BBQ Chicken Salad
Smoky, delicious, and bursting with flavor, this BBQ Chicken Salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or planning a healthy lunch, this salad stands out with its combination of tender grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy homemade ranch dressing. The vibrant colors and textures make it an instant family favorite that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This BBQ Chicken Salad can be made in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: The smoky BBQ chicken paired with fresh veggies creates a delightful taste explosion in every bite.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or side dish, you can easily customize the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans and veggies, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Homemade Goodness: The addition of homemade ranch dressing elevates the flavor while ensuring you know exactly what’s in your food.
Tools and Preparation
To create this BBQ Chicken Salad efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you need to get started.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron grill pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron grill pan: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly grilled chicken and corn.
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all your ingredients without making a mess.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cutting of vegetables and chicken for an appealing presentation.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertop while providing a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
Ingredients
Smoky BBQ chicken, corn, tomatoes, black beans, avocado + cheese drizzled with homemade Ranch. An instant family favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch chunks)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
– 2 teaspoons BBQ seasoning
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 ears corn (husks and silk removed)
– 1 head romaine (shredded)
– 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
– 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
– 1 avocado (halved, seeded, peeled and diced)
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– Homemade ranch dressing
How to Make BBQ Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine chicken, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, BBQ seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Heat remaining vegetable oil in a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat.
Working in batches, add chicken to the grill pan in a single layer.
Cook until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F), about 6-8 minutes.
Set aside and stir in BBQ sauce until well combined.
Step 3: Grill the Corn
Add corn to the grill pan.
Cook while turning occasionally until charred and tender (about 5-10 minutes).
Allow cooling before cutting the corn kernels off the cobs.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl:
Place shredded romaine lettuce at the bottom.
Top with grilled chicken, corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, diced avocado, red onion, and shredded cheese.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
Pour homemade ranch dressing over the top.
Gently toss to combine all ingredients.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately for maximum freshness! Enjoy your flavorful BBQ Chicken Salad!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Salad
Serving BBQ Chicken Salad is simple and versatile. This dish can be enjoyed as a refreshing main course or as a delightful side at gatherings. Here are some creative ways to serve it:
In a Wrap
- Use large tortillas to wrap the salad for a portable meal. This makes it easy to take on picnics or road trips.
As a Lettuce Cup
- Serve the salad in individual lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb option. Iceberg or butter lettuce works great for this idea.
On Grilled Bread
- Toast slices of your favorite bread and top them with the salad mixture. It adds a crunchy texture and enhances the flavors.
With Extra Dressing
- Provide additional homemade ranch dressing on the side for those who enjoy a creamier salad experience.
Accompanied by Chips
- Serve with tortilla chips or pita chips for added crunch. The chips complement the salad’s flavors beautifully.
In a Mason Jar
- Layer the ingredients in mason jars for an attractive presentation. This is perfect for meal prep or taking to work.
How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Salad
To make your BBQ Chicken Salad truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips:
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce enhances flavor and texture, making your salad vibrant and delicious.
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Marinate the Chicken: Letting the chicken marinate in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes amplifies the taste and tenderness.
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Grill Corn on High Heat: Grilling corn at high heat adds char and sweetness, elevating the overall flavor of your salad.
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Mix Up Your Greens: Combine romaine with other greens like spinach or arugula for added nutrients and varied textures.
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Customize Toppings: Feel free to add toppings like jalapeños, cilantro, or crushed nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
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Serve Immediately: For the freshest taste, assemble the salad right before serving to keep everything crisp.
Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Salad
Pairing sides with your BBQ Chicken Salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
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Garlic Bread: A warm garlic bread complements the flavors of BBQ chicken while adding satisfying crunch.
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Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors of the salad.
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Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs well with BBQ dishes, enhancing the overall meal with its comforting flavors.
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Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are an ideal side that offers heartiness alongside your light salad.
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Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds sweetness and balances out savory flavors, making it a perfect accompaniment.
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Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies bring additional color and nutrients, complementing your hearty dish nicely.
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Cheesy Rice: Creamy cheesy rice adds richness that pairs beautifully with the flavors of BBQ chicken.
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Pickles: Tangy pickles offer a sharp contrast that brightens up each bite of your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious BBQ Chicken Salad is easy, but some common mistakes can affect the final dish.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Ensure you cook the chicken just until golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Overcooking can lead to dry, tough meat.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Always season your chicken well with salt, pepper, and BBQ seasoning. This enhances flavor and brings out the best in your ingredients.
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn, ripe avocados, and crisp lettuce make a big difference. Opt for fresh produce instead of canned or frozen for better taste and texture.
- Assembling Too Early: If you prepare the salad too soon, it may become soggy. Assemble right before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
- Using Store-bought Dressing: While convenient, homemade ranch dressing elevates your BBQ Chicken Salad’s flavor profile. It’s worth the extra effort for a more personalized taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store BBQ Chicken Salad in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing BBQ Chicken Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the ingredients’ texture changes upon thawing.
- If you must freeze it, consider freezing only the chicken separately.
Reheating BBQ Chicken Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds on medium power until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a skillet for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BBQ Chicken Salad?
BBQ Chicken Salad is a vibrant mix of smoky grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, beans, and cheese topped with ranch dressing. It’s a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Can I customize my BBQ Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! You can add different veggies like peppers or cucumbers, switch up the cheese type, or even use a different dressing based on your preference.
How do I make homemade ranch dressing?
For a quick ranch dressing, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and buttermilk. Mix well until smooth!
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works great for this salad. Just chop it up and toss it with the other ingredients.
What goes well with BBQ Chicken Salad?
This salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread or tortilla chips for crunch. You could also serve it alongside a light soup for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
BBQ Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a family dinner, this salad is sure to impress! Feel free to mix in your favorite toppings or dressings for an even more delightful experience.
BBQ Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
BBQ Chicken Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines smoky grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy homemade ranch dressing. This salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight meal. The juicy chicken pairs beautifully with crisp greens and colorful veggies, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite. With its healthy ingredients and customizable options, this BBQ Chicken Salad is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons BBQ seasoning
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 ears corn (grilled)
- 1 head romaine lettuce (shredded)
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Homemade ranch dressing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix chicken with vegetable oil, BBQ seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken until golden and cooked through (6-8 minutes). Stir in BBQ sauce.
- Grill corn until charred (5-10 minutes). Cool and cut kernels off the cobs.
- In a large bowl, layer shredded romaine, grilled chicken, corn, tomatoes, black beans, avocado, onion, and cheese.
- Drizzle with homemade ranch dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
