Introduction

This Spicy Chicken Salad with Broccoli is a vibrant and healthy dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining tender chicken with crunchy broccoli and a creamy, zesty dressing, it balances heat and freshness beautifully.

Spicy Chicken Salad with Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
3 tablespoons chili sauce
1/2 cup plain yogurt

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the chicken thoroughly by boiling, baking, or pan-cooking until no longer pink inside. Let it cool slightly and then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the cooked chicken with fresh broccoli florets. In a separate small bowl, mix the chili sauce and yogurt to create the dressing.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the chicken and broccoli, and toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated.
Step 4: Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Tips & Variations

Use Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier dressing that adds a pleasant tang.
Add chopped nuts like almonds or cashews for extra crunch and texture.
For less heat, reduce the amount of chili sauce or substitute with a milder sauce like sweet chili or sriracha.
Steaming the broccoli slightly before mixing can soften it if you prefer a less crunchy salad.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The broccoli may soften but the flavors will deepen. If needed, stir before serving. This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, cooked frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and drain it before mixing to avoid excess moisture in the salad.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Prepare the components separately and combine just before eating to maintain the best texture and freshness.

Spicy Chicken Salad with Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 85 reviews

This Spicy Chicken Salad with Broccoli is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines tender cooked chicken with fresh broccoli florets tossed in a flavorful chili sauce and creamy yogurt dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a healthy dinner option, this salad offers a spicy kick balanced by the coolness of yogurt, making it a delightful and satisfying meal.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2 cups fresh broccoli florets

Dressing

3 tablespoons chili sauce (adjust according to heat preference)
1/2 cup plain yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt for creaminess)

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Start by cooking your chicken thoroughly. You can boil, grill, or sauté the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink inside. Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Broccoli: While the chicken cooks, wash the broccoli and cut it into small, bite-sized florets. If you prefer, lightly steam the broccoli to soften it slightly, or keep it raw for extra crunch.
Make the Dressing: In a bowl, combine the chili sauce with the plain yogurt. Mix well until fully blended to create a creamy and spicy dressing.
Toss Salad: In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken and broccoli florets. Pour the chili yogurt dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until the ingredients are fully coated with the dressing.
Serve: Serve the spicy chicken salad immediately or chill it for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This salad can be enjoyed on its own or served over a bed of greens for an extra fresh touch.

Notes

For a milder salad, reduce the amount of chili sauce or substitute with a mild hot sauce.
Use Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier dressing; regular yogurt also works but may be thinner.
To add more texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts or seeds on top before serving.
If steaming broccoli, do so for 2-3 minutes to retain some crunch and nutrients.
This salad can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: spicy chicken salad, broccoli salad, chicken and broccoli, chili sauce dressing, healthy chicken salad