Layered Loaded Chicken Taco Salad

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• about 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• one 1.25-ounce packet taco seasoning (divided (I use reduced sodium, medium heat))
• 6 cups one 9-ounce bag romaine lettuce, divided
• 1 1/2 cups seasoned tortilla chips (crushed (I crush Doritos in my palm), divided)
• one 15-ounce can black beans (drained and rinsed (I used no-salt added))
• 1 1/4 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned that’s been drained)
• 2 small/medium Roma tomatoes or 1 cup cherry tomatoes (I used a mixture of both)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (I use a Mexican cheese blend)
• 1 medium Hass avocado (peeled and diced small)
• 1 or 2 green onions (sliced into thin rounds)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (lite okay)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (lite okay, plain Greek yogurt may be substituted)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons lime juice (or as necessary for flavor and consistency)
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional and to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Chicken and Salad: ---

2. 2

   To a large skillet, add the olive oil, chicken, evenly sprinkle with 1 heaping tablespoon taco seasoning, and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, flipping intermittently so all sides cook evenly. Tip – If you prefer your chicken more saucy, add about 1/2 cup water about 2 minutes into the cooking process. Cooking time will vary based on thickness of chicken breasts and sizes of pieces.

3. 3

   Allow chicken to rest in pan off the heat while you assemble the salad.

4. 4

   To a large trifle bowl (substitute with your favorite large bowl and/or simply place ingredients on a large platter like this salad), add about 4 cups lettuce, half the chips, black beans, corn, tomatoes, remaining lettuce, chicken plus cooking juices from the pan if desired, cheese, avocado, green onions, and remaining tortilla chips; set aside.

5. 5

   --- Creamy Lime-Cilantro Dressing: ---

6. 6

   To a small bowl, add the mayo, sour cream, lime juice, 1 heaping tablespoon taco seasoning, and whisk to combine.

7. 7

   Add the cilantro and stir to incorporate. Add additional lime juice to thin out dressing if desired.

8. 8

   Taste dressing and depending on how much lime juice was used, add sugar to taste. Evenly drizzle dressing over salad to taste and toss.