1cupfresh Cilantro Leaves, chopped(use less, if desired)
5 to 6Green Onions, finely sliced
3 medium or 4 smallRoma Tomatoes, diced(or smallish chop)
1Avocado, diced
15.25ouncecan Kidney Beans, drained
2cupsPepper Jack Cheese, freshly shredded
Bag ofTortilla Chips
CHICKEN MEAT DRESSING
4 medium (or 5 small)Bone-In Chicken Thighs
8 ouncecan Tomato Sauce
1cupChicken Broth
1/4cupWater
1tablespoonDried Minced Onion
1/2teaspoonGarlic Powder
1/2teaspoonGround Cumin
2teaspoonsChili Powder
3/4teaspoonSalt
1/2teaspoonfreshly-ground Black Pepper
Instructions
To prep the chicken:
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. The pot should be large enough to easily fit all the chicken thighs.
Drop the chicken thighs in the pot of boiling water and boil for 25 to 35 minutes (cut open to make sure the meat has completely cooked through - cook longer if needed).
Remove the skin (if present) and remove the meat from the bones.
Dice the chicken meat. Approximately 3 cups is just right!
To prepare the "Chicken Meat Dressing":
In a medium pan, mix together the diced chicken meat, tomato sauce, chicken broth, water, and spices (dried minced onion, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder. salt, pepper).
Bring mixture to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for one hour.
To assemble the salad:
Use a knife to shred your head of iceberg lettuce (a light shred is perfect - about 1/4 inch).
In a large bowl (the bowl you will be serving the salad in), mix the shredded lettuce with chopped cilantro leaves.
Top the salad with the rest of the toppings, arranged in wedges (on top of the lettuce/cilantro greens) as follows: 1) sliced green onions; 2) diced tomatoes; 3) diced avocado; 4) kidney beans; 5) shredded cheese; 6) and the "chicken meat dressing" in the center.
Just before serving, place some tortilla chips around the outside of the salad toppings (against edge of salad bowl) to decorate. Optional: have some extra tortilla chips available on the side.
Notes
A Few Tips:
Dice your avocado and your tomatoes to about the same size.
For the best flavor, use a *block* of Pepper Jack Cheese and shred the cheese yourself. Of course, if you need to save time, the packages of pre-shredded cheese are fine to use too.