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High Protein Spicy McChicken Salad bowl with crispy chicken and creamy dressing.

High Protein Spicy McChicken Salad


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  • Author: Isabella Martinez
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 Servings 1x

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

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pound the chicken breast thin or cut into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt.
  2. 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.
  3. Dredge: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg whites, shaking off excess, then press firmly into the spicy cornflake mixture to coat.
  4. 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).
  5. Make Dressing: While chicken cooks, whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayo, pickle juice, cayenne, and black pepper until smooth.
  6. Assemble: Fill a large bowl with chopped iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Top with the hot crispy chicken.
  7. 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