Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a culinary masterpiece that combines the most unexpected yet delightful ingredients! This isn't just another chicken salad - it's a gourmet experience that transforms ordinary weeknight cooking into a restaurant-worthy meal. Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken nestled among crisp baby greens, sweet ripe pears, and creamy blue cheese, all brought together with a luxurious balsamic vinaigrette. Get ready to impress your family and elevate your dinner game with this incredibly simple yet sophisticated recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 4 cups baby greens
- 1 ripe pear, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the baby greens. In a large bowl, combine the 4 cups of baby greens and the sliced ripe pear. Gently toss them together to mix.
- After the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips. Add the sliced chicken to the bowl with the baby greens and pears.
- Sprinkle the 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese and the 1/4 cup of toasted walnuts over the salad mixture. These ingredients will add flavor and texture to your dish.
- Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing.
- Divide the salad mixture among four plates, ensuring each serving has a good portion of chicken, greens, pears, blue cheese, and walnuts.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Chicken with Baby Greens, Pears & Blue Cheese!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Toasting Walnuts: To enhance the nutty flavor, toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pear Selection: Choose a ripe but firm pear to maintain the right texture and prevent mushiness in your salad.
- Blue Cheese Tip: For the best flavor, use a high-quality, creamy blue cheese and crumble it just before serving to maintain its texture.
- Dressing Hack: If you want extra flavor, consider making your own balsamic vinaigrette by mixing balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of honey, and Dijon mustard.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after dressing to keep the greens crisp and prevent wilting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 100mg
