Neelys Chicken Taco Salad Recipes

NEELY'S CHICKEN SALAD IN TOMATO CUPS

Steps:

• Mix first 10 ingredients in a large bowl.
• Core tops of tomatoes with a paring knife. Using a melon baller, scoop out the insides of the tomatoes. Lay a leaf of lettuce in each tomato so it peeks out the top. Fill the tomatoes with a large scoop of the chicken salad and serve.

CHICKEN TACO SALAD

Steps:

• Shredded pepper Jack cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, sliced scallions and fried tortilla strips, for topping
• Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chili powder and cumin and cook for 30 seconds. Add the chicken, black beans and chicken broth, then stir, bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
• Fill 4 serving bowls with the romaine, then add the chicken mixture. Top with cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, scallions and tortilla strips. Serve with lime wedges.

CHICKEN TACO SALAD

Steps:

• For the chicken: Generously sprinkle both sides of the breasts with the taco seasoning. Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken on both sides until deep golden brown on the outside and done in the middle (or to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F), about 4 minutes per side. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
• For the dressing: While the chicken is cooking, pour the ranch dressing into a bowl. Add the salsa and cilantro and stir to combine.
• For the salad: Next, place the ears of corn in the skillet you used to cook the chicken and roll them around so that the flavorful oil/butter mixture coats the corn. Grill on a grill pan or cook in a separate skillet until the corn is still crisp but has color on the outside. Slice off the kernels with a sharp knife and set aside. Dice the chicken into cubes.
• On a platter, layer the shredded lettuce, diced chicken, tomatoes, cheese, corn, avocados, green onions, cilantro and crushed chips. Drizzle the dressing all over the top, saving some to serve on the side if you'd like. Serve the salad in individual bowls.

CHICKEN TACO SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Toss the tortilla strips with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon lime zest, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium bowl; spread in a single layer on the prepared pan. Bake, stirring halfway through, until browned and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes; let cool.
• Meanwhile, toss the beans, corn, tomatoes, pickled jalapenos and brine, the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 3/4 teaspoon lime zest, the lime juice, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium bowl. Let sit, tossing occasionally, until juicy, about 10 minutes.
• Divide the lettuce among 4 bowls and top with the bean mixture and juices, chicken, avocado, cheese and tortilla strips.

SLOW-COOKER CHICKEN TACO SALAD

Steps:

• Mix seasonings; rub over chicken. Place in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Add broth. Cook, covered, on low 3-4 hours or until chicken is tender., Remove chicken; cool slightly. Shred with 2 forks. Serve over romaine; top as desired.

NEELY'S CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• In a very large saucepan or Dutch oven, add chicken, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf to cover. Turn on heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. *Cook's Note: You'll want to poach the chicken on a low simmer and start with cold stock so the chicken cooks evenly.
• Once the chicken is cooked, transfer to a 13 by 9-inch casserole dish and let cool. Reserve broth and discard the thyme and bay leaf. When chicken has cooled, shred. Use your hands or a fork and make sure to get all the meat off the bone. Discard the skin and bones.
• Add flour, salt and pepper, to taste, and baking powder to a large bowl and whisk together. In a small saucepan, bring heavy cream, butter and herbs to a low simmer then add to the dry ingredients. Stir with a rubber spatula until combined. Using your hands, form dough into dumplings.
• Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat and add oil. Once oil is hot, add onions, carrots, celery and garlic. Saute until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add reserved broth to Dutch oven with vegetables and add the chicken. Bring to a low simmer. Add dumplings 1 at a time into the simmering soup. Cover pan with a lid and cook for 25 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste, if necessary.