Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing

Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing

Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing

Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing

April 16, 2026 by Kimberly

Since you unfortunately can’t eat fried chicken every single day, here is my favorite everyday alternative: a chicken salad with flavorful, completely fat-free cooked chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, fresh vegetables, creamy ranch dressing, and crunchy tortilla pieces. Quick to make, perfect for meal prep, and anything but boring, this salad is exactly what you need if you are looking for an easy chicken salad recipe that is packed with flavor.

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TOTAL TIME

30 min

SERVES

2 people

DIET

omnivore

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

I’m probably the biggest fan of crispy chicken in every form. Preferably with a really thick, crunchy, fried coating. But in everyday life, it unfortunately can’t be fried chicken every single day, so I had to come up with a version that uses no extra fat at all and still tastes just as good. It may not have that crispy coating, but it makes up for it with the most flavorful, delicious spice coating you could imagine.

And this recipe gets a huge bonus point from me because it fits so effortlessly into everyday life in our home. I make this chicken almost every week anyway and often keep it sliced in the fridge, because we also love using it as homemade deli-style chicken for sandwiches like this Apple Cucumber Brie Turkey Sandwich. That means this salad usually comes together in no time, and that is exactly what I love most about it.

And then you have everything that makes a really good salad: crisp romaine lettuce, fresh vegetables, sweet corn, thinly sliced onion, a creamy dressing, and those golden pan-fried tortilla pieces. Add the flavorful chicken, a little lime juice, and a few flakes of salt, and suddenly it is not just a salad anymore, but a really good example of how delicious a quick meal can be even without fried chicken.

So if you are looking for a salad that is easy, full of flavor, and perfect for prepping ahead, this is one of those recipes you will probably end up making just as often as I do.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing
Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing
Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing
Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

Print
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Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing

Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 30 min
  • Yield: 2

Description

Since you unfortunately can’t eat fried chicken every single day, here is my favorite everyday alternative: a chicken salad with flavorful, completely fat-free cooked chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, fresh vegetables, creamy ranch dressing, and crunchy tortilla pieces. Quick to make, perfect for meal prep, and anything but boring, this salad is exactly what you need if you are looking for an easy chicken salad recipe that is packed with flavor.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

  • plate for marinating the chicken
  • oven
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • large salad bowl
  • small bowl for the dressing
  • small pan for the tortilla pieces

Ingredients

Units Scale
BLACKENED CHICKEN
  • 400 grams chicken breast filet
  • 2 1/4 tsp paprika powder
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 tsp oregano, dried
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
RANCH DRESSING
  • 100 grams full-fat yogurt
  • splash of milk
  • 3 tsp chives, dried
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp parsley, dried
  • 1/2 tsp dill, dried
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp salt
SALAD
  • romaine salad
  • 1 small cucumber
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 120 grams corn
  • 1 small red onion
  • 2 tortilla wraps
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 lime

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C / 345°F.
  2. On a plate, mix together all the spices for the blackened chicken until well combined: salt, oregano, garam masala, garlic, cayenne pepper, curry powder, black pepper, and paprika.
  3. Coat the chicken breast all over in the spice mixture so it is evenly covered. Place it on a baking tray and bake for 45 minutes.
  4. Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool completely. Then slice it into thin strips. You can also make it a day ahead and keep it in the fridge overnight.
  5. While the chicken is in the oven, make the dressing. Mix the yogurt with onion powder, dried parsley, dried chives, dried dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside until ready to use.
  6. Chop the romaine lettuce and wash it well. Slice the cucumber, cut the bell pepper into small pieces, and slice the onion into thin strips. Drain the corn well.
  7. Cut the tortilla wraps into small squares and toss them with a little olive oil, smoked paprika powder, and garlic powder. Fry them in a pan until golden and crispy.
  8. Add the romaine lettuce, cucumber, bell pepper, corn, and onion to a large salad bowl. Pour over the ranch dressing and toss everything together well. Add the crispy tortilla chips and gently mix again.
  9. Slice the cooled chicken breast into thin strips and spread it over the salad. Finish with flaky salt and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
  • Cook Time: 30 min

