Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika, making sure every part of the chicken is lightly coated. This helps create better flavor and a beautiful golden exterior when cooked.
Place a large skillet over medium heat and allow it to warm up for a minute or two. Add a small amount of cooking oil and swirl it around the pan. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes on the first side without moving them too much. Flip and cook for another 5–7 minutes on the second side, or until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking, as this can make the chicken dry.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate or cutting board. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in tender and juicy chicken instead of dry chicken.
While the chicken is resting, prepare the honey mustard dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the dressing becomes smooth, creamy, and fully blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold running water. Dry it completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels. Removing excess moisture helps the dressing cling better to the lettuce and prevents the salad from becoming watery.
Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it into a large mixing bowl. This will serve as the base of your salad.
Dice the cucumber into small, evenly sized pieces and add it to the bowl with the lettuce. The cucumber adds freshness, crunch, and extra hydration to the salad.
Cut the avocado into small cubes and gently add it to the bowl. The avocado provides a creamy texture and healthy fats that complement the honey mustard dressing.
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the salad mixture. Their natural sweetness balances the tangy dressing and savory chicken.
Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Separate the slices into smaller strands and add them to the bowl. The onion adds a mild sharpness and extra flavor throughout the salad.
Once the chicken has finished resting, slice it into strips or bite-sized chunks, depending on your preference. Cutting against the grain will help keep the chicken tender and easier to eat.
Add the sliced chicken to the bowl with the vegetables, distributing it evenly so every serving gets plenty of protein.
Pour the prepared honey mustard dressing over the salad ingredients. Start with most of the dressing and reserve a small amount in case you prefer a lighter coating.
Using large salad tongs or two spoons, gently toss everything together until the lettuce, vegetables, and chicken are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Be careful not to overmix, especially after adding the avocado.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add a pinch more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or honey to suit your personal preference.
Serve immediately for the freshest texture and best flavor. If preparing for meal prep, store the chicken, vegetables, and dressing separately in airtight containers and combine them just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.