Blackened Chicken Salad Bowl with Avocado and Lime Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A flavorful high-protein salad bowl featuring spicy blackened chicken, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime dressing for a satisfying clean-eating meal. This american-inspired high protein ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken breast (boneless, skinless), olive oil, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp ground cumin, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the blackening spice.
  2. Step 2: Rub 12 oz boneless skinless chicken breast evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil and the spice mixture. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until blackened and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 2 tbsp olive oil until emulsified.
  5. Step 5: In a large bowl, toss 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1 diced medium avocado.
  6. Step 6: Top the salad with sliced blackened chicken and drizzle the lime dressing over the bowl. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Blackened Chicken Salad Bowl with Avocado and Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Blackened Chicken Salad Bowl with Avocado and Lime Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Blackened Chicken Salad Bowl with Avocado and Lime Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Blackened Chicken Salad Bowl with Avocado and Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Blackened Chicken Salad Bowl with Avocado and Lime Dressing?

American high protein like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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