BBQ Chicken Salad is a delightful combination of smoky chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy ranch dressing that makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this salad will please your family and friends. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, it’s sure to become an instant favorite at your table!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of BBQ chicken, fresh veggies, and ranch dressing creates a taste sensation that you won’t forget.
Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy nights.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite toppings or whatever you have on hand!
Healthy Option: Packed with protein and vegetables, this salad is a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Perfect for Sharing: Serves four generously, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on making your BBQ Chicken Salad, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.

Limited Time Deal

Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!

Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle

Customer Reviews ★★★★★

Finally, a knife that stays sharp and feels comfortable in my hand

Professional quality without the premium price tag

Makes meal prep faster and more enjoyable

Don't Miss Out - Order Now

Only a few items left in stock - order soon

Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

Cast iron grill pan: Perfect for achieving that smoky flavor on the chicken and corn while providing even heat distribution.
Large bowl: Essential for mixing ingredients easily without spills.
Cutting board: Protects your countertops while ensuring safe chopping of all ingredients.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes cutting through chicken and vegetables quick and easy.

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.
Heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil in a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat.
Working in batches, add the seasoned chicken to the grill pan in a single layer.
Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F), about 6-8 minutes.
Set aside the cooked chicken and stir in BBQ sauce until well combined.

Step 2: Grilling the Corn

Add corn to the grill pan after removing the chicken.
Cook the corn while turning occasionally until charred and tender (about 5–10 minutes).
Allow cooling before cutting off the kernels.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, place shredded romaine lettuce as the base.
Top with grilled chicken, corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, diced avocado, red onion, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Drizzle homemade ranch dressing over the top of the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Serve your delicious BBQ Chicken Salad immediately for best flavor! Enjoy this healthy meal with loved ones!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Salad

Serving BBQ Chicken Salad is a delightful experience that combines vibrant flavors and textures. This salad can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion.

As a Main Course

A hearty option: Serve the BBQ Chicken Salad as a standalone dish for lunch or dinner. It’s filling and nutritious, making it a complete meal.

In a Wrap

Convenient choice: Wrap the salad ingredients in a tortilla for an easy-to-eat option. This makes it great for picnics or on-the-go lunches.

On a Bed of Grains

Nutritious pairing: Place the salad over cooked quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and protein. This twist enhances the meal’s texture and nutritional value.

With Extra Toppings

Customizable delight: Enhance your salad with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños or crispy tortilla strips. These add crunch and spice, elevating the flavor profile.

As an Appetizer

Perfect starter: Serve small portions of BBQ Chicken Salad in appetizer cups at gatherings. They are sure to impress guests with their fresh taste.

How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Salad

To achieve the ultimate BBQ Chicken Salad, follow these simple tips for enhanced flavor and presentation.

Choose quality chicken: Using fresh, boneless chicken thighs ensures a juicy and flavorful base for your salad.
Make your own BBQ seasoning: Creating your own blend allows you to adjust spices according to your taste, adding uniqueness to your dish.
Grill the corn: Charring corn adds depth of flavor; don’t skip this step! The smokiness complements the BBQ chicken beautifully.
Use ripe avocados: Fresh, ripe avocados will provide creaminess that balances the other ingredients perfectly.
Chill the dressing: A cold ranch dressing enhances the overall freshness of your salad, making each bite more enjoyable.
Serve immediately: For optimal crispness and taste, serve the salad right after assembling it to prevent wilting.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Salad

Pairing side dishes with your BBQ Chicken Salad can elevate your meal further. Here are some fantastic options:

Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides a delicious contrast to the fresh salad flavors. It’s perfect for sopping up any leftover dressing.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, complementing the richness of the BBQ chicken.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs nicely with savory dishes, offering a delightful Southern touch that fits well with BBQ flavors.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled vegetables enhance nutrition while adding smoky notes that echo those in your salad.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side that kids love.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out savory flavors with sweetness and is excellent for cleansing the palate between bites.
Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa bring extra texture and zest to your meal.
Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad is classic comfort food that complements picnic-style meals perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Chicken Salad, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Using overcooked chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked just until it reaches 165 degrees F. Overcooking can make it dry.
Skipping seasoning: Don’t forget to season the chicken well. A bland salad can be unappetizing, so use BBQ seasoning generously.
Neglecting fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh veggies like ripe tomatoes and crisp romaine. This enhances flavor and texture.
Overdressing the salad: Use ranch dressing sparingly; too much can overpower the other flavors. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
Not letting the corn cool: Allowing corn to cool before cutting prevents steaming the other salad ingredients, maintaining their crunch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover BBQ Chicken Salad in an airtight container.
It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing BBQ Chicken Salad

Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh ingredients that may not hold up well.
If you must freeze, consider storing only the grilled chicken separately; it freezes well for up to 2 months.

Reheating BBQ Chicken Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until hot.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about BBQ Chicken Salad that may help you.

What is BBQ Chicken Salad?

BBQ Chicken Salad is a delicious mix of smoky grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy ranch dressing, perfect for any meal.

Can I customize my BBQ Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! You can add or swap ingredients such as different beans, cheese types, or even nuts for added crunch.

How can I make this BBQ Chicken Salad healthier?

You can reduce calories by using low-fat ranch dressing or substituting Greek yogurt for a creamy base without the extra fat.

What goes well with BBQ Chicken Salad?

This salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

Can I prepare BBQ Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can grill the chicken and chop vegetables ahead of time. Just combine with dressing right before serving for freshness.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Chicken Salad is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or dressings. Try this delightful recipe today and enjoy its comforting flavors!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

BBQ Chicken Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Nora
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Description

BBQ Chicken Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines smoky grilled chicken with fresh vegetables, all drizzled in homemade ranch dressing. This delightful salad is perfect for summer barbecues, quick weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your family and friends. Packed with protein and nutrients, it offers a flavor explosion that will keep you coming back for more. Customize it with your favorite toppings or serve it as a filling main course—this salad is as versatile as it is delicious!

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a bowl, mix chicken, oil, BBQ seasoning, salt, and pepper. Grill the chicken on medium-high heat until cooked through (165°F), about 6-8 minutes.
Grill corn until charred; cool before cutting off kernels.
Assemble salad by mixing romaine, grilled chicken, corn, tomatoes, black beans, avocado, red onion, and cheese in a large bowl.
Drizzle with ranch dressing and toss gently. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American