This Fajita Hummus Crusted Chicken Salad with Creamy Chipotle-Cilantro dressing is a Tex-Mex spin on the traditional Cobb Salad. Filling and hearty, yet light and substantial, this salad is lip-smacking-delicious!
Hiya friends! How has your week been?
Mine has been… fine. Nothing eventful.
Even now as I sit here, trying to think of something witty to write, I can’t stop myself from staring out the window at the endless rain and thinking about how much I need a vacation. I need to do something noteworthy. It has been about 5 years since Boy and I took a vacation somewhere. FIVE. You’d agree I need a vacation, right?
Consequently, I have been researching North Carolina beaches for the hubster and I to get away to, and I’m thinking Wrightsville beach just might be the place for us to get a little R&R. So, for all you NC residents, or anyone who has vacationed here, are there any beaches you suggest? Since we are new to N to the C I’m completely open to recommendations! So please leave a comment below and help a sista’ out.
Anyways, I’ll try to focus long enough to discuss what you guys are here for. The food.
If you follow this blog, you know in my last post I told you guys I made something with that fantastic fajita flavored hummus. And here it is.
Fajita Hummus Crusted Chicken Salad
Have you guys tried crusting your chicken with hummus yet? If you haven’t, OMG, you absolutely must. Like, immediately. It’s seriously the easiest thing ever, but the flavor is spot on. Simply, and generously, slather the hummus right on top of the chicken and bake.
Boom. Hummus crusted chicken.
Doooo it!
Anyways, you guys, this salad is lip-smackin’-good! It is filling and hearty, yet light and substantial. It’s kind of like a Cobb salad… gone fajita.
You have crisp, cool lettuce and cabbage; warm, thinly sliced bell peppers and onions; creamy avocado, herbaceous cilantro; funky, salty cotija cheese, fresh pico de gallo, spicy rings of jalapenos, crunchy tortilla chips and that tender, juicy, flavor rockin’ hummus crusted chicken. This salad is a mixture of textures and flavors, making it feast for the taste buds.
While all that salad-y jazz is fantastic and all, you can’t have a salad without a dressing.
This salad is spruced up with a Chipotle-Cilantro Dressing. Creamy, smooth, slightly spicy, a bit smoky, a touch tangy and a hint sweet, the dressing pairs wonderfully with, and enhances, the fajita flavors in the salad. 
But before you go off and have a salad fiesta, I have a few notes for you:
- I always quick brine my chicken breasts before baking. Always. It only takes 15 minutes and it makes your chicken super tender. All you need to do is fill a large bowl with 1 quart of lukewarm water and stir in 2 tablespoons of kosher salt. Add the chicken breasts and allow to brine for 15 minutes. Remove the chicken, rinse and pat dry. Viola. No more dry chicken for you!
- When you are coating the (brined) chicken breasts with hummus you want to be generous. Don’t be stingy with the hummus. Plentifully slather it on. The more hummus the better. 😉
- The dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-5 days. Obviously I highly recommend you make double the recipe and drizzle this stuff on all the things.
So get your tushie into the kitchen and whip together a few batches of Fajita Flavored Hummus. A little for your mouth and a little for this Crusted Chicken Salad. Trust me, your belly will thank you! Until next time friends, Cheers – to hummus on all the things!
Xoxo-
Cheyanne
Fajita Hummus Crusted Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- ½ Cup Fajita Flavored Hummus
- 1 Red Bell Pepper – thinly sliced
- 1 small Yellow Onion – thinly sliced
- 1 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper , to taste
- 2 Cups Iceberg , Bibb or Romaine Lettuce (or a mix) – shredded, or more to taste
- 1 Cup Cabbage - shredded
- 1 Avocado – sliced
- 1 Jalapeno – cut into rings
- Cilantro Leaves , to taste
- Cotija Cheese , to taste - crumbled
- Pico de Gallo , to taste
- Tortilla Chips , to taste - crushed
- Dressing:
- ½ Cup Sour Cream (can substitute Greek yogurt)
- 2 TBS Mayonnaise
- ¾ Cup Cilantro – stems removed and loosely packed
- 1 Chipotle in Adobo
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1/2 Lime Juiced (about 1 TBS)
- 2 tsp Honey
- 1 TBS Apple Cider Vinegar
- ¼ tsp Salt , or more to taste
- Pinch Back Pepper
- ¼ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Add all ingredients, except for the olive oil to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse to combine. With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil. Process until smooth. Set aside in the refrigerator to allow flavors to marry.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a large baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Place the onions and peppers in the baking dish. Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken breasts on top of the peppers and onions in the baking dish. Coat the top on the chicken generously with fajita flavored hummus.*
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until chicken breast is cooked to 165 degrees F. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice chicken and set aside.
