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Crispy Harvest Apple Chicken Salad (Easy Fall Recipe)

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A crispy chicken salad with Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries, goat cheese, and a maple Dijon dressing. Perfect for fall gatherings or a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 medium breasts)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 cups mixed greens
  • 2 medium Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
  • 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to 1/2-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up breading station: In three shallow bowls, place 1/4 cup flour, beaten eggs with a splash of water, and a mixture of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bread the chicken: Dredge each piece in flour, then egg, then panko mixture, pressing firmly. Place on a plate.
  4. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes.
  5. Make the dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  6. Prepare the apples: Toss sliced apples with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
  7. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apples, cranberries, cheese, nuts, and red onion. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss.
  8. Slice and serve: Slice chicken against the grain into strips. Arrange on salad, drizzle with remaining dressing, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use Honeycrisp apples and let breaded chicken rest 5 minutes before cooking. Toast nuts for extra flavor. Store components separately for leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple chicken salad, fall salad, crispy chicken salad, harvest salad, easy chicken salad

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/crispy-harvest-apple-chicken-salad-easy-fall-recipe/