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

This Brown Sugar Bourbon Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. Pan-seared chicken gets a boost from a unique brown sugar bourbon seasoning, while massaged kale, roasted carrots, crisp apple slices, and dried cranberries create a hearty base. A honey Dijon dressing ties everything together, and sunflower seeds add a satisfying crunch.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious. The combination of textures and flavors will make it a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

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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. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Trim, peel, and cut carrots diagonally into ½-inch pieces. Toss on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on top rack until tender and lightly browned, 20-25 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, remove and discard large stems from kale; chop into bite-size pieces. Halve, core, and thinly slice half the apple (use whole apple for 4 servings).
3. Place kale in a large bowl, lightly season with salt, and massage with your hands until tender, 30-60 seconds. For extra tenderness, add a drizzle of olive oil while massaging.
4. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season all over with brown sugar bourbon seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest at least 5 minutes before slicing.
5. Add cranberries, roasted carrots, and sliced apple to the bowl with kale. Season with salt and pepper. Reserve half the honey Dijon dressing (whole packet for 4 servings) in a small bowl. Drizzle remaining dressing over salad and toss to combine.
6. Thinly slice chicken crosswise. Divide salad between bowls, top with chicken, drizzle with reserved dressing, and sprinkle with sunflower seeds.

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 meat?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey cutlets or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

What can I use instead of brown sugar bourbon seasoning?

You can make a mix of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a similar sweet and smoky flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the salad and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add dressing just before serving.