- Meanwhile, prepare the salad: Divide the lettuce and cabbage between serving bowls. Top with onions, pepper and chicken. Garnish with avocado, pico de gallo, jalapeno rings, cotija, crushed tortilla chips and a few cilantro leaves. Drizzle with dressing and serve.
Notes
*Dressing can be made in advance and will keep, covered in the refrigerator, for 3-5 days.
*My chicken breasts were large and took about 34 minutes to bake.
Nutrition
You Might Also Like:
Green Goddess & Salmon Summer Bibb Wedge Salad
Oregano Chicken Mediterranean Zucchini Noodle Bowls
Roasted Chickpea & Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowls {with Cilantro-Lime Viniagrette}
omg I NEED this salad in my life, PLEASE!! you never cease to amaze me with your recipes, Cheyanne <3
5 years? Insane. You guys are way over due for a vacation. Now let’s talk about this beauty. What a great, killer, delicious and awesome idea. Hummus crusted chicken! Forget the salad, I’ll take two of these chicken breasts please. Beautifully sliced on the bias to show all that goodness, beautiful Chey! 🙂 #BrineYourChickenPeople
This is cray-cray girl (but in a very good way). I’ve never had or ever even thought of coating chicken with hummus and baking it. Quite brilliant and I will be trying it next time I have chicken and hummus in da house! I know nothing at all about any NC beaches but I’m all about Kiawah Island in SC. It’s romantic and sweet and relaxing. It’s a private, gated island that has it’s own stores, farmer’s market, restaurants, golf course, etc., and you ride bikes all over the island. I love that place. I have a great idea…let’s all go on vaca there! 😉 #thirdwheel
Dang doogely lady – I haven’t ever crusted my chicken with hummus before – this is such a brilliant idea! BRILLIANT!!! I
I’ve used hummus in a curry before but gosh darn – I cannot wait to try this! And thanks for the 15 minute-brining tip – I gotta try that too!
I haven’t ever been to a NC beach – but I have been to SC beaches and my fav are the beaches on the Isle of Palms – they aren’t too crowded and so pretty! Five years is way to long to go without a vacay – so put your fork down (or better yet, give it to me) and run into your vacay, Cheyanne! 🙂
XO
OMG- this is the first time I’m seeing hummus crusted chicken, and I am BLOWN AWAY! This looks and sounds ridiculously good 🙂
Mmmmmm…this looks like a great way to prepare chicken! So full of flavor. This salad looks really delicious and filling…Hopefully it will transport me to a tropical beach somewhere! 🙂
Crusting the chicken with hummus?! Where the heck have I been. I need to try this right now! And I love the brining tip. I’m definitely doing that next time!
Used to go to Wrightsville Beach every year. Lots to do there and Wilmington i s a neat town. For a quiet, relaxing beach vacation I love Holden Beach, NC.
This salad looks so totally amazing!!
DANG — this salad looks so good, Cheyanne! I love your presentation and the flavors sound so amazing. Just stunning photos, too — you rocked this! Brining the chicken must do wonders and I must say I’m a little lazy for that most of the time, but definitely will give it a go at some point. Lovely job here friend, and have a great weekend!
You definitely need some R&R Five years?? You know your move to NC doesn’t count as a vacation right, lol. I love this salad, all the bright flavors and will definayely try crusting my chicken in hummus, what a good idea! Take care!
