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Fresh Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe with Easy Honey Sesame Dressing

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A fresh and satisfying grilled chicken salad inspired by Chick-fil-A, featuring juicy marinated chicken and a sweet-savory honey sesame dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal that feels indulgent.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach, romaine, spring mix)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup roasted and salted peanuts or cashews
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumbers
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onions (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by combining olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Whisk well.
  2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, ideally 1 hour.
  3. Make the honey sesame dressing by whisking together honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Set aside.
  4. Wash and dry salad greens. Slice cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Shred cheddar cheese if needed. Toss all salad base ingredients in a large bowl and set aside.
  5. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts about 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
  6. Assemble the salad by adding sliced chicken over the salad greens. Drizzle with honey sesame dressing and sprinkle sesame seeds and nuts on top.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating to ensure a good sear. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. Dressing can be made a day ahead and tastes better after resting. Substitute peanuts with almonds or walnuts, use dairy-free cheese for vegan option, and tamari for gluten-free soy sauce. Add fresh berries seasonally for a fruity twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken salad, Chick-fil-A copycat, honey sesame dressing, healthy salad, quick dinner, easy recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/fresh-copycat-chick-fil-a-grilled-chicken-salad-recipe-with-easy-honey-sesame-dressing/