My Go-To Savory Girl Dinner Plate
I seriously make this at LEAST twice a week, and I’m not kidding. It just comes together so fast (especially if you already have leftover chicken). It’s high protein, delicious, and will leave you feeling full & nourished.
(This makes enough for 2!)
What you’re gonna need:
1 large chicken breast
1 can of chickpeas
Handful of cherry tomatoes (halved)
Olive oil
Lemon pepper seasoning
Parmesan cheese
Avocado
Sourdough croutons
Kale
Caesar Dressing
What you’re gonna do:
1. Slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise, season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning. Cook in a little olive oil, sauté 5-7 minutes each side over medium heat, transfer to plate immediately & cover with aluminum foil to rest.
2. Drain and rinse your canned chickpeas, place in a bowl and toss with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Airfry at 400 for 7 minutes. While it’s toasting, wash and chop your kale, spin in a salad spinner to get rid of as much excess water, then toss with a little ceasar salad dressing. Next get your croutons (if not in a bag, put in a ziploc) and get an empty bottle or jar, and gently smash your croutons into little breadcrumbs.
3. Assemble your bowls! Kale, sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, sliced chicken breast, toasted chickpeas, freshly sliced or grated Parmesan cheese, top with your breadcrumbs & enjoy!!
One of the reasons I love this savory girl dinner plate is how effortlessly versatile it is. I often prepare the chicken in bulk at the start of the week, so when dinner time comes around, I can assemble this meal in less than 10 minutes. Using leftover chicken not only saves time but makes meal prep feel less like a chore. The addition of air-fried chickpeas adds a delightful crunch and a boost of protein and fiber, which keeps me full and energized. Toasting them in the air fryer at 400°F for about 7 minutes yields a crispy texture that complements the fresh kale tossed lightly in Caesar dressing. I personally prefer washing and spinning my kale dry thoroughly to avoid sogginess and ensure every bite is refreshing. For an extra depth of flavor, smashing sourdough croutons into breadcrumbs and sprinkling them on top creates a satisfying crunchy finish that pairs beautifully with creamy avocado slices. The lemon pepper seasoning on the chicken adds a zesty kick that brightens the dish. Parmesan cheese freshens up the flavor profile with a mild saltiness. I appreciate how balanced this dinner is—it incorporates lean protein from chicken and chickpeas, healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, and a good dose of greens. It's also great for meal planning as you can swap kale with spinach or arugula, and the Caesar dressing can be replaced with a lemon vinaigrette for a lighter touch. This recipe hits the mark for anyone looking for an easy, wholesome dinner that doesn’t require extensive cooking skills but still feels indulgent and satisfying.