BBQ Chicken Salad

BBQ Chicken Salad first became a household favorite one summer evening when we had leftover grilled chicken and not much else in the fridge so I chopped it up tossed it over a bed of greens added a drizzle of barbecue sauce and suddenly dinner was done and everyone was asking for seconds. The smoky sweetness of the sauce combined with crisp veggies and tender chicken turned into a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Now it’s my go-to when I want something hearty yet fresh so I love how easy it is to throw together especially on busy weeknights and it always feels satisfying without being heavy. With crunchy lettuce creamy dressing and a bold barbecue twist it’s everything I want in one bowl.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Chicken breast – The star protein grilled or pan-seared and packed with flavor.
• BBQ sauce – Adds bold sweet smokiness that ties everything together.
• Romaine or mixed greens – Fresh and crisp they create the perfect salad base.
• Cherry tomatoes – Juicy and sweet they add freshness and color.
• Corn – A pop of sweetness that complements the smoky chicken.
• Black beans – Hearty and filling they boost the salad with fiber and protein.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Brings creamy saltiness and a bit of richness.
• Ranch dressing – Adds tangy creaminess to balance the barbecue.
• Olive oil – Helps when cooking the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
• Salt and pepper – For simple seasoning that enhances the overall taste.

Tools You’ll Need

• Cutting board – For chopping chicken and veggies safely.
• Chef’s knife – Helps slice cooked chicken and prep salad ingredients easily.
• Grill pan or skillet – Ideal for cooking the chicken with a nice char.
• Mixing bowl – To toss the salad ingredients all together.
• Tongs or spatula – Great for flipping the chicken while it cooks.
• Serving plates or salad bowls – To build and serve the finished dish.

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt pepper and a drizzle of olive oil then I cook them in a grill pan over medium-high heat for about 5–6 minutes per side.

Step 2:

Once cooked I brush on the BBQ sauce while the chicken is still hot so it gets sticky and glossy then I let it rest before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 3:

While the chicken cools I rinse and chop the romaine lettuce then halve the cherry tomatoes and drain the corn and black beans.

Step 4:

I assemble the salad by layering the greens with tomatoes corn beans and shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5:

I top it all with the sliced BBQ chicken then drizzle over ranch dressing and an extra swirl of BBQ sauce for that bold flavor finish.

Step 6:

I like to serve it immediately while the chicken is still warm and everything is fresh and crisp.

Tips

Sometimes I make extra grilled chicken the night before just to use it in this salad for lunch the next day. You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken with a quick BBQ sauce toss if you’re in a rush. For more crunch I add tortilla strips or even crushed corn chips on top. And if you love heat try using a spicy BBQ sauce or adding a few jalapeño slices!

Ways to Serve

This BBQ Chicken Salad works great as a main course for lunch or dinner but it also shines as a party dish served in a large bowl for sharing. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or sweet potato fries and can even be tucked into wraps for a handheld version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover chicken for BBQ Chicken Salad?

Yes absolutely! Just slice it up and toss it with BBQ sauce before adding it to the salad.

What’s the best BBQ sauce for BBQ Chicken Salad?

I prefer a smoky sweet sauce but spicy or honey-based versions work just as well.

Can I make BBQ Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes but I recommend keeping the chicken and dressing separate until serving to keep everything fresh.

Is BBQ Chicken Salad gluten-free?

It can be! Just check the BBQ sauce and dressing labels to ensure they’re gluten-free.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this BBQ Chicken Salad a try! It’s a fun bold and filling way to enjoy a salad that feels like a full meal. Let me know how it turns out for you or if you added your own twist—and don’t forget to save it for your next quick dinner or family cookout.

Happy Cooking!

Print