You need to get out more chica! I can’t believe it has been five years since you last went on vacation. It’s been 5 months since I got back from Patagonia and I’m already going stir crazy. But with the Mr.’s assignment in Shanghai. . .I see some trips to the Eastern world in my not-so-distant future (Mongolia her I come!). But until then. . .we have this hummus . . .and crusted on this chicken. Oh my! I’ve never actually tried this but from the looks of your photos. . .I’m definitely missing out.
How did I know you were going to do something FANTASTIC with that hummus? Even more fantastic than just slurping it up with a spoon, which is also fab! I’m going to ask my daughter (who lives in Cary NC) about beaches for you! xoxo
I’m fully in favor of you getting a beach vacation, Cheyanne. If you journey north to the Delaware beaches, I’ll meet you there!
It can be hard when you don’t recharge, so seriously, try and do it if you can!
And this looks amazing. You found a great way to use that hummus!
Yum! This crusted chicken looks delicious Cheyanne! Really like the fajita flavours in this salad and I love that you’ve used your hummus to coat the chicken. 🙂
You work so hard Cheyanne, and you really need a vacation my dear. And what a stunning looking fajita hummus. Such an innovative idea. Love your beautiful and fun GIF too. Have beautiful and weekend full of bright and warm sunshine!
Yes, a vacation is totally due after 5 years. You must! And this salad looks mouthwatering! Using the hummus to crust the chicken sounds fantastic!
This recipe is loaded with full of flavors. Looks so delicious and Beautiful clicks!
Raining? Still raining? Wow, finally we’ve got something better than you:) It’s been lovely for 2 days already, and it’s going to be this way this weekend too. Xoxo. But if seriously, hummus crusted chicken? Seriously? That’s genius. Sounds like I’ve got to try this! P.S. Have a lovely weekend!
Girl… 5 years?! Yes, go take a vacay! Other than OBX, I don’t have any beach suggestions. But if you’re into hiking and some really gorgeous mountains, I went to school for a few years in Boone. As the name suggests, it’s kinda in the boonies (really named for Daniel Boone). Although I think the school there has really grown, so things may have changed. Either way, you don’t have to drive far outside of town to find some really spectacular views. Blowing Rock (next to Boone) is also very nice.
So now about this dish! I love that you used the fajita hummus in this dish – flavor, flavor, flavor! I’ve never tried a hummus crust, but it looks like I need to try it asap! And that dressing sounds amazing!
Hey girlie, I come here as much for the chat as the food. So never be in a hurry to move on my dear. Vacation, huh? That sounds awesome. Is Wrightsville Beach near the Outer Banks? Talking out loud here, I will look it up myself. But I haven’t met a part of NC I didn’t love. Hope you and B have the best vacation ever. Now on to the food. What a great salad, the dressing looks incredible. Love the hummus slathered baked chicken, and I was glad you reminded me about the brining. You told us about that another time, and I swore to myself I would do it and then I completely forgot about it. Seriously, I am going to do this with some chicken I have in the fridge right now that we’re gonna grill tonight. Have a super weekend my friend. XO
I feel the same way about your blog, Allie! Wrightsville is about 4 1/2 hours from the Outer Banks, but I’m sure google already told you that. 😉 I’m glad I brought up brining again… I figured a friendly reminder wouldn’t hurt anyone! Hehe. You must try it, Allie – totally worth the 15 minutes! Thanks so much for the sweet comment as always, girlfriend! I hope you and the family have a beautiful weekend, sweetie! Cheers! xo
I love the idea of using hummus as the coating. This is a fantastic salad, Cheyanne.
Thank you so much, Angie!! Cheers, friend!
I haven’t been on vacation in ages either, Cheyanne – I’m jealous that you’re planning one – the beach no less! Hope you go soon and have a wonderful relaxing time. XO
Well you NEED a vacation too then, Geraldine!! 😉 Thanks for the comment, dear! Cheers to a relaxing, beautiful weekend! xo
I love the use of the fajita hummus here- so clever! I’m with you on the vacation… everything is just, meh. Except this salad- delicious!
