Chicken Chopped (gf) Recipe

Cook bacon

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange bacon strips on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil and a wire rack if available. Bake 12–18 minutes until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool, then chop into 1/2-inch pieces.

Grill chicken

While bacon cooks, butterfly or pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Rub both sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high (about 400°F/200°C). Grill chicken 4–6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove to a cutting board and rest 5 minutes, then slice crosswise into 1/2-inch strips or dice.

Prep bleu cheese & onions

Crumble the Amablu bleu cheese and set aside. Thinly slice the red onion and separate into rings; if raw onion is strong, soak slices in cold water 5 minutes then drain.

In a small bowl or jar combine 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon whole-grain mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 minced garlic clove, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk or shake to combine. Slowly stream in 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning or acidity (add more honey to sweeten or more vinegar to brighten).

Place 6 cups chopped mixed greens in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 1/2 cups chopped heirloom tomatoes and 1/2 cup diced cucumber (if using). Add the thinly sliced red onion and chopped crisp bacon (reserve a small amount for garnish if desired).

Add the sliced or diced grilled chicken to the bowl and gently toss with about 3–4 tablespoons of the mustard vinaigrette to lightly coat. Start with 3 tablespoons and add more to taste; you likely will not need the entire batch.

Transfer the tossed salad to individual plates or a large serving platter. Sprinkle crumbled Amablu bleu cheese over the top and finish with the reserved bacon pieces.

Optional: squeeze a lemon wedge lightly over the chicken for brightness and finish with an extra drizzle of vinaigrette if desired. Serve immediately.