Layered mason jar salad with crispy chicken bites, bacon, blue cheese, eggs, and fresh vegetables. Ready-to-shake convenience.
# Ingredient List:
→ Crispy Chicken
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 cup buttermilk
03 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 - Olive oil spray
→ Salad Base
10 - 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
11 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
13 - 2 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
14 - 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
15 - 1 avocado, diced
16 - 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
17 - 1/2 small red onion, finely sliced
→ Dressing
18 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
19 - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
20 - 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
21 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
22 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
23 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
24 - Salt and pepper to taste
# How-To Steps:
01 - Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk and let stand for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and enhance moisture retention.
02 - Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal heat circulation and easy cleanup.
03 - Combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl, mixing thoroughly until evenly distributed.
04 - Remove chicken pieces from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip away. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage, and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Lightly mist the coated chicken with olive oil spray to promote even browning. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow to cool slightly before assembly.
06 - Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and fresh chives. Season with salt and pepper to achieve desired flavor balance.
07 - In each of four 16-ounce mason jars, create layers in this order: 2 tablespoons dressing on bottom, followed by cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bacon, blue cheese, hard-boiled egg, crispy chicken, and romaine lettuce on top.
08 - Add avocado just before serving to prevent oxidation. Seal jars with lids and refrigerate until ready to consume. Shake jar vigorously or transfer to bowl before eating to combine layers.
