use leftover roast chicken or a shop-bought rotisserie bird as your base.

It's a fantastic rotisserie chicken salad recipe . Honestly, using a rotisserie chicken saves a good ten minutes of faff. If you want to make a lighter Southwest Chicken Salad , swap half the mayonnaise for extra Greek yogurt.

This keeps the tang while cutting down the richness. If you don't like beans, chuck in some chopped cucumber for crunch instead.

The Good Stuff: Protein and Power

We all want food that makes us feel good, right? This isn't just a speedy 15 minute chicken meal . It's packed with good things.

Because we’re using lean chicken, this is an incredibly satiating and High Protein Salad . The beans and corn bring plenty of fiber too.

Fiber helps keep you full longer, which is brilliant for preventing that 3 PM slump. It’s fuel that tastes amazing.

Honestly, whether you call it a Southwest Chicken Salad or just "dinner," this recipe delivers big flavour with zero stress. Get prepping, and enjoy that easy kitchen life!