Fresh, vibrant, and absolutely irresistible, this BBQ Chicken Salad is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary weeknight into something memorable! Imagine smoky grilled chicken, crunchy veggies, a hint of sweetness from corn, and a creamy drizzle of BBQ ranch—all piled high in one gorgeous bowl. If you love big, bold flavors with minimal fuss, this one’s about to become a staple at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big BBQ Flavor, No Fuss: Each juicy bite of chicken is brushed with barbecue sauce for that mouthwatering smoky-sweet taste, without ever firing up a smoker.
- Fresh & Satisfying Crunch: Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, corn, and tortilla chips combine for a colorful dish that truly pops with different flavors and textures.
- Lighter, Healthier Twists: Thanks to Greek yogurt ranch and lean chicken breast, you get all the comfort without any of the heaviness.
- Totally Customizable: Perfect for using up leftovers and adapting with your favorite veggies, proteins, or salad toppings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, everyday ingredients are the heart of this BBQ Chicken Salad. Each element brings its own flavor, texture, or color, creating a bowl that’s bursting with freshness and satisfaction.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounding them thin makes grilling quick and ensures juicy, evenly cooked chicken every time.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Just a touch ensures the chicken stays tender and develops beautiful grill marks.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Season the chicken perfectly so it stands up to the salad’s bold flavors.
- Barbecue sauce: Homemade or your favorite bottled kind—either way, it gives you that signature smoky sweetness that defines BBQ Chicken Salad.
- Romaine lettuce: Chopped romaine is the ultimate salad base, adding crispness and keeping every bite refreshing.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, these little tomatoes add color and brightness throughout.
- Low-sodium black beans (canned): Rinsed and drained, they bring heartiness and a boost of plant-based protein.
- Mexicorn (canned): Drained kernels add bursts of sweetness, crunch, and a fun pop of yellow.
- Red onion: Dices of red onion add a savory bite and extra color.
- Crushed tortilla chips or strips: For extra crunch and an irresistible finishing touch.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped and sprinkled on top, it adds refreshing herbaceous flavor that brightens up the whole dish.
- Prepared light ranch dressing (Greek yogurt–based): Makes the creamy base for your BBQ ranch, keeping things lighter.
- More barbecue sauce (for dressing): Stirred into ranch for the ultimate drizzle with sweet-smoky tang.
Variations
The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Salad is how easy it is to tweak for your taste, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
- Vegetarian version: Swap out the chicken for grilled tofu, roasted sweet potatoes, or even extra black beans for a protein-packed meatless meal.
- Cheesy twist: Sprinkle sharp cheddar or crumbled cotija cheese over the top for extra richness and tang.
- Different greens: Use baby spinach, kale, or a mixed greens blend instead of romaine for a unique base.
- More veggies: Throw in bell peppers, avocado slices, or shredded carrots to amp up both nutrition and crunch.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Salad
Step 1: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the pounded chicken breasts with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the grill and let it cook for about 4 minutes on one side. Flip, brush the grilled side with barbecue sauce, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through and beautifully caramelized. Rest the chicken under foil for 5 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces—you’ll get maximum juiciness and perfect flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Stir Together the BBQ Ranch Dressing
Whisk up your BBQ ranch by combining prepared light ranch dressing (Greek yogurt–based is extra creamy!) with a spoonful of barbecue sauce. Taste and tweak the ratio until it’s just right for you—smoky, creamy, and utterly irresistible.
Step 3: Build the Salad
In a large bowl, toss together chopped romaine, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, Mexicorn, and diced red onion. Add the juicy grilled chicken and drizzle generously with your BBQ ranch dressing. Toss everything lightly to coat so every morsel gets bathed in deliciousness.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Spoon the salad into bowls and top each with a handful of crushed tortilla chips and a shower of fresh cilantro. This last step adds crunch and bright flavor, making your BBQ Chicken Salad look as fabulous as it tastes. Serve immediately and dig in!
Pro Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Salad
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: Pounding your chicken breasts ensures even cooking and helps keep every bite tender.
- Sauce at the Right Time: Brush barbecue sauce on your chicken near the end of grilling for caramelized, not burned, flavor.
- Crisp Tortilla Toppers: Add the crushed tortilla chips right before serving so they stay crunchy and delightful.
- Let Chicken Rest Before Cutting: Giving the chicken a few minutes to rest keeps it juicy and prevents the delicious juices from running out.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Salad
Garnishes
Finishing touches matter! I love piling on extra chopped cilantro and an extra sprinkle of black pepper, or even a few squeezes of fresh lime over the top. It wakes up all the flavors and adds brightness, making your BBQ Chicken Salad truly shine.
Side Dishes
While this salad is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, you can add a side of warm cornbread, a slice of crusty baguette, or a light fruit salad for something sweet and refreshing. It’s also fabulous next to classic BBQ sides like baked beans or grilled veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun appetizer, serve your BBQ Chicken Salad in individual mason jars or martini glasses for a build-your-own party vibe. Or layer the ingredients in a clear trifle bowl to show off those gorgeous colors at your next potluck or picnic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover BBQ Chicken Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best texture, store tortilla chips and dressing separately, so you can add them fresh right before eating.
Freezing
While components like grilled chicken can be frozen (wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months), assembled salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh veggies and creamy dressing. To prep ahead, freeze the chicken and assemble the salad fresh when ready to eat.
Reheating
If you prefer your chicken warm, gently reheat the chopped BBQ chicken in the microwave or a skillet before adding it to your salad. Everything else is best served cold and crisp for maximum flavor and crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken for BBQ Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! Shred store-bought rotisserie chicken, toss it with some barbecue sauce, and add it directly to your salad. It’s a fantastic shortcut for busy nights and still delivers that irresistible BBQ flavor.
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How can I make the BBQ Chicken Salad dairy-free?
Choose a dairy-free ranch dressing or make your own with vegan mayo and seasonings, and double-check your barbecue sauce. You’ll still get all the smoky, creamy flavor without the dairy!
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Is this BBQ Chicken Salad gluten-free?
The main salad ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just be sure to use certified gluten-free barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and tortilla chips to keep it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
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What barbecue sauce works best for this recipe?
Use your favorite! I love a tangy, slightly sweet sauce for balance, but spicy options are great if you want some heat. Both store-bought and homemade sauces shine in this BBQ Chicken Salad.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something hearty, healthy, and absolutely packed with flavor, this BBQ Chicken Salad is here to delight your taste buds any night of the week. Don’t be surprised if it gets requested on repeat—there’s just something special about those layers of fresh veggies, grilled chicken, and tangy BBQ ranch that everyone loves. Grab your forks and dig in—you’re about to make salad the best part of dinner!
Print
BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This BBQ Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy BBQ ranch dressing. It’s a satisfying and flavorful salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded 1/2 inch thick
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons homemade barbecue sauce or prepared store-bought sauce
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup canned Mexicorn, drained
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- Crushed tortilla chips or strips for serving
- Chopped fresh cilantro for serving
For the BBQ Ranch Dressing:
- 1/3 cup prepared light ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon homemade barbecue sauce or prepared store-bought sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken: Brush both sides of the pounded chicken breast with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill for 4 minutes on one side, flip, brush with barbecue sauce, then grill the other side for 3 to 4 minutes. Let rest and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the dressing: Combine ranch dressing and barbecue sauce in a bowl, adjust to taste.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, mix romaine, tomatoes, beans, Mexicorn, red onion, and chicken. Drizzle with dressing, toss, and serve topped with tortilla chips and cilantro.
Notes
- Refrigerate leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
