Every now and then, a recipe comes along that combines fresh ingredients with irresistible flavor, and this BBQ chicken salad is one of them. Juicy grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a smoky-sweet BBQ ranch dressing come together in a vibrant, crunchy, and satisfying dish that feels like summer in a bowl.

It’s the perfect recipe to transform your lunch or dinner into a restaurant-quality experience at home! If you love experimenting with chicken salads, you can also enjoy this chicken caesar salad recipe for a classic upgrade.

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken Salad:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
2 teaspoons olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup canned low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
½ cup canned Mexicorn, drained
¼ cup diced red onion
Crushed tortilla chips or strips for serving
Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

For the BBQ Ranch Dressing:

⅓ cup light ranch dressing (a Greek yogurt-based option works well)
1 tablespoon barbecue sauce

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

Grill or grill pan
Small mixing bowl
Tongs
Non-slip cutting board
Knife
Large salad bowl

How to Make This Recipe?

This BBQ chicken salad is as delightful to make as it is to eat. Each step adds another layer of flavor, making this dish vibrant, fresh, and downright delicious. Here’s how you can make it from scratch and impress everyone at the table.

Step 1: Grill the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken. Brush each breast with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Preheat your grill to medium-high and place the chicken on the grates. Grill for about 4 minutes on one side, then flip. Brush barbecue sauce over the grilled side and cook for another 3–4 minutes. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it, brush the other side with sauce, and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Finally, chop it into small pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

Mix the ranch dressing and barbecue sauce in a small bowl or measuring cup. Adjust the ratio to suit your taste. The result is a creamy, smoky-sweet dressing you’ll want to drizzle on everything!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Add romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, Mexicorn, red onion, and chopped BBQ chicken into a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the top. Toss everything together until lightly coated. Top with crushed tortilla chips and chopped cilantro. For a delicious variation, consider experimenting with a Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad Recipe, which blends similar healthy elements with a tangy dressing.

Why I Love Making This Recipe?

This recipe is one of my go-to options for a hearty meal that doesn’t feel heavy. The combination of smoky, grilled chicken with crisp, cool vegetables is so satisfying. Plus, making this salad at home means I can fully customize it.

Whether I’m adding extra tortilla chips (guilty!) or doubling up on veggies, it always hits the spot. And that BBQ ranch dressing? Absolutely addictive. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend dinner.

Tips and Variations

Once you’ve made this BBQ chicken salad, you’ll see how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas based on my experience to elevate the dish even more.

Swap the chicken for leftover rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. Just shred it and toss in BBQ sauce before adding it to the salad.
Grill fresh corn on the cob alongside the chicken for a smoky flavor. Slice the kernels off once cooled.
Add sliced avocado for creamy richness.
Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
For extra crunch, include some shredded carrots or sliced cucumbers. If you’re looking for a different style of crunch, a southern chicken salad recipe might be just what you need.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad can stand on its own as a light but filling main course. However, it pairs wonderfully with savory sides like garlic bread, sweet potato fries, or even a warm, cheesy cornbread. A chilled glass of lemonade or iced tea is all you need to round out the meal.

Storage and Leftovers

To Store: Place leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Be sure to store tortilla chips separately to keep them crisp.
To Reheat: Warm the chicken in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or enjoy it cold, straight from the fridge.

Nutritional Information

Per serving, this BBQ chicken salad provides approximate values:

Calories: 308
Protein: 17g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fat: 15g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few missteps can keep this salad from reaching its full potential. Here’s how to avoid them!

Overcooking the chicken can make it dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F.
Skipping the tortilla chips removes that extra crunch that makes the salad special. Even a small sprinkle goes a long way.
Adding all the dressing at once can make the salad soggy. Start with a little, toss, and add more if needed.
Forgetting to rinse your canned beans or corn will leave behind extra salt or liquid that can throw off the flavor balance.