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

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Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing

Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing


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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 30 min
  • Yield: 2 1x

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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Chicken Tikka Masala with Passionfruit Yogurt & Chili Lime Garlic Naan

Chicken Tikka Masala with Passionfruit Yogurt & Chili Lime Garlic Naan

Chicken Tikka Masala with Passionfruit Yogurt & Chili Lime Garlic Naan

Chicken Tikka Masala with Passionfruit Yogurt & Chili Lime Garlic Naan

March 26, 2025 by Kimberly

Bold, creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy. A rich, slow-simmered tomato-coconut sauce meets tender chicken, cooled down with tropical yogurt and scooped up with garlicky, buttery, chili-lime naan.

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TOTAL TIME

90 min

SERVES

3 portions

DIET

omnivore

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

This is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, but, like, an effortlessly cool one. Tender chicken, slow-simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-coconut sauce packed with warm spices and just the right amount of heat. It’s bold and deep in flavor, but then? Enter the tangy, tropical yogurt that balances it all out, plus fluffy, garlicky naan to scoop up every last drop. It’s cozy, it’s indulgent, and honestly, it just hits different.

The key here is layering flavors. Start with a generous spoonful of the rich, velvety sauce, pile on the juicy, spice-kissed chicken, and finish with a drizzle of the bright, citrusy yogurt. And the naan? It’s non-negotiable. Tear, dip, repeat. This dish is best served fresh, straight from the pot, but if you want to go all out, a side of fluffy basmati rice wouldn’t hurt. Bonus points if you add a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.

Store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge. The naan keeps best wrapped in foil at room temp for a day or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep things soft and saucy.

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!

 

 

Chicken Tikka Masala with Passionfruit Yogurt & Chili Lime Garlic Naan
Chicken Tikka Masala with Passionfruit Yogurt & Chili Lime Garlic Naan
Chicken Tikka Masala with Passionfruit Yogurt & Chili Lime Garlic Naan
Chili Lime Garlic Naan
LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS
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Chicken Tikka Masala with Passionfruit Yogurt & Chili Lime Garlic Naan

Chicken Tikka Masala with Passionfruit Yogurt & Chili Lime Garlic Naan


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 90 min
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

  • stand mixer
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • large pan

Ingredients

Units Scale
BASE SAUCE
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 red onions
  • 400 grams tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cloves powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 tsp dried chili flakes
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 250 milliliter vegetable stock
COCONUT SAUCE
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 200 grams coconut milk
CHICKEN
  • 400 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
TOPPINGS
  • lime juice
  • fresh cilantro
  • 2 tbsp yogurt
  • 2 tbsp passionfruit purée

Instructions

  1. Start by preparing the chili lime garlic naan according to this recipe, up to Step 4. Once 40 minutes of resting time have passed, proceed with Step 2 of this recipe.
  2. Finely dice the onions and tomatoes, keeping them separate.
  3. Coat the chicken in turmeric (gloves recommended, as turmeric stains easily). Heat avocado oil in a large pan and sear the chicken on both sides. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet, as it will finish simmering in the sauce. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the remaining oil, add ground cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, and ground cloves. Toast briefly until fragrant. Add the diced onions and a bay leaf, season generously with salt, and let them soften. Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the ginger and garlic, then add them to the pan. Let everything cook down gently.
  5. Once softened, add coriander powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, toasting briefly. Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes, then pour in vegetable broth. Cover with a lid and let it simmer until the tomatoes break down. Transfer everything to a blender and blend until smooth. Keep the mixture in the blender while reheating the pan.
  6. Continue preparing the naan from Step 5 to Step 6, allowing the dough to rest for another 10-15 minutes.
  7. Heat more avocado oil in the pan and toast ground cumin and mustard seeds until they start popping. Add pressed garlic, turmeric, and garam masala, stirring until fragrant. Pour in the coconut milk and mix well. Then, return the blended tomato mixture to the pan, stirring until combined. Add the seared chicken, cover with a lid, and bring to a simmer.
  8. Once simmering, remove the lid and stir in more garam masala and a splash of lime juice. Optionally, add a tablespoon of butter for extra richness. Let everything simmer over medium heat for another 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
  9. While the dish simmers, complete the naan recipe from Step 7 onward, so it’s freshly served.
  10. Remove the pan from the heat and top the chicken with yogurt, passionfruit purée, and fresh cilantro. Serve with warm naan and enjoy!
  • Passive Time: 30 min
  • Cook Time: 60 min
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