Thanks so much, Medha! Cheers to a fabulous weekend, girlie!
5 years without vacationing????????????? Get your butt somewhere good, girl! By the way, this recipe looks awesome- I would never have thought to put hummus on chicken, but I can see how it would work- I’ve been super into besan/chickpea flour lately and it’s great for creating a crust on things 🙂
Ha! I’m working on it, Sarah! Thanks so much for the comment love! And chickpea flour is bomb, btw! Cheers, girl!
You put hummus on chicken? I’ve never thought of that! Head smack! Dude, I feel you on the vacation. It’s been forever since we’ve been able to get away too. I agree 100% with everything Kathryn said about the beaches. We typically go to SC because it’s actually closer in most cases. I do love Wilmington too though. It has a Charleston kind of feel to it on a smaller scale. If you go to Hilton Head, you can also check out Savannah because it’s so close. One of my friends has a family beach house in Surfside (also SC) and it’s always been pretty relaxing and quiet there. I’ve never been to the Outerbanks, but I’ve heard it’s very nice and full of lighthouses. No matter where you go – just get there! And you better be sure if you are passing within 20 miles of Charlotte that you stop here on the way! XO
Rach, put the hummus on the chicken! Doooooo it, you will love it! I’m not sure what is closer for Boy and I – SC or NC beaches, but you know I’m going to be all over that asking google!! Boy and I have been to Hilton Head and we loved it… actually that was the last vacation we took! 😉 And I will get to Charleston one of these days… but I’ll have to make it to Charlotte first! Thanks for the suggestions and comment love, sweets! Cheers! xo
Now this is my kind of salad! That crusted chicken looks divine!
Thanks Marsha! Cheers, girlfriend!
Aw, Chey! Well, no events is kind of good events, right? 🙂 Anyway, you two DEFINITELY need and deserve a vacay. I cannot seriously believe it’s been five years! I am agreeing so hard, I think my keyboard is giving me a dirty look.
As for places in NC to go… I’m not sure. But my sister loves traveling around that area. Okay, don’t shoot my a dirty look (it’s dirty look day over in these parts), but there is a place she absolutely loves in South Carolina. Hey, it’s not *that* far, right? 😉 Eh… It’s calling Huntington Beach State Park. It’s absolutely beautiful. I mean, if you’re gonna go on a vacay, go on a vacay, ya know?
Fajita deliciousness: If I were a chicken-eating gal, I would love this! For now though, I’ll just savor and appreciate the exquisite photos you’ve taken for us. Girl… your crusting and baking prowess makes me hangry!!! Also, that dressing tho… WOW. Okay, big hugs to ya lady. Off to work on conveyor belt plans… 😉
Hahaha! You ALWAYS make me laugh, Demeter! Seriously, your comments make my day! Glad you agree we need a vacation! Now I just have to convince BOY! 😉 Which is easy.. I’m just going to book it! Ha! South Carolina isn’t that far… and last time we took a vacation it was to a SC beach! Never heard of Huntington Beach, but I’ll be sure to look it up! Anyways, thanks for the love despite you not eating chicken. No worries, we can swap – I’ll eat your chicken and you can have my chocolate! Hugs and love back at ya, doll! Cheers – to conveyor belt dreams and a kick arse weekend! xoxo
Talk about maxing out a recipe! I dig that about you, Cheyanne! I can’t have enough chicken recipes and this will top the list. Way back in the day, Hubby and I would take the kids to Wilmington Beach. We always enjoyed it. Anddddd, there was a little seafood joint in town called Michael’s that made the best chowder we’d ever had and the king crab legs definitely belonged to kings! Not sure if it’s still there – we’re talkin’ almost 20 years ago – but if it is, I highly recommend it! Have a lovely weekend, Chica! xo
Wilmington is right next to Wrightsville, Annie! That’s why I have been looking at that beach, so I can do both! I just looked up Michael’s and there is a place open called Michael’s Seafood in Wilmington!! Thanks so much for the suggestion! I live for some king crab legs and chowda’! Cheers to a fabulous weekend my dear! xo
Oh, you REALLY need a vacation. We are heading off in just over 2 weeks time and I am literally counting down the seconds.
