Name: Honey Mustard Chicken Chopped Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper; ½ tsp smoked paprika; 3 Tbsp honey; 2 tsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 8 cups chopped butter lettuce; 3 radishes, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped; 1 avocado, chopped; ½ small red onion, chopped; 2 oz crumbled blue cheese; Sprinkle of sliced green onions; 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 Tbsp honey; 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper; ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

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Short Description

A vibrant, refreshing chopped salad topped with savory honey mustard–glazed chicken, crisp butter lettuce, colorful vegetables, creamy blue cheese, and a homemade honey mustard vinaigrette.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tender, broiled chicken thighs glazed in sweet and tangy honey mustard
Crisp and refreshing mix of butter lettuce, radish, tomato, avocado, and onion
Rich flavor contrast from crumbled blue cheese
Bright, tangy homemade vinaigrette to pull it all together

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
½ tsp salt
½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
3 Tbsp honey
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard

For the Salad

8 cups chopped butter lettuce
3 radishes, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
1 avocado, chopped
½ small red onion, chopped
2 oz crumbled blue cheese
Sprinkle of sliced green onions

For the Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

Broil the Chicken

Preheat your oven broiler on high and place the rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Line a baking sheet with foil.
Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Broil the chicken for 7 minutes, then flip and broil another 7 minutes.
While chicken broils, whisk honey, vinegar, and mustard together. Brush this glaze over the chicken and broil for 2 more minutes. Flip, brush again, and broil for 2 additional minutes.
Remove chicken from oven, let it cool slightly, and cut into 1-inch pieces.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine chopped butter lettuce, radishes, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, blue cheese, green onions, and chicken pieces. Season lettuce with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Add the Dressing

Drizzle honey mustard vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately.

Prepare the Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. While whisking, slowly stream in olive oil until emulsified. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week.

Servings And Timing

Serves 3–4 people
Prep time: ~10 minutes (chopping and dressing)
Cook time: ~15 minutes (broiling chicken and assembly)
Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

Add protein: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or crispy tofu.
Cheese swap: Use feta or goat cheese for a milder tang.
Crunch element: Add toasted nuts like almonds or pecans.
Leafy alternative: Try romaine or mixed baby greens instead of butter lettuce.
Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep components separately—you can refrigerate chicken and vinaigrette for up to 3 days; hold salad ingredients and cheese separately to maintain crunch.
Reheating: Gently warm chicken before tossing into salad. Reheat only chicken—serve the salad fresh.

FAQs

Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead Of Thighs?

Yes, but thighs stay juicier. If using breast, monitor broiling closely to prevent overcooking.

How Do I Prevent Avocado From Browning?

Toss avocado with a squeeze of lime juice before adding to salad to help keep it bright.

Can I Make The Vinaigrette Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely—the dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to one week. Shake well before using.

Is This Salad Suitable For Meal Prep?

Prepare the dressing and chicken ahead. Keep lettuce and toppings separate and assemble just before eating to maintain freshness.

Can I Skip The Blue Cheese?

Yes—omit or replace with another cheese like feta or goat cheese if preferred.

How Spicy Is The Vinaigrette?

Quite mild. You can add cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, or Dijon mustard to increase heat to your taste.

What Side Works Best With This Salad?

Serve with tortilla strips, pita bread, or a crusty baguette. It also pairs well with grain bowls like quinoa or farro.

Can I Turn This Into A Wrap?

Yes—roll the salad into tortilla tortillas or collard greens for a portable meal.

What Can I Use As Dairy-Free Cheese?

Try crumbled tofu, dairy-free feta, or omit cheese for a lighter spin.

Conclusion

This Honey Mustard Chicken Chopped Salad is a satisfying mix of juicy protein, vibrant vegetables, and bold flavors—all balanced in every bite. With a light, tangy dressing and creamy toppings, it’s ideal for warm-weather lunches, casual dinners, or flavor-packed meal prep. Let’s eat!