Tex Mex Chopped Chicken: 8 Amazing Twists

Name: Tex Mex Chopped Chicken: 8 Amazing Twists
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex Mex
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained; 1/2 cup chopped red onion; 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color); 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 jalapeño, minced (optional); 1 avocado, diced; Optional toppings: crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese; For the Dressing:; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

by Jannet Lisa

29 de August de 2025

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Tex Mex chopped chicken has become my go-to for a reason – it’s bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying! I first fell in love with this dish during a scorching summer when I needed something cool, zesty, and quick to whip up for lunch. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and corn, the creamy avocado, and that hint of spice from the jalapeño just screamed sunshine and good times. Seriously, the aroma of the cilantro and lime dressing alone is enough to make your mouth water. This quick Tex Mex chopped chicken salad is so easy to assemble, making it perfect for those busy weeknights too. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Tex Mex Chopped Chicken

Incredible Tex Mex flavors that are both bold and balanced.

So quick to make – you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
It’s a healthy choice, packed with lean protein and fresh veggies.
This recipe is wonderfully budget-friendly, using pantry staples.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
This easy Tex Mex chicken salad is perfect for meal prep.
You can customize it endlessly to suit your tastes.

It’s the ideal easy Tex Mex chicken salad for a satisfying lunch.

Ingredients for Tex Mex Chopped Chicken Salad

Gathering the right Tex Mex chicken salad ingredients is key to this vibrant dish. You’ll need 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which provides the lean protein base. For seasoning the chicken, grab 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Then, for that classic Tex Mex punch, we use 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained, 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained, 1/2 cup chopped red onion, and 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color). Don’t forget 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for freshness and 1 jalapeño, minced, if you like a little heat. The creamy goodness comes from 1 avocado, diced. For the dressing, you’ll need 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice for brightness, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar for a touch of sweetness, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and more salt and pepper to taste. Optional toppings like crushed tortilla chips or shredded cheese add extra texture and flavor.

How to Make Tex Mex Chopped Chicken

Step 1: First, let’s get that chicken seasoned perfectly. Sprinkle the 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. You want to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and fragrant, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust and for the chicken to be cooked through – a meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken cool on a cutting board for about 10 minutes; this helps keep it juicy.
Step 3: While the chicken cools, prepare the base of your salad. In a large bowl, combine the rinsed and drained black beans, drained corn, finely chopped red onion, chopped bell pepper, fresh cilantro, and minced jalapeño (if you’re feeling brave!).
Step 4: Dice the slightly cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the diced chicken to the bowl with the vegetables. This is where your vibrant Tex Mex chopped chicken salad really starts to come together.

$Tex Mex Chopped Chicken: 8 Amazing Twists - Tex Mex Chopped Chicken - additional detail$

Step 5: Now for the dressing! In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (the zestiness is amazing!), 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar for a hint of sweetness, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, plus more salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good shake or whisk until emulsified.
Step 6: Pour this zesty dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is coated. The aroma at this stage is incredible!

Step 7: Finally, gently fold in the diced avocado. You want it to be creamy but not mushy, so be tender. This adds that luxurious texture to your Tex Mex chopped chicken salad.
Step 8: Serve your delicious Tex Mex chopped chicken salad immediately, or cover and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. For an extra crunch, top with crushed tortilla chips or shredded cheese just before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Tex Mex Chopped Chicken Salad

Want to elevate your Tex Mex experience? These little tricks make all the difference:

Don’t overcook the chicken! Aim for just cooked through so it stays tender and juicy when diced.
Season your chicken before cooking. This infuses flavor deep into the meat.
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. It really lets those flavors meld beautifully.

Taste and adjust the dressing right before tossing everything together. You might need a little more lime or salt!

What’s the secret to perfect Tex Mex chopped chicken?

The real secret is in the seasoning and not overcooking the chicken. Infusing flavor from the start and keeping it moist ensures every bite of your spicy chicken chop salad is packed with deliciousness.

