Brown Sugar Bourbon Chicken Salad with Kale, Apple, and Honey Dijon

This brown sugar bourbon chicken salad brings together sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors in one satisfying bowl. Pan-seared chicken gets a boost from a unique seasoning blend with hints of molasses and whiskey, while roasted carrots add natural sweetness. Fresh kale, crisp apple slices, dried cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds create a delightful mix of textures, all tied together with a creamy honey dijon dressing.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, this salad is both nutritious and delicious. The warm roasted carrots and tender chicken contrast beautifully with the cool, crisp greens and apple. It’s a balanced meal that feels indulgent but is packed with wholesome ingredients.

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Ingredients

6 ounce CarrotsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce KaleView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit AppleView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Chicken CutletsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10.8 g Brown Sugar Bourbon SeasoningView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 ounce Dried CranberriesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 ounce Honey Dijon DressingView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 ounce Sunflower SeedsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 425°F. Wash and dry all produce. Trim, peel, and cut carrots on a diagonal into ½-inch-thick pieces. Toss on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on top rack until lightly browned and tender, 20-25 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before adding to salad.
2. Meanwhile, remove and discard any large stems from kale; roughly chop any larger leaves. Halve, core, and thinly slice half the apple (whole apple for 4 servings).
3. Place kale in a large bowl and lightly season with salt. Using your hands, massage kale until leaves are tender, 30-60 seconds. For even more tender kale, add a drizzle of olive oil along with the salt before massaging.
4. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season all over with Brown Sugar Bourbon Seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board; let rest at least 5 minutes before slicing.
5. Add cranberries, roasted carrots, and sliced apple to bowl with kale. Season with salt and pepper. Reserve half the honey dijon dressing for serving. Drizzle salad with remaining dressing to taste; toss to combine.
6. Thinly slice chicken crosswise. Divide salad between bowls and top with chicken. Drizzle with reserved honey dijon dressing. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds and serve.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Peeler

OXO Good Grips Swivel PeelerView on AmazonSpring Chef Premium Swivel Vegetable Peeler, Soft Grip Handle and Ultra Sharp Stainless Steel Blades - Perfect Kitchen Peeler For Veggie, Fruit, Potato, Carrot, Apple - BlackView on AmazonFUHUY Vegetable, Apple Peelers for kitchen, Fruit, Carrot, Veggie, Potatoes Peeler, Y-Shaped and I-Shaped Stainless Steel Peelers, with Ergonomic Non-Slip Handle & Sharp Blade, Good Sturdy (2PCS)View on Amazon

Baking Sheet

GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Baking Sheet Set, 3 Pack Includes Small (13×9) Medium (15×1) and Large (17×11) Pans Carbon Steel Construction Cookie Sheets Bakeware Set, GrayView on AmazonNutriChef 3-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans - Premium & Stylish Non-Stick Steel, Commercial Grade Restaurant Quality Metal Bakeware with Red Silicone Handles - Easy to Clean, NCSBS3SView on AmazonNordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet - USA Made Aluminum Commercial Quality Sheet Pan for Baking or Roasting, Encapsulated Galvanized Steel Rim Prevents Warping, 2-PackView on Amazon

Large Bowl

Winco , 8-Quart, Stainless Steel (MXB-800Q)View on AmazonFox Run Brands 2.75-Quart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, 9 x 9 x 4 inches, MetallicView on AmazonMfacoy 2 Pack Salad Bowl, 8 inch 60 oz Large Serving Bowl Set, Deep Bowl for Kitchen, White Ceramic Bowl Set for Soup, Cereal, Ramen, Pasta, Salad, Dishwasher & Microwave Safe, Easy CleanView on Amazon

Paper Towel

Scott Paper Towels, Choose-A-Sheet, 6 Double Rolls = 12 Regular Rolls (108 Sheets Per Roll)View on AmazonBounty Quick-Size Paper Towels, White, 8 Family Triple Rolls = 27 Regular RollsView on AmazonAmazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 40 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll, Packaging May VaryView on Amazon

Large Pan

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on AmazonFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker Chef's Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, Kitchen Cookware, 6-Quart, BlackView on AmazonSNOWCLAD Frying Pans Nonstick with Lid,Hybrid Non Stick 5 Quart Saute pan,PFOA Free Cookware,Stainless Steel skillet,12 inch Deep Saute Pan,Dishwasher&Oven Safe,Works on All CooktopsView on Amazon

Small Bowl

Kaytee Stoneware Ceramic Pet Hamster Bowl, Brown, 3-InchView on AmazonDipping Bowls, Soy Sauce Dish Ceramic, 3 OZ Small Serving Bowls for Side Dishes Vintage Blue Stylish Design, Set of 6 Mini Appetizer Plates for Condiment Sushi Ketchup BBQ Party, 4 InchView on AmazonFarielyn-X 3.5in 4oz Small Glass Bowls, Mini Glass Containers, Ramekins, Prep, Pinch Bowl, Stackable Condiment Containers, for Prep, Dips, Nuts, Snacks, Candy Meal Prep Bowls, Dessert BowlsView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, any crisp apple variety like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji works well.

Is there a substitute for brown sugar bourbon seasoning?

You can make your own by mixing brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne. Add a few drops of liquid smoke if available.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead, but dress and assemble just before serving to keep the kale crisp.