Delicious Ground Chicken and Kale Recipe

Looking for a healthy and flavorful meal option? This Ground Chicken and Kale Salad recipe is a delightful combination of tender poached chicken, nutrient-packed kale, sweet dried apricots, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing. It’s easy to make, perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and will satisfy your taste buds while keeping you on track with your wellness goals. Let’s get started!

Preparation Time In Minutes: 15 minutes

Cooking Time In Minutes: 25 minutes

Recipe Summary:

This recipe combines the goodness of ground chicken and the wholesome benefits of kale to create a delightful salad that is both delicious and nutritious. Poached chicken provides a lean source of protein, while kale offers a plethora of vitamins and minerals. Dried apricots and walnuts add a touch of sweetness and crunch, elevating the flavors to a whole new level. The dressing, made with a zesty blend of lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard, ties everything together for a satisfying and refreshing meal.

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4-5 sprigs Italian parsley, thyme, or oregano, tied together
1 bay leaf
1 whole garlic clove
1 tablespoon kosher or sea salt
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 medium clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, or to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Rinse the chicken breasts and place them in a medium stockpot. Add the tied herbs, bay leaf, garlic, salt, and peppercorns to the pot.
Bring the water to a boil and carefully add the chicken breasts. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat, cover with a lid, and let the chicken continue to cook in the hot water for another 15 to 20 minutes or until fully cooked.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the poaching liquid and shred, slice, or cut it. Set aside to cool.
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped kale, dried apricots, and chopped walnuts.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the kale salad and toss well to coat the ingredients evenly.
Once the chicken has cooled, add it to the salad and gently toss to incorporate it with the other ingredients.
Divide the Ground Chicken and Kale Salad into individual serving bowls or plates.
Garnish with extra walnuts or apricots if desired.
Serve immediately and savor the delightful flavors of this healthy and delicious salad!