Perfectly marinated chicken, zesty flavors, and creamy dressing come together to create one seriously yummy salad!
Tender chicken, fresh thyme, tangy lemon juice, and creamy toppings are blended together to give this Lemon and Thyme Chicken Salad its amazing flavors and textures. It’s also packed with protein and essential vitamins and minerals that provide a healthy nutrient boost– all while pleasing your tastebuds! This simple to make and easy to serve salad is a great option for meal prepping, as well. Give it a go and let us know how you served this amazing tangy salad!
Simple and Healthy Salad
Skinny Ms. is known for our simple and healthy recipes, and this one is no different! This chicken is so easy to prep and bake, and the rest of the ingredients just need to be combined. With fresh, whole ingredients, this salad is perfect for warm summer nights or as a make-ahead lunch any day of the year. With its simple and healthy ingredients, it’s bound to become a new go-to!
Creamy Lemon Thyme Dressing
We decided to make our own creamy dressing for this recipe that is higher in protein and lower in fat and sugar than usual. The yogurt and lemon juice give this dressing a tangy flavor, while the honey cuts the acidity with some sweetness. With a touch of thyme, this dressing is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, adding the perfect balance of flavors to this salad.
Protein-Packed Ingredients
This salad is packed with protein! Between the lemon and thyme baked chicken, creamy yogurt dressing, and feta cheese topping, you’ll surely hit your protein goals with this meal. We’ve chosen lean protein sources for this recipe, so there’s no need to worry about maxing out on saturated fats. With all of these healthy and high-protein foods, you’ll be feeling full and satisfied for hours!
How to Make Our Lemon and Thyme Chicken Salad
First, you’ll focus on the chicken. Combine the lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create a marinade. Lay the chicken in a baking dish and pour the lemon and thyme marinade over top. Make sure it is fully covered and let it marinate for 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Once the chicken has marinated, bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
While you cook the chicken, combine the Creamy Thyme Dressing ingredients in a bowl and let it chill. In another, large bowl, toss together the arugula, red onion, and cucumber.
Once the chicken is finished, let it rest for about 5 minutes, then slice it into strips diagonally. Arrange the chicken strips over the salad, then top with feta and dressing. Toss it up and enjoy!
Lemon and Thyme Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme chopped
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 4 cups arugula
- 1 red onion sliced
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
Creamy Thyme Dressing
- 1/4 cup fat free Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Combine the lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, thyme, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Place chicken in a baking dish and on the lemon juice mixture. Make sure it is fully covered and let marinate for 20-30 minutes. Leave marinade on while baking for best results.
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
- Place the chicken in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Meanwhile, combine dressing ingredients in a bowl.
- In another bowl, toss arugula with red onion and cucumber.
- When the chicken is done, let rest for about 5 minutes, then slice.
- Arrange sliced chicken over the salad and top with feta and Creamy Thyme Dressing.
Nutrition Information
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Nice
Do you cook it in the marinade or pour it off?
Beth, I checked with Kelsey, the recipe creator, and she recommends leaving the marinade on while cooking. I updated the recipe to reflect her note.