Spicy shredded blackened chicken balanced with cool, creamy avocado.

Healthy Blackened Chicken & Avocado Salad

Yield: 4 servings        Prep: 15 minutes       Cook: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breasts
• 2 avocados
• 1 lime
• 1/2 cup low fat sour cream or greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup tomato, diced
• cilantro, to taste
• salt, to taste
• iceberg, butter, or romaine lettuce

Blackening Seasoning

• 2 tbsp Paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 400°F.

In a small dish, combine the seasoning ingredients.

Heat a large (oven safe) skillet over high heat. If your chicken breast are thick, slice the chicken (width-wise) through the centre or pound it flat. Season each side of the chicken with 1 tsp of blackening seasoning. Place the chicken in the pan and sear on each side, about 2 minutes. Finish the chicken in the oven until cooked through, about 7 more minutes.

Allow the chicken to cool for 10 minutes or so. Use two forks to shred the chicken.

In a medium bowl, mash the avocado. Add in the sour cream, juice of 1 lime, red onion, tomato, cilantro, and salt. Stir to combine. Fold in the cooled shredded chicken. Scoop into lettuce cups and serve.

You can definitely simplify this recipe by using a store bought rotisserie chicken or any shredded chicken you have around the house. I wanted to add a little kick, so I choose blackened chicken. It adds an extra layer of flavour that makes the dish a little more interesting. Either way, its super easy and healthy and sure to leave you satisfied. 

I use iceberg lettuce because it adds a crunchy texture. If you’re not a fan of lettuce cups, switch it up for wraps or pita.