Pan-Seared Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared chicken breast served over crisp greens and drizzled with a smooth avocado dressing, blending freshness and richness in every bite. This international-inspired chicken ready in about 22 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 International cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine 1 medium ripe avocado (peeled and pitted), 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 small minced garlic clove, and 2 tbsp water in a blender or bowl; blend or whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Slice cooked chicken breasts into 1/2-inch strips and arrange over 4 cups mixed salad greens on two plates.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle the creamy avocado dressing over the salad and chicken, serving immediately for a fresh and satisfying meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado 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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing?

International chicken 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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