Baked Marinated Chicken Salad
This salad features tender, oven-baked marinated chicken served over crisp greens, juicy veggies, and creamy feta or avocado. A tangy lemon-herb vinaigrette ties everything together for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinate time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes to 1 hour (active time: 20 minutes)
Servings: 2–3
Ingredients:
For the Marinated Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Salad Base:
4 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, or spinach)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup cucumber, sliced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup feta cheese or sliced avocado
Optional: olives, roasted red peppers, or toasted nuts
For the Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
½ tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp honey
½ tsp dried oregano or Italian herbs
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl.
Add chicken and coat well. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge).
2. Bake the Chicken:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Place marinated chicken on a lined baking tray.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping once, until cooked through and golden.
Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
3. Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine greens, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and feta or avocado.
4. Make the Dressing:
Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl or shake in a jar.
5. Assemble & Serve:
Top salad with sliced baked chicken.
Drizzle with dressing just before serving.
Add optional toppings like olives, nuts, or roasted red peppers.
Tips:
For extra flavor: Add a spoon of hummus or tzatziki on the side.
Low-carb option: Swap greens for chopped kale or cabbage for more crunch.
Meal prep-friendly: Keep chicken and salad components separate and dress before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I grill instead of bake?
A: Yes! Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Absolutely — skip the feta or use avocado or a vegan feta alternative.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~420
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g