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Baked Goat Cream Cheese & Hot Pepper Jelly

Baked Goat Cream Cheese & Hot Pepper Jelly

Baked Goat Cream Cheese & Hot Pepper Jelly

Baked Goat Cream Cheese & Hot Pepper Jelly

October 20, 2024 by Kimberly

Imagine a warm, melty goat cream cheese, topped with a sweet-spicy hot pepper jelly as a dip for your favorite potato chips. It’s a burst of flavor that feels like a cozy, fiery hug.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

40 min

SERVES

1 small baking dish

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

This baked goat cream cheese dish is the perfect combo of creamy, tangy, and sweet with a little kick. The warm, melty center and the hot pepper jelly on top brings the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. It’s one of those appetizers that makes everyone go “wow” after the first bite, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself to something special, this warm, cozy snack is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Serve this baked goat cheese dish with crispy crackers, warm slices of baguette, or even fresh veggies like cucumber or carrots for a light crunch. The sweet-spicy jelly on top works perfectly with some fresh herbs like thyme or chives. It’s an easy, yet impressive appetizer for dinner parties, game nights, or even a cozy night in. Trust me, people will be coming back for seconds – so maybe make a double batch!

If you have leftovers (which, let’s be real, you probably won’t), just pop the baked goat cheese in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps for about 2 days and can be easily reheated in the oven.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Baked Goat Cream Cheese & Hot Pepper Jelly
Baked Goat Cream Cheese & Hot Pepper Jelly
Baked Goat Cream Cheese & Hot Pepper Jelly
Baked Goat Cream Cheese & Hot Pepper Jelly

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

Print
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Baked Goat Cream Cheese & Hot Pepper Jelly

Baked Goat Cream Cheese & Hot Pepper Jelly


5 from 1 review

  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 20 min
  • Yield: 40 min

Description

Recommended Equipment

  • jar with a screw-on lid
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • small pot
  • tongs
  • small plate
  • food processor

Ingredients

Units Scale
HOT PEPPER JELLY
  • 1/2 red bell pepper
  • 1/4 green bell pepper
  • 1/2 jalapeno
  • 1/2 fresh chili pepper
  • 75 grams preserving sugar
  • 30 grams apple cider vinegar
CHEESE
  • 150 grams cream cheese
  • 100 grams goat cream cheese
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives
  • salt to taste
OTHER INGREDIENTS
  • bread, cracker or veggie sticks for dipping

Instructions

  1. For the hot pepper jelly, first pour boiling water over the jar and lid, and let them sit for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, chop the red pepper, green pepper, jalapeno, and chili into small pieces. Put them in a small pot. Next, add the preserving sugar and apple cider vinegar, and stir well. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Use tongs to carefully remove the jar and lid from the hot water and let them drain. Set aside.
  2. Now, test if the jelly is ready by placing half a teaspoon of the mixture on a plate and tilting it back and forth. If it thickens and doesn’t run like water, it’s done and can be carefully poured into the sterilized jar. Let it cool in the fridge until further use.
  3. Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F. For the cheese cream, peel the garlic clove and finely chop the chives. Add both to a food processor along with the cream cheese, goat cheese, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. Transfer the cream to a small ovenproof dish with a lid (or cover with foil) and bake for about 15 minutes. Then remove the lid and bake for another 5 minutes until the top is slightly browned. Take it out of the oven and let it cool briefly.
  4. Finally, spread the hot pepper jelly over the cheese and serve with bread or chips.

Notes

  • If you don’t have preserving sugar on hand, use 60-65g of regular sugar with 1-1.5g of pectin and 5ml of lemon juice instead of 75g preserving sugar.
  • Cook Time: 20 min

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