I loved the idea of your fajita hummus and that is just genius that you have put it on top of chicken. Hummus for everyone!
I feel like you are ALWAYS taking vacations, Dannii! Not fair. Guess I will just live vicariously through you, girlfriend! 😉 Thanks for the comment, chicka! Cheers!
This is brilliant! I would have never thought of coating chicken in hummus! Perfect in this salad bowl 🙂 Can’t help you with NC, beaches but I”ll be following the comments for recommendations. Love that whole coast area and it’s at least drivable for me. The only place I’ve been in that area is Folly Beach (SC) area, which was fun and laid back. Just passed through though on way back from Florida, but loved the vibe 🙂
I’ve never been to Folly Beach, but I’ll have to look it up, Jennifer! Thanks so much for the comment, dear! Cheers to a wonderful weekend!
I’ve heard really good things about wrightsville beach! The husband and I aren’t huge beach people (we both burn wayyy too easily!! lol) so I don’t have any recs for you unfortunately!! Our personal favorite place to take a quick vacay here is Asheville!!
PS this salad sounds amazing!! That fajita hummus crusted chicken alone!!
That’s why they make sunscreen, Ashley! And hats, umbrellas and sunglasses! 😉 I normally wear 70 spf, a hat AND sunglasses… so I feel you on the burning easily! We are totally going to go to Asheville one of these days, I’ve heard such great things! Probably in the fall. Anyways, thanks for the comment love! Cheers!
What the heck is that little emoticon I have there? It’s supposed to be a big smiling face. Oh well. Coffee please and big big smiles for that recipe 🙂 🙂 🙂
Lol. Cheers, Dawn! P.s Auto correct always screws with me. So I am feeling you on this emoticon mistake!
Whoa! Hummus crusted chicken? Ok, you’ve hit it out of the park with this one, Cheyanne. Oh wait, I see the ball coming my way this is that good 😀 And that dressing? Don’t even talk about it. LOVE! Obviously, totally pinning this one. And 5 years without a vacay? Girrrrlll…..you need to get on that! Need some R & R every now and then, don’t ya?! The sun is actually shining here today. Fingers crossed (and toes) that it stays that way for the weekend. Have a good one! XO
Lol!! Thanks so much for the sweet comment and pin, Dawn! I’m totally going to get on that vacay! And my fingers are crossed it stays sunny where you are! Cheers to a wonderful weekend! xo
Sounds like you are definitely due for a vacation! I’ve taken long weekends, but I haven’t been on an actual, week long vacation since my honeymoon almost 3 years ago. I love the look of this salad, Cheyanne! And I’m also loving that you used your fajita hummus to coat the chicken. So creative! This is definitely such a great way to jazz up chicken. Love it! Pinned, of course!
Boy and I have never taken a week long vacation… can you believe that? Even now we are only planning a long weekend. Makes me think maybe we SHOULD do a week! 😉 Anyways, thanks so much for the kind comment and pin, Gayle! Cheers to a fabulous weekend!
Wow Cheyanne, this salad is jam-packed with flavor! I love hummus on anything, so this salad sounds perfect! It looks totally gorgeous too! Hope you and Boy have a great weekend! Have fun planning your vacation!
Thank you so much, Mary Ann! Hope you have a wonderful weekend too! Cheers!
I am happy, happy to put hummus on all the things – especially some baked chicken that’s going on top of a rockin salad! Love the fajita twist to the whole dish – get that flavor through and through. And of course I’ll be loading up on the dressing 🙂 Pinned!
