Description
Craving fast food? This High Protein Spicy McChicken Salad is a healthy fakeout. Crispy air-fried chicken, creamy spicy dressing, and 35g protein. All the flavor of the viral sandwich, none of the carbs.
Ingredients
Scale
The Spicy Chicken
- 1 lb Chicken Breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (or thin cutlets)
- 1/2 cup Liquid Egg Whites
- 2 cups Cornflakes, crushed (or Panko breadcrumbs)
- 1 tbsp Black Pepper (crucial for the McChicken flavor)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust for heat)
- Salt to taste
The Salad Base
- 1 head Iceberg Lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup Cucumber, diced
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp Pickles, chopped (optional, for burger vibe)
High Protein Spicy Mayo
- 1/2 cup Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt
- 2 tbsp Light Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Pickle Juice (or White Vinegar)
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pound the chicken breast thin or cut into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt.
- Breading Station: Place egg whites in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne.
- Dredge: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg whites, shaking off excess, then press firmly into the spicy cornflake mixture to coat.
- Air Fry: Preheat Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the basket with oil. Place chicken in a single layer (do not overcrowd) and spray the tops with oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy (internal temp 165°F).
- Make Dressing: While chicken cooks, whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayo, pickle juice, cayenne, and black pepper until smooth.
- Assemble: Fill a large bowl with chopped iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Top with the hot crispy chicken.
- Serve: Drizzle generously with the spicy yogurt dressing and serve immediately.
Notes
- Oven Method: Bake on a wire rack at 425°F for 18-20 minutes.
- Make it Creamier: Swap the Greek yogurt for blended cottage cheese if you dislike the tangy yogurt flavor.
- Storage: Store chicken and salad separately. Reheat chicken in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to crisp up before eating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch/Salad
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
