The Crusted Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing is what happens when your favorite comfort foods get together for a party and bring a truly irresistible main course salad! Imagine crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken tucked into a colorful lineup of creamy avocado, savory bacon, blue cheese, and fresh cherry tomatoes, all drizzled with a tangy-sweet homemade dressing. Every bite feels luxurious yet balanced, offering the perfect mix of textures and flavors—making this salad as suitable for a weeknight dinner as it is for a special weekend gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great salads are all about the details, and the magic of this recipe is how such simple ingredients transform into something truly memorable. Each component here builds flavor, texture, and a pop of color, ensuring the Crusted Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing becomes a dish you’ll crave again and again.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy chicken forms the hearty foundation of the salad.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs create that crunch you’ll swoon over.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: The nutty, salty notes add richness to the crust.
- Garlic Powder: Even a teaspoon gives the chicken crust bold, savory undertones.
- Paprika: For warmth and inviting color in every golden bite.
- Eggs (beaten): Help the crust cling and provide extra moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour: A must for the coating process to stick beautifully.
- Mixed Salad Greens: The crisp bed that keeps every bite fresh and lively.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs (sliced): Creamy, protein-packed discs that elevate any Cobb salad.
- Avocado (diced): Buttery texture and subtle flavor—try it once and you’ll see why it’s a must.
- Cherry Tomatoes (halved): A burst of juiciness and sunshine in every forkful.
- Cooked Bacon (crumbled): Smoky, salty crunch for irresistible depth.
- Crumbled Blue Cheese: Tangy, creamy, and just a touch funky for classic Cobb character.
- Small Red Onion (thinly sliced): A little sharpness that wakes up your palate.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Season every element, every time, for best flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: The backbone of the honey mustard dressing—sharp and complex.
- Honey: Offers natural sweetness to balance the zing.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and body to the dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Its fruity tang lifts the whole salad.
- Olive Oil: For luscious, smooth emulsification in the dressing.
How to Make Crusted Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing
Step 1: Prepare and Dredge the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C)—this ensures crispy results. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour to give the coating something to grip. Dip each piece into beaten eggs, then press into your crispy mixture of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika. This triple-layer coating is what gives the chicken its signature crunch and flavor.
Step 2: Bake the Crusted Chicken
Arrange the crusted chicken on a greased baking sheet for easy release and even browning. Pop it in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, turning the pieces once halfway through to guarantee golden results on both sides. When they’re done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes so the juices stay put when you slice.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Honey Mustard Dressing
While the chicken bakes, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This dressing is creamy and tangy with just enough sweetness, instantly elevating the classic Cobb salad profile. If you like extra zip, add a little more mustard; for more sweetness, a touch more honey.
Step 4: Compose the Salad
Spread the salad greens over a large serving platter or in a big bowl. Artfully arrange rows of sliced crusted chicken, hard-boiled eggs, avocado cubes, cherry tomato halves, bacon crumbles, blue cheese, and red onion. Layering the ingredients ensures every forkful gets a bit of everything and keeps your presentation restaurant-worthy.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the honey mustard dressing across the top of the salad or let everyone help themselves by serving the dressing on the side. The colors, textures, and aromas are sure to draw a crowd to the table!
How to Serve Crusted Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley, chives, or fresh cracked pepper over the top for a burst of freshness and color. A pinch of flaky sea salt takes every ingredient over the top and offers that professional finish.
Side Dishes
This hearty salad can hold its own as a main course, but a slice of warm, crusty bread or a bowl of classic tomato soup would round out the meal beautifully. If you’re feeling extra, crisp oven fries or sweet potato wedges make a fun, casual pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the salad ingredients in neat rows or even individual jar salads for grab-and-go convenience. Serve the Crusted Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing in a giant wooden bowl at the center of the table or create personalized plates for a more elegant approach.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra Crusted Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing, keep the chicken, salad, and dressing separate in airtight containers. The chicken stays crisp and the greens remain fresh for up to two days in the fridge. Dress the salad just before serving to maintain that perfect texture!
Freezing
While most salad ingredients don’t freeze well, you can freeze the crusted chicken easily. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for another round, simply reheat and add to your fresh salad base.
Reheating
To preserve the crust’s crispness, reheat chicken pieces in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this tends to make the crust soggy. Bring salad ingredients to room temperature before assembling for best flavor.
FAQs
Can I make the honey mustard dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dressing can be whisked together up to a week in advance and stored in a sealed jar in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before serving to re-emulsify all those delicious flavors.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken if I don’t want to bake it?
If you prefer, you can air fry the crusted chicken at 400°F for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through, for an even lighter finish. Pan-frying also works, but keep the heat medium and use a splash of oil.
How can I make this Crusted Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing dairy-free?
Simply skip the Parmesan in the breading and swap in a dairy-free cheese or omit the blue cheese topping. The honey mustard dressing can be made with a dairy-free mayo for a completely dairy-free option.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
While you won’t get the same glorious crunch, shredded or sliced rotisserie chicken is absolutely acceptable for a shortcut. The salad will still be hearty and tasty—simply toss with seasoning or a little dressing to boost flavor.
What greens work best for this salad?
Any sturdy greens like romaine, mixed spring greens, baby spinach, or a combo of arugula with butter lettuce work perfectly. These hold up well under the toppings and ensure every bite of Crusted Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing is crisp and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re craving a dish that’s loaded with texture, flavor, and a little something special, give Crusted Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing a spot on your table. Whether you serve it as a showstopper for guests or a no-fuss weeknight dinner, it’s the kind of meal that turns any day into a celebration. Enjoy every bite!
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Crusted Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crusted Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a delicious and hearty meal that combines crispy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Crusted Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Honey Mustard Dressing:
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat with panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika mixture.
- Bake the chicken: Place chicken on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: Arrange salad greens on a platter. Top with sliced crusted chicken, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, bacon, blue cheese, and red onion.
- Serve: Drizzle with honey mustard dressing and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, air fry the chicken instead of baking.
- You can swap blue cheese for feta if preferred.
- This salad is hearty enough for a main course and pairs well with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Baking, Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large salad
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg
