Packed with fresh vegetables and bold flavor, chicken Cobb salad is perfect for summer. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, hard-boiled eggs, fresh veggies, blue cheese, and a flavorful dressing to pull it all together make for a light meal that’s still filling enough for lunch or dinner.
Another point for this recipe? It’s customizable. Simply place all the toppings in separate bowls and let everyone build their own. From crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes to creamy avocado and smoky bacon, there’s a lot to love in this classic chicken Cobb salad.
How Do You Make a Classic Chicken Cobb Salad?
To make a chicken Cobb salad, season and cook boneless skinless chicken breasts until they reach 165°F, then slice them. Arrange chopped romaine lettuce in a large serving bowl and top with cooked chicken, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, avocado, blue cheese, and red onion. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper for a simple homemade dressing, then drizzle over the salad just before serving.
The Butcher Shop’s Classic Chicken Cobb Salad
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless skinless TBS chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
1. Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pat the chicken breasts dry, then rub them with olive oil. Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Make the Dressing
While the chicken rests, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Assemble and Serve
Arrange the chopped romaine lettuce on a large serving platter or divide it among four bowls. Neatly arrange the sliced chicken, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, avocado, blue cheese, and red onion across the lettuce. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve.
Butcher’s Tips for Success
- Grill the Chicken for Extra Flavor: Marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes, then grill until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Swap the Cheese: Trade the blue cheese for feta, goat cheese, or shredded sharp cheddar.
- Add More Veggies: Add extra seasonal flavor with cucumbers, sliced radishes, bell peppers, or roasted corn.
Looking for More Salad Recipes?
Peruvian Chopped Salad with Chicken
Grilled Chicken Greek Salad
Fusilli Pasta Chicken Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken Cobb salad ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the chicken, bacon, and eggs in advance, then refrigerate them separately. Chop the vegetables shortly before serving, keep the dressing in a separate container, and add the avocado at the last minute for the freshest flavor and texture.
What dressing goes best with a Cobb salad?
A simple red wine vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the rich ingredients in a Cobb salad. The acidity balances the creamy avocado, blue cheese, and bacon without overpowering the fresh vegetables.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor that works perfectly in this recipe. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before slicing.
How long does leftover chicken Cobb salad last?
Store leftover ingredients in separate airtight containers for up to three days. For the best quality, keep the dressing separate and wait to slice the avocado until you’re ready to serve.
Put Classic Chicken Cobb Salad on Your Family’s Table with The Butcher Shop
Simple recipes depend on quality ingredients. That’s why we recommend making classic chicken Cobb salad with high-quality chicken, hardwood-smoked bacon, and farm-fresh produce – all of which you’ll find at The Butcher Shop.
From locally sourced meats and seafood to local beers and wine, we only carry the premium ingredients you can feel good about putting on your family’s table. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.