Delicious BBQ Chicken Salad
This BBQ chicken salad combines juicy, smoky chicken tossed in barbecue sauce with a fresh, crunchy base of lettuce, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. It’s all tied together with a BBQ-ranch dressing and topped with crispy tortilla strips for a satisfying crunch.
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (sweet or smoky, your choice)
6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup crispy tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For the BBQ Ranch Dressing:
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 3 tbsp barbecue sauce
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
Grill or pan-cook over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Brush both sides generously with BBQ sauce during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
Remove from heat, let rest 5 minutes, then slice or dice.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and lime juice. Adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl or on individual plates, layer lettuce, tomatoes, corn, black beans, avocado, red onion, and cheese. Top with BBQ chicken slices.
4. Finish and Serve:
Drizzle with BBQ ranch dressing. Sprinkle tortilla strips and cilantro on top. Serve immediately!
Tips & Variations:
Meal prep tip: Keep dressing and tortilla strips separate until ready to eat.
Want more heat? Add sliced jalapenos or a pinch of chipotle powder to the dressing.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick version — just toss it in warm BBQ sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes, use a dairy-free ranch alternative and skip the cheese.
Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you use gluten-free BBQ sauce and tortilla strips.
Q: Can I substitute the protein?
A: Absolutely! Try grilled shrimp, tofu, or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 430
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 32g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 680mg