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Quick Crisp Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

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A quick and easy 20-minute grilled chicken Cobb salad featuring smoky, crispy chicken edges, fresh mixed greens, creamy avocado, and a simple punchy dressing. Perfect for a hearty yet light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing and crispiness)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, baby spinach, arugula)
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped (thick-cut recommended)
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced or quartered
  • 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for dressing)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub spice mix evenly over both sides of chicken breasts.
  3. Drizzle chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil and let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Brush grill pan with olive oil if using.
  5. Place chicken breasts on grill or pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden-brown with slightly charred edges and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Transfer chicken to cutting board and rest for 5 minutes.
  7. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bacon, and blue cheese crumbles. Toss gently.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  9. Slice rested chicken into bite-sized strips or cubes. Slice or quarter hard-boiled eggs.
  10. Arrange chicken pieces, avocado slices, and egg quarters on top of the tossed salad greens.
  11. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently or serve dressing on the side.

Notes

Patting chicken dry is crucial for crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Rest chicken before slicing to keep it juicy. Pre-cooked bacon or eggs can save time. For dairy-free, omit blue cheese or use vegan cheese. For vegetarian, substitute chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken salad, Cobb salad, quick lunch, healthy salad, easy dinner, smoky chicken, avocado salad

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/quick-crisp-grilled-chicken-cobb-salad-recipe-20-minute-easy-lunch/