Salads

BBQ Chicken Salad

Name: BBQ Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts; ½ cup BBQ sauce; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn kernels; 1 red bell pepper, diced; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 avocado, diced; ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; ½ cup crispy tortilla strips; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; Ranch dressing, BBQ ranch

September 12, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

The BBQ Chicken Salad is a colorful, hearty, and flavor-packed dish that takes the smoky sweetness of barbecue chicken and combines it with crisp, fresh vegetables for the ultimate salad experience. With juicy chicken glazed in tangy BBQ sauce, crunchy lettuce, corn, black beans, avocado, cheese, and crispy tortilla strips, this salad is as filling as it is refreshing.

It’s the kind of salad that doesn’t feel like “just a salad.” Instead, it’s a full meal in a bowl—loaded with flavor, protein, and texture. Whether you’re looking for a light summer dinner, a meal-prep option, or a dish to impress at a potluck, BBQ chicken salad delivers every single time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fun, fresh, and satisfying all at once. The smoky BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with the crisp veggies, and the creamy avocado and cheese balance everything beautifully. The mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes every bite exciting.

I also love how customizable it is—you can use grilled chicken, baked chicken, or even leftover rotisserie chicken tossed in BBQ sauce. It’s quick to prepare, looks gorgeous with its colorful layers, and always feels like comfort food that’s secretly healthy.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Full of flavor – smoky, sweet, tangy, and creamy in every bite.
Wholesome & filling – protein, fiber, and healthy fats make it a complete meal.
Quick & easy – on the table in 30 minutes or less.
Crowd-pleaser – perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or lunch prep.

Time & Servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: ~500 kcal per serving (varies with toppings and dressing)

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: American
Course: Salad, Main Dish

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or roasted)
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced
½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup crispy tortilla strips (or crushed tortilla chips)
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing Options:

Ranch dressing, BBQ ranch (ranch mixed with BBQ sauce), or chipotle-lime dressing.

Simple Cooking Directions

Season and cook chicken, glaze with BBQ sauce.
Chop and prep vegetables.
Assemble salad with lettuce, toppings, and sliced chicken.
Drizzle with dressing and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Prepare the Chicken – Season chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Cook Chicken – Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, until fully cooked (165°F / 74°C internal temp). Brush generously with BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes. Slice thinly.
Prepare Salad Base – In a large bowl, add chopped romaine lettuce.
Add Toppings – Layer on black beans, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and cilantro.
Add Chicken – Place sliced BBQ chicken on top of the salad.
Dress & Garnish – Drizzle with ranch or BBQ ranch dressing. Top with crispy tortilla strips.
Serve Immediately – Toss gently or serve layered for presentation.

How to Serve

Serve in large bowls for main meals or on a platter for family-style dining.
Garnish with lime wedges or extra BBQ sauce.
Pairs well with cornbread, grilled veggies, or iced tea.

Additional Recipe Tips

Caramelize chicken with BBQ sauce for extra smoky sweetness.
Use leftover chicken – Toss cooked shredded chicken with BBQ sauce for a faster version.
Don’t overdress – Add dressing just before serving to keep salad crisp.
Extra crunch – Add tortilla strips or roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds).

Variations

Vegetarian BBQ Salad – Replace chicken with BBQ roasted chickpeas or tofu.
Southwest BBQ Salad – Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle dressing.
Buffalo Twist – Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese.
Meal-Prep Friendly – Store toppings separately and assemble when ready.

Freezing & Storage

Storage (Fridge): Store salad ingredients separately for up to 3 days. Add dressing and tortilla strips just before serving.
Freezing: Not recommended for salad ingredients, but BBQ chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before using.

Special Equipment Needed

Grill pan or skillet
Salad bowl
Sharp knife & cutting board

Conclusion

The BBQ Chicken Salad is a bold, colorful, and hearty salad that proves salads can be exciting and filling. With smoky BBQ chicken, crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado, and crispy tortilla strips, it’s a complete meal that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or summer gatherings, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit every time. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

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