Cowboy Chicken Salad

If you are looking for a salad that eats like a meal, this Cowboy Chicken Salad is it! Smoky seasoned chicken, crisp lettuce, sweet corn, black beans, avocado, diced jalapeños, bacon, and Monterey Jack cheese are tossed in my homemade Cowboy Butter Ranch Dressing. Then, I top the salad with homemade croutons and more jalapeños, packing every bite with bold flavor. Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime for the perfect finishing touch!

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 1 ½ pounds chicken
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne, optional
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 4-5 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium shallot, diced
• 1 cup (165 g) canned sweet corn, drained
• 1 cup (172 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 medium avocado, diced
• 1 cup (113 g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 medium jalapeño, diced
• 4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
• ¾ cup Cowboy Butter Ranch Dressing
• croutons, homemade or store-bought
• 1-2 medium jalapeno peppers, sliced for garnish
• 1 medium lime, cut into wedges for serving