Name: Layered Chicken Taco Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 cups finely chopped romaine lettuce; 1 (8 ounce) microwave package heat & serve Mexican-style rice; 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (11 ounce) can Mexican-style corn, drained; 1 large avocado, diced; 1 and 1/2 cups prepared pico de gallo (or diced tomatoes); 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 4 cups shredded meat); 1 and 1/2 cups shredded monterey jack and cheddar cheese; 1 (14 ounce) bottle cilantro avocado yogurt dressing (about 1.75 cups dressing); 1 (3.5 ounce) package tortilla strips (about 1.5 cups)

This show-stopping Layered Chicken Taco Salad is perfect for a party or family weeknight dinner. It always gets amazing reviews!

A layered chicken taco salad in a large glass dish showing layers of salad, rice, beans, corn, avocado, tomato, sour cream, avocado, chicken, cheese and tortilla strips.

The Easiest Weeknight Meal

This Layered Chicken Taco Salad is one of our go-to weeknight meals. Layers of lettuce, rice, black beans, corn, pico de gallo, chicken, cheese, cilantro avocado dressing, and tortilla strips come together easily, beautifully and oh so tastefully. A favorite to make for a party or to take to a family who has just had a baby. It’s a meal-in-one that will feed and satisfy a hungry crowd.

A bite being taken from a plate of chicken taco salad.

The Salad That’s a Meal

A salad that’s hearty enough for a meal is always a winner in this house. If we’re feeling the Mediterranean vibe, this Greek Salad with Marinated Chicken is on the menu. Or a Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. So good and so full of yummy textures. And when it’s taco night? This Layered Chicken Taco Salad is my go-to!

Next time you need an easy, delicious meal to feed your family and/or friends, this layered chicken taco salad will make you the hero at the table. It’s so yummy!

In about 20 minutes, you can have this awesome salad prepped and ready to serve right away or store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. It’s a great make-ahead meal and any leftovers keep great in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Make Taco Night Mmmmazing

Who doesn’t love a great taco salad?! It’s usually full of flavor and all the awesome taco fillings. It satisfies both the craving for a hearty salad and a crunchy taco.

Get ready to WOW! your family or a crowd of loved ones with this Layered Chicken Taco Salad. I can guarantee you will get lots of compliments on presentation and taste as well as numerous requests for the recipe. It’s love at first sight and bite!

A layered chicken taco salad in a large glass dish showing layers of salad, beans, corn, sour cream, avocado, chicken, cheese and tortilla strips.

Ingredients and Supplies:

Ingredients:

Romaine lettuce (Finely chopped): fresh, crunchy base that lightens the dish and holds all the layers. Feel free to sub with iceberg, chopped green leaf lettuce, or even a bagged coleslaw mix.
Heat & serve Mexican style rice: hearty filler that makes it satisfying enough for dinner. Plain white or brown rice with taco seasoning, cilantro lime rice, or even quinoa could be used instead.
Canned black beans (drained and rinsed): adds protein, fiber, and substance. You could use pinto beans or kidney beans, if preferred.
Mexican-style corn (drained): adds a sweet pop of flavor and colorful texture. If don’t have Mexican-style corn, you can use regular corn (canned or frozen) or grilled corn.
Large avocado: provides a creamy richness that balances the crunch.
Prepared pico de gallo (or diced tomatoes): fresh acidity and brightness to cut through heavier ingredients. You can use canned Rotel in a pinch.
Rotisserie chicken (shredded): main protein that makes it filling and convenient. Feel free to substitute the chicken with ground taco beef or chopped fajita steak.
Shredded Monterey jack and cheddar cheese: salty, creamy layer that adds flavor and familiarity.
Cilantro avocado yogurt dressing: binds everything together with creamy, tangy flavor. Feel free to substitute with Ranch, chipotle ranch, salsa mixed with sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt with taco seasoning.
Tortilla strips (I use Fresh Gourmet tri-color tortilla strips): crunchy topping that adds texture and taco-style flair. Crushed tortilla chips or Fritos would work great too!

Supplies:

Large salad bowl

Ingredients to make layered chicken taco salad in small white dishes on a white marble counter.

How to Make Layered Chicken Taco Salad

Layer half of each ingredient into a large salad bowl in the order listed under the ingredients.

Steps to make a layered chicken taco salad.

A layered chicken taco salad in progress.

Repeat layers with remaining half of the ingredients.
Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Storage

Store leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap (or in an airtight container) in the refrigerator for up to three days.

More Fresh and Flavorful Salads

My Fresh and Flavorful Salad Recipes make it easy to bring the green to any meal. From side salads to hearty dinner salads, there’s a salad for every occasion and every taste!

Citrus caesar, layered taco salad, pesto rice salad, and kale salad.

If you make my Layered Chicken Taco Salad, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me @thebakermama on Instagram so I can see. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! 😍 I just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,