Chili’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad

Experience the bold flavors of Air Fryer Copycat Chili’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad, a deliciously satisfying meal that’s easy to make at home!

This recipe features juicy, air-fried chicken seasoned with a zesty blend of spices, served over a bed of crisp greens and topped with fresh vegetables, cheese, and a tangy dressing.

Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy the taste of your favorite restaurant dish without leaving your kitchen!

If you love easy Salad Recipes, try my recipe for Tuna Fish Salad Recipe, Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad, Copycat Chick Fil A Carrot Raisin Salad Recipe, or Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Bold and Flavorful: This salad features air-fried chicken seasoned with a zesty blend of spices, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Fresh and Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with crisp greens, fresh vegetables, and cheese, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
• Quick and Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even as a hearty side dish—this salad fits any occasion.
• Satisfying and Filling: With protein-rich chicken and a variety of toppings, this salad keeps you full and satisfied without feeling heavy.

How to make Chili’s Santa Fe chicken salad

Step One: Rub olive oil, taco seasoning, and salt and pepper on the chicken breast. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil and place the chicken inside.

Step Two: Cook in the air fryer at 360 degrees F for 9 minutes. Open the air fryer and flip the chicken. Cook for another 6-9 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breast. Set aside and let cool, then slice the chicken thinly.

Step Three: Meanwhile, mix the pico de gallo and the Santa Fe sauce in another bowl. When ready to serve salad, toss lettuce with ranch dressing, then top with pico de gallo, sliced chicken, avocado, and tortilla strips. Drizzle Santa Fe sauce over the top, then serve.

Recipe Variations

• Chicken: Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer for best results.
• Salad: You can use either romaine lettuce or a mesclun mix. The key is to wash the lettuce and dry it off completely before adding it to the bowl. A great gadget to have for making homemade salads is a salad spinner.
• Taco Seasoning: You can either use homemade taco seasoning or store-bought. Either will work.

Chili’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe Faqs

Can I use grilled chicken instead of air-fried chicken? Yes, you can definitely use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor. Just ensure it’s cooked through before adding it to the salad.

Is this salad gluten-free? To make this salad gluten-free, ensure that all ingredients, including dressings and seasonings, are labeled gluten-free.

Can I prepare the salad in advance? While you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

What dressing pairs well with this salad? A creamy ranch or a zesty vinaigrette works great with Chili’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad. You can also use a lime vinaigrette for added flavor.

Can I add other toppings to the salad? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad with additional toppings like avocado, corn, or black beans for extra flavor and nutrition.

How long can leftovers be stored? Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to prevent sogginess.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER COPYCAT DUNKIN DONUTS BAGEL MINIS
• AIR FRYER COPYCAT APPLEBEE’S HONEY GRILLED SALMON
• EASY AIR FRYER SAUSAGE MCGRIDDLE BREAKFAST SANDWICH (MCDONALD’S KETO COPYCAT RECIPE)
• AIR FRYER APPLEBEE’S COPYCAT MOZZARELLA STICKS
• AIR FRYER COPYCAT DUNKIN DONUTS MAPLE BACON CROISSANTS

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