Can I make Tex Mex Chopped Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all the components, including cooking and dicing the chicken, and mixing the veggies. Store the dressing separately. Add the avocado and toss everything together just before serving to keep it fresh.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Tex Mex Chopped Chicken?

A common pitfall is dry chicken; ensure you don’t overcook it. Another is mushy avocado; add it last and toss gently. For a truly great Southwestern chopped chicken salad, make sure your ingredients are fresh and vibrant! For tips on keeping produce fresh, check out this guide on proper vegetable preparation.

Best Ways to Serve Tex Mex Chopped Chicken

This versatile salad is wonderful on its own, but it also shines in a few different ways. For a perfect Tex Mex chicken salad for lunch, serve it scooped into crisp lettuce cups – romaine or butter lettuce works beautifully. You can also pile it high on a bed of mixed greens for a hearty main course salad, perhaps with some extra salsa on the side. Another fantastic option is to use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches; just add a smear of sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy these vibrant flavors! If you’re looking for more chicken salad inspiration, this classic chicken salad recipe is a great starting point.

Nutrition Facts for Tex Mex Chopped Chicken Salad

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of this delicious salad:

Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g

Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 8g

Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Tex Mex Chopped Chicken

Proper storage is key to keeping your Tex Mex chopped chicken salad tasting fresh and delicious. Once it has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. I like to use glass containers because they don’t retain odors. You can safely store this salad in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the best texture, especially with the Tex Mex chicken salad with avocado, it’s a good idea to add the avocado just before you plan to serve it. Freezing isn’t ideal for this particular salad due to the avocado and fresh vegetables, but if you must, you can freeze the chicken and veggie mixture without the avocado for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, then stir in fresh avocado.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tex Mex Chopped Chicken Salad

What are the best ingredients for Tex Mex chopped chicken salad?

The best ingredients create a vibrant flavor profile. You’ll want tender chicken, of course, along with black beans, corn, red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, and avocado for creaminess. A zesty lime dressing ties it all together. These elements are what make this salad so satisfying and flavorful, showcasing true Tex Mex chicken inspiration.

How do I make Tex Mex chopped chicken salad taste authentic?

Authenticity comes from using classic spices like cumin and chili powder on the chicken, and fresh ingredients like cilantro and jalapeño. The lime-based dressing is also crucial for that signature zesty kick. If you’re wondering how to make Tex Mex chopped chicken salad taste even more authentic, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

Can I substitute the chicken in this Tex Mex chopped chicken salad?

Absolutely! While chicken is fantastic, you can easily swap it out. Grilled shrimp or seasoned ground turkey would be delicious alternatives. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas or seasoned tofu would work wonderfully, making it a versatile Southwestern style chicken salad for anyone. For a different poultry option, try this cashew chicken recipe.

What can I serve with Tex Mex chopped chicken salad?

This salad is quite complete on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with tortilla chips for dipping, a side of black beans and rice, or even stuffed into warm tortillas for a hearty wrap. It also makes a fantastic topping for a bed of crisp lettuce for a lighter meal.

Variations of Tex Mex Chopped Chicken You Can Try

This recipe is fantastic as is, but the beauty of a great salad is its adaptability. Let’s explore some exciting Tex Mex chicken salad variations that can suit different tastes and dietary needs!

Spicy Kick Upgrade: For those who love heat, mince an extra jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or the dressing. You could also serve it with a side of your favorite hot sauce for an extra fiery experience.
Vegetarian Delight: Swap the chicken for 2 cans of drained and rinsed chickpeas or seasoned baked tofu. This makes for a hearty and equally delicious vegetarian version of this Southwestern chopped chicken salad.
Grill Master’s Choice: Instead of pan-searing, grill the seasoned chicken breasts until cooked through. The smoky flavor from the grill adds another incredible layer to this salad, perfect for summer cookouts.

Mediterranean Twist: While not strictly Tex Mex, you could add Kalamata olives and feta cheese for a unique flavor profile, creating interesting Tex Mex chicken salad variations that bridge cuisines.

$Tex Mex Chopped Chicken: 8 Amazing Twists - Tex Mex Chopped Chicken - additional detail$