Go Back
BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe

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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Salad
Calories: 308
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. 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.

Notes

  • 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.