Spicy Chicken Salad with Broccoli Recipe
Introduction
This Spicy Chicken Salad with Broccoli is a vibrant and healthful dish that combines tender chicken with crisp broccoli and a tangy chili yogurt dressing. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons chili sauce
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the chicken thoroughly by boiling, grilling, or pan-frying until no longer pink inside. Let it cool slightly, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken and fresh broccoli florets. In a separate small bowl, mix the chili sauce with the yogurt until smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the chili yogurt dressing over the chicken and broccoli, then toss everything together until evenly coated. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, consider adding toasted almonds or sunflower seeds to the salad.
- If you prefer milder heat, reduce the amount of chili sauce or substitute it with a mild chili paste.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the flavors even more.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The broccoli may soften over time, so for best texture, add fresh broccoli when ready to serve if storing longer. Reheat the chicken separately if preferred and toss with fresh dressing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
Yes, but thaw and drain the broccoli well before mixing to avoid excess moisture making the salad soggy.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Prepare the components in advance and combine them just before eating for the freshest taste.
PrintSpicy Chicken Salad with Broccoli Recipe
This Spicy Chicken Salad with Broccoli is a vibrant and healthy dish that combines tender cooked chicken with fresh broccoli and a flavorful, tangy chili yogurt dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing dinner, this salad balances protein and veggies with a subtle spicy kick, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Begin by cooking the chicken breast thoroughly. You can boil, bake, or grill it until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then shred or cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli florets under cold running water. Optionally, steam or blanch the broccoli briefly to soften slightly while retaining crunch and bright color. Let it cool before mixing.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the plain yogurt and chili sauce. Mix well until smooth and creamy, adjusting the chili sauce amount according to your spice preference.
- Toss the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken pieces and broccoli florets. Pour the chili yogurt dressing over the ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker dressing.
- Adjust the chili sauce to control the heat level.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the tanginess of the salad.
- For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds over the salad before serving.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keywords: spicy chicken salad, broccoli salad, healthy chicken salad, chili yogurt dressing, easy chicken recipes
