Crispy Chicken Cobb Jar Salad

Discover the ultimate lunch solution with this Crispy Chicken Cobb Jar Salad. This vibrant, layered dish combines golden, bite-sized chicken with the smoky crunch of bacon, the tang of blue cheese, and the creaminess of avocado. Perfectly portioned into mason jars, it is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a classic American main dish on the go. With 540 calories and 36g of protein per serving, this easy-to-make salad is both satisfying and nutritious.

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Whether you're heading to the office or planning a picnic, these jars ensure your salad stays fresh without the sogginess often associated with pre-packed meals. The secret lies in the strategic layering, starting with the homemade creamy chive dressing at the very bottom.

Ingredients

• For the Crispy Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (bite-sized), 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (GF option available), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and olive oil spray.
• For the Salad: 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup diced cucumber, 2 hard-boiled eggs (quartered), 4 slices cooked and crumbled bacon, 1 diced avocado, 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, and 1/2 small finely sliced red onion.
• For the Dressing: 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives, plus salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

1. Prepare and Bake the Chicken

Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, and spices. Coat the marinated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, place on the sheet, mist with olive oil spray, and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden. Let cool slightly.

2. Whisk the Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, chives, salt, and pepper until the texture is completely smooth.

3. Assemble the Jars

Divide the dressing among four large mason jars (2 tbsp each). Layer the remaining ingredients in this specific order: cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bacon, blue cheese, hard-boiled egg, crispy chicken bites, romaine lettuce, and finally the avocado.

4. Seal and Store

Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate until ready to enjoy. When it's time to eat, either shake the jar vigorously or pour the contents into a large bowl to mix.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the highest quality, make sure the chicken has cooled down before adding it to the jar; adding warm chicken can cause the lettuce to wilt prematurely. Always use 16 oz or larger mason jars to ensure there is enough room for all the layers and for shaking before consumption.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free alternative. If blue cheese is too bold for your palate, it can easily be swapped for crumbled feta or sharp cheddar. For a lighter dressing, you can increase the ratio of Greek yogurt to mayonnaise.

Serviervorschläge

This Crispy Chicken Cobb Jar Salad is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing lunch. If you're eating at home, serve it alongside a warm piece of crusty sourdough bread to soak up any remaining dressing.

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With its beautiful layers and balanced nutrition—including 35g of healthy fats and 21g of carbohydrates—this Crispy Chicken Cobb Jar Salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Enjoy a gourmet lunch experience wherever your day takes you!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How far in advance can I prepare these jar salads?

Assemble the jars up to 3-4 days ahead. The layering method keeps ingredients fresh by placing dressing at the bottom and greens on top. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Shake well before eating to distribute the dressing.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap regular panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko when coating the chicken. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check bacon labels for hidden gluten or additives.

→ What's the best way to cook the chicken for crispiness?

Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes to tenderize them. Coat generously in seasoned panko and Parmesan mixture, then spray with olive oil before baking at 400°F. Baking instead of frying creates crispiness with less oil while keeping the coating golden and crunchy.

→ Can I prepare the dressing separately or make it ahead?

The creamy blue cheese dressing keeps well for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Make it ahead and store separately, then add to jars when assembling. This prevents the dressing from sitting on the salad too long, keeping vegetables crisp.

→ What other cheese options work if I don't have blue cheese?

Crumbled feta, sharp cheddar, or goat cheese are excellent substitutes. Each brings different flavor notes to the salad. Use the same amount called for in the recipe and crumble or cube accordingly for layering.

→ How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

Add avocado as the very last layer on top of the jar, or wait to add it just before eating. The sealed jar environment without air exposure helps slow browning. Toss immediately when serving to minimize oxidation.