BBQ Chicken Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish that combines the smoky, savory flavors of grilled or roasted chicken with fresh salad greens and a tangy BBQ dressing. The chicken is typically coated in barbecue sauce and either grilled or baked until tender and juicy, then sliced or shredded. It’s paired with crunchy vegetables like corn, cucumbers, red onions, and tomatoes, and often topped with shredded cheese, crispy tortilla strips, or even avocado. A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing finishes it off for a delicious, satisfying meal.
I first made BBQ Chicken Salad when I wanted a lighter, healthier option but still craved the bold flavors of BBQ, and it turned out to be a perfect match! The combination of the smoky chicken and fresh vegetables is so satisfying, and the BBQ dressing brings everything together. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can use different salad greens, swap the chicken for pulled beef, or add ingredients like beans or roasted sweet potatoes for added flavor and texture. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner, a picnic, or a party, this salad is sure to be a hit!
Perfect for:
- Casual lunch or dinner
- Summer BBQs
- Potlucks and picnics
- Quick weeknight meals
- BBQ lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this BBQ Chicken Salad will become your new favorite meal:
- Smoky and Tangy Flavor: The BBQ sauce gives the chicken a smoky, tangy kick that elevates the salad.
- Fresh and Crunchy Veggies: The crisp lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes balance the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Grilled Chicken Perfection: Marinated in BBQ sauce and grilled to perfection, the chicken is juicy and packed with flavor.
- Easy to Customize: Add or remove ingredients to fit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Refreshing Summer Dish: Light yet filling, this salad is perfect for hot weather.
- Quick to Prepare: The recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Protein-Packed: With the grilled chicken and cheese, this salad is a great source of lean protein.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It keeps well in the fridge, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will love the combination of flavors in this salad.
- Health-Conscious Option: With plenty of fresh veggies and lean chicken, it’s a great choice for a balanced meal.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 25g
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., lettuce, spinach, arugula)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup black beans (optional)
- 1/4 cup crispy fried onions (optional)
For the BBQ Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- BBQ Sauce: Provides the smoky, tangy flavor for both the chicken and the dressing.
- Mixed Greens: A variety of greens adds different textures and nutrients to the salad.
- Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
- Crispy Fried Onions: Adds crunch and extra flavor as a garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Grill the Chicken:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Brush both sides with BBQ sauce.
- Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the Chicken: Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips.
Prepare the Salad:
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and red onion.
- Add the Chicken: Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the salad mixture.
Prepare the BBQ Dressing:
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Salad:
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the BBQ dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients.
- Garnish: Top with shredded cheddar cheese, corn kernels, black beans (if using), and crispy fried onions.
Serve:
- Serve and Enjoy: Divide the salad into bowls and serve immediately.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for BBQ Chicken Salad:
- On its Own: A complete meal on its own, perfect for lunch or dinner.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread on the side for extra flavor.
- With a Side of Grilled Vegetables: Pair with grilled corn on the cob or bell peppers for a fuller meal.
- As a Wrap: Roll the salad ingredients into a tortilla for a delicious wrap.
- For Meal Prep: Portion out the salad and dressing separately for easy lunches during the week.
- With Sweet Potato Fries: Serve alongside crispy sweet potato fries for a satisfying meal.
- With a Scoop of Rice: Add a scoop of brown rice for a hearty, fiber-packed side.
- With Ranch Dressing: Swap BBQ dressing for ranch if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Topped with Crispy Beef Bacon: Add crumbled crispy beef bacon for an extra savory crunch.
- For a Crowd: Double the ingredients for a larger batch to serve at a BBQ or picnic.
Additional Tips
- Grill with Care: Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ dressing for a spicy kick.
- Customize the Salad: Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or cucumbers.
- Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken and prepare the dressing in advance to save time.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days (dress the salad just before serving).
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu.
- Gluten-Free Version: Ensure the BBQ sauce and dressing ingredients are gluten-free.
- Spicy BBQ Chicken Salad: Add diced jalapeños to the salad or mix hot sauce into the BBQ dressing.
- Beef Bacon BBQ Chicken Salad: Add crispy beef bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor.
- Avocado-Free: Omit the avocado if preferred, or substitute with a handful of sunflower seeds.
- Crispy Chicken: Coat the chicken in breadcrumbs and fry for a crispy version of this salad.
Special Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan: For perfectly cooked chicken.
- Salad Spinner: To dry the greens thoroughly before assembling the salad.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Small Whisk: For mixing the BBQ dressing smoothly.
- Tongs: For handling the grilled chicken and tossing the salad.
FAQ Section
- Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes, store-bought BBQ sauce works perfectly for this recipe. Just choose your favorite flavor. - How long can I store leftovers?
The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the dressing should be kept separate to prevent wilting. - Can I use grilled chicken from the day before?
Yes, leftover grilled chicken can be used in this salad for a quick and easy meal. - What can I substitute for the BBQ sauce?
You can use a smoky ranch dressing or a honey mustard sauce for a different flavor profile. - Can I make the salad vegan?
Yes, replace the chicken with plant-based protein options like grilled tofu or tempeh. - Can I add fruit to the salad?
Yes, try adding sliced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast to the savory BBQ chicken. - How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?
Serve the dressing on the side and drizzle it on just before eating to keep the salad fresh. - Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, just thaw it before adding it to the salad. - Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients to make a larger batch. - Can I make the chicken in advance?
Absolutely! You can grill the chicken a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the smoky, savory goodness of BBQ chicken with fresh, crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing. Grilled or roasted chicken is typically coated in BBQ sauce, giving it a delicious, charred exterior and juicy interior. The chicken is then sliced and served over a bed of mixed greens, such as romaine, spinach, or arugula, and topped with colorful ingredients like corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onions, avocado, and shredded cheese.
To finish off this hearty salad, you can drizzle a creamy dressing, such as ranch or a homemade BBQ vinaigrette, or keep it lighter with a simple olive oil and lime dressing. The combination of smoky BBQ chicken, crisp veggies, and a flavorful dressing makes this salad both satisfying and refreshing. BBQ Chicken Salad is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even as a crowd-pleasing dish for a summer barbecue or picnic. You can also add crispy tortilla strips or crumbled beef bacon for extra texture and flavor.
I can’t wait to see how your BBQ Chicken Salad turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this salad your own!