Save Experience the ultimate crunch with this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cobb Salad. We've taken extra-crispy baked chicken thighs and sliced them over a classic, hearty base packed with fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and crispy bacon, all brought together by a tangy homemade dressing. This dish is a satisfying blend of textures and bold American flavors.
Save Succulent chicken thighs provide a juicy interior that contrasts perfectly with the golden Parmesan exterior. When paired with the richness of blue cheese and the brightness of cherry tomatoes, every bite offers a new layer of flavor.
Ingredients
- For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup gluten-free or regular panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
- For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, iceberg, or your choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs. In another bowl, combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3
- Dip each chicken thigh into the egg, then coat thoroughly in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Place on prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4
- Drizzle olive oil over the coated chicken thighs.
- Step 5
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
- Step 6
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the salad: arrange greens on a large platter. Top with tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, eggs, bacon, blue cheese, and red onion in neat rows.
- Step 7
- For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Step 8
- Top the salad with the sliced chicken. Drizzle with dressing just before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra crunch, add toasted nuts or seeds to the salad greens before adding the other toppings.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute goat cheese or feta for blue cheese if preferred. Turkey bacon can also be used for a lighter option.
Serviervorschläge
This hearty salad pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a glass of unsweetened iced tea for a refreshing finish.
Save This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cobb Salad is the perfect choice for a flavorful and filling meal that brings a touch of gourmet flair to your dining table.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well. Pound them to even thickness before coating. Adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes, checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- → What can I substitute for blue cheese?
Goat cheese, feta, or shredded sharp cheddar make excellent alternatives. Each brings a different flavor profile while maintaining the creamy element.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store components separately in airtight containers. Keep chicken refrigerated up to 3 days, salad ingredients up to 2 days. Add dressing just before serving to prevent wilting.
- → Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
The chicken can be breaded and refrigerated up to 4 hours before baking. For best results, bake fresh rather than reheating, which loses crispness.
- → Is this salad gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this entirely gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on packaged items.
- → What dressing alternatives work well?
Ranch, blue cheese, or balsamic vinaigrette pair beautifully. The homemade red wine dressing offers bright acidity that cuts through rich toppings perfectly.