Save to Pinterest Last summer my sister came to visit and challenged me to reinvent her favorite Cobb salad into something portable for her busy workdays. We spent a Sunday afternoon experimenting with mason jars and layers, discovering that crispy chicken makes everything better. The first batch had soggy lettuce from improper layering, but by the fourth jar we had cracked the code. Now these colorful jars live in my fridge, ready to grab whenever hunger strikes.
I brought these to a picnic last month and watched my friends' faces light up as they shook their jars. The sound of crisp lettuce and crunching chicken mixing with tangy dressing created such a satisfying moment. Everyone asked for the recipe before we even finished eating.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts: Cut into uniform bites ensures even cooking and perfect crunch on every piece
- Buttermilk: The acid tenderizes the meat while creating the perfect adhesive for the breading
- Panko breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free if needed, but these airy flakes create superior crunch
- Grated Parmesan: Adds a salty depth to the chicken coating that pairs beautifully with blue cheese
- Romaine lettuce: Stays crisp longer than other greens and provides the perfect sturdy base
- Hard-boiled eggs: Prep these ahead and store separately until assembly time
- Smoky bacon: Cook extra because you will want to snack while assembling
- Blue cheese: The creamy tang ties all the rich elements together
- Fresh avocado: Add this right before serving to prevent any browning
- Mayonnaise and Greek yogurt: This combination creates a velvety dressing that coats every bite
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken:
- Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment
- Create the crispy coating:
- Mix panko with Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl until well combined
- Coat and arrange:
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, press firmly into the crumb mixture, and place on the prepared baking sheet
- Bake to golden perfection:
- Spray the coated chicken lightly with olive oil and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until deeply golden and cooked through
- Whisk the dressing:
- Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon, and fresh chives until completely smooth
- Build your layers:
- Start with two tablespoons of dressing at the bottom, then add tomatoes, cucumber, onion, bacon, blue cheese, eggs, and chicken before finishing with romaine
- Finish with avocado:
- Add the diced avocado right before sealing and refrigerating, or pack separately to add at lunchtime
Save to Pinterest My neighbor now requests these for her meal prep Sundays, saying her coworkers always ask about her beautiful layered lunches. There is something so satisfying about eating from a jar that makes even a desk lunch feel like a treat.
Making Ahead Like a Pro
You can prep all components separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. The chicken reheats beautifully in a toaster oven to restore its crunch. I like to make a big batch of dressing and keep it in a squeeze bottle for quick assembly.
Perfecting Your Layers
The key is placing sturdy ingredients near the dressing and delicate items at the very top. Cherry tomatoes work perfectly because they do not get mushy when sitting in dressing. I learned the hard way that placing lettuce against the dressing results in a disappointing soggy mess by lunchtime.
Creative Variations
Swap crispy chickpeas for chicken to make a vegetarian version that still delivers satisfying crunch. Try feta instead of blue cheese for a milder tang that pairs wonderfully with fresh herbs. Add roasted sweet potato cubes in autumn for seasonal sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tangy dressing.
- Use wide-mouth jars for easier filling and eating
- Pack a small fork in your bag or keep one at work
- These jars travel beautifully in a lunchbox with an ice pack
Save to Pinterest There is pure joy in opening a perfectly layered jar and watching all those beautiful ingredients come together in a bowl. Hope these become your new favorite lunch obsession.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
Marinate the chicken in buttermilk to tenderize, then coat thoroughly with panko and Parmesan before baking. Using olive oil spray helps achieve a golden crust.
- → Can I prepare the jars in advance?
Yes, assemble all layers except avocado, which should be added just before serving to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
- → What substitutes work well for blue cheese?
Feta cheese is a great alternative that provides a tangy flavor with less pungency if preferred.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep the chicken crispy while maintaining a gluten-free meal option.
- → How is the dressing best stored?
Keep the dressing refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days to preserve its fresh, tangy taste.