In other news, you absolutely must take a vacation soon! Pronto! Start booking! It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Wrightsville but my parents are there occasionally so if you need details, let me know. It’s near Wilmington which is a cute town. Honestly, a lot of NC people I know actually go to the SC beaches (depending on where you are coming from, it’s faster/easier to get there b/c of the highways). We are very partial to the Charleston area (Sullivan’s Island is where we go over to the beach – quiet but great restaurants right there) and the town has so much to offer – amazing food, shopping, art galleries, great weekend farmer’s market in the square… Highly recommend at some point. Hilton Head Island is another great spot but I think it’s more geared to families. Almost doesn’t matter where you go I think – just get your toes in the sand 🙂 XO
Lol, I had a feeling you put hummus on all the things, girlfriend!!! We live in Pinehurst.. so I’m not sure what is closer, NC or SC beaches… but I’m going to look it up! Thanks so much for all the suggestions! We have been to Hilton Head and I actually loved it there. We were thinking Wrightsville because I realllllly want to go to Wilmington and since they are so close it could be two for one! Anyways, thank God for Google and for YOU! Can’t wait to look up all your suggestions! And thanks for the sweet comment! Cheers, lovely! xo <3
What a great spin on the traditional cobb salad – it looks delicious ♡ You definitely deserve a vacation after 5 years. I really enjoyed our trip to Florida but New York is exciting too. Europe is beautiful this time of year – Paris is always a good idea 😉 or London of course!
I’m from FL, Miriam! Where did you guys go? And I love NY… what’s not to love though? And Yes to Europe… a bit too much money though for what we are looking for – just a long weekend. Anyways, Cheers!
Mm this dressing turned out so well! I made a similar version with balsamic vinegar!
Thanks for the comment! Cheers!
FIVE YEARS?! Girl, get yourself some you time right now! Get relaxin’ and kick back with a cocktail in the sun! (Can I come?) Vacations are like the best. Seriously.
This once again sounds delicious, yay for the fajita flavoured hummus!! I actually love the combination of hummus and chicken: I eat a lot of bread with thinly sliced chicken and I love swapping the butter for my homemade hummus if I have some. Winning lunch! Oh by the way, I definitely have to try that soaking chicken thing. Great tip.
Next post I want to read that you’ve got some vacation plans to choose from, mmkay? Hug!
Lol! Well I’m glad you agree I need a vacation! And sure you can come! We will be going to a public beach and all! Plus the more the merrier! 😉 So glad I’m not the only one who loves chicken with hummus – so good, right?! Thanks so much for the kind comment, dear! And I will TOTALLY work on those vacation plans and report back! 😉 Cheers and hugs!
What? Girl, hummus crusted chicken is brilliant! I have never even heard of it, but I love the idea. That, paired with your fajita hummus is sure to make a delicious salad! I don’t know anything about North Carolina Beaches, except I think my mom has been to somewhere called The Outer Banks a few times? She seems to like it. Whatever you do, I do hope you get a vacation soon! My hubs and I don’t usually take long vacations, but we are pretty good at day trips or weekend trips. It really helps break up the monotony, you know? Hope to hear about a fun trip soon!
I didn’t make up hummus crusted chicken, Meghan! It’s been all over pinterest, so I can’t take credit! 😉 The Outer Banks are islands off the coast, but I’ve heard they are gorgeous! Thanks for reminding me to look into them!! Yay! And Boy and I aren’t going to take a long vacay, just a long weekend… just to break up the monotony as you say! Thanks for the comment and suggestion, girlfriend! Cheers!
Vacation sounds great, can’t recommend anything in that area, it’s like a million light years away from me…We are doing England this summer, with the camper van for the first time – 3 whole weeks… And since you asked about eating chicken with hummus, I did last evening, I had a rest chicken from lunch and a rest garlic hummus in the fridge + some carrots. it was delicious but I am sure your salad would be even more so. Is cotija cheese something like cottage cheese? Sounds a bit similar…
Lol, I didn’t think you would have any suggestions, Adina! I’ve heard England is beautiful, so I hope you guys have a fantastic time! Yay to chicken with hummus! Cotija cheese isn’t anything like cottage! It’s a crumbly Mexican cheese…. if you need a substitution Feta would probably be the best. Thanks for the comment, girl! Cheers!