If you’re looking for a side dish for a weekend BBQ that’s packed with fiber and protein, and a vibrant flavor, make Smoky BBQ Chicken Salad. This is one of America’s favorite dishes, with a twist on all the flavors.
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Smoky BBQ Chicken Salad: A Classic American Favorite –
When you’re craving a refreshing and delicious meal, BBQ Chicken Salad is a great dish that easily satisfies all your needs. This grilled chicken’s smoky crunch and creamy dressing combine with fresh vegetables for a balanced meal that’s healthy and satisfying.
If you’re looking for a quick summer dinner, this Smoky BBQ Chicken Salad is perfect for you, offering the perfect combination of chicken salad, protein, savory flavor, and fiber.
Smoky BBQ Chicken Salad Ingredients: – Serves 4-5 people
Chicken Ingredients: –
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, homemade or store-bought
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pepper and salt to taste
Salad Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla strips or tortilla chips, optional for crunch
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped or mixed greens
- 1 sliced avocado
- 1 cup canned corn, rinsed and drained
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
Dressing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce, suitable for mixing with ranch
- Juice of 1/2 lemon, refreshing, optional
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Smoky BBQ Chicken Salad Instructions:
1. Marinate
- Pat your chicken breasts dry thoroughly with a paper towel.
- Take a bowl and combine all the ingredients in the quantities indicated.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade and then cover.
- Be sure to refrigerate for 25 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. For a deeper flavor, you can refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Note: If you’re busy and pressed for time, a quick 10 to 12-minute marinade also works.
2. Cooking the Chicken
To make Smoky BBQ Chicken Salad, there are three ways to cook the chicken. You can choose one:
A. Grilling:
- Try this method to achieve the desired flavor.
- First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on all sides, then brush with barbecue sauce and cook until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
B. Baking Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the chicken on a baking tray and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. Then, brush with barbecue sauce in the center, which adds flavor and a classic look.
C. Pan Searing Method
- Take a pan, add a little olive oil, and heat it.
- Continue cooking the chicken on all sides for 5 to 7 minutes on the center of the chicken so it caramelizes and is thoroughly cooked.
- Once cooked through, let the chicken rest at room temperature for 5 to 7 minutes, then cut it into strips.
3. Preparing the Salad Base
- Wash and chop the mixed greens or romaine lettuce thoroughly and place them in a large salad bowl.
- Use black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, cheese, red onion, and avocado to coat the base. Mix thoroughly.
4. Making the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and lemon juice.
- If your smoky BBQ chicken salad is too spicy or sweet, add the barbecue sauce or lemon juice to reduce the flavor.
5. Making Barbecue Chicken Salad
- Place your prepared salad base in individual bowls or plates.
- Place the shredded barbecue chicken on top and drizzle with creamy barbecue ranch dressing.
- Sprinkle with tortilla strips or crushed chips for crunch.
6. Serving and Savoring
- Smoky BBQ Chicken Salad is ready! You can serve it hot off the grill with fresh chicken or serve it cold for lunch.
Some variations and ideas:-
- For a Mexican twist – use roasted bell peppers, pickled jalapenos, and spicy salsa to top it off.
- Low-carb option – For a lower carb, use only avocado, omit the beans and tortilla strips.
- For more protein – add chickpeas or a boiled egg.
- For a healthier option – use a Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing.
- Family-style bowl – everyone makes their own salad.
Reasons to Love Smoky BBQ Chicken Salad:-
- It’s a very balanced meal, packing fiber, protein, healthy fats, and vegetables all into one bowl.
- The recipe can also be adapted to different proteins, including shrimp, tofu, or turkey, depending on your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
- Perfect for barbecue lovers, who enjoy this smoky grill flavor combined with a crisp salad crown.
FAQ, Some Questions About Smoky BBQ Chicken Salad
Q. What’s the best barbecue sauce to dress this salad with?
Homemade is great, but your favorite brand of barbecue sauce is also great. Chipotle, honey barbecue, or spicy barbecue sauce are all good options.
Q. Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover Road Sri Chicken or grilled chicken works great. Mix the barbecue sauce and toss it into the salad.
Q. How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, don’t use chicken. Instead, use roasted chickpeas, grilled tofu, or tempeh for a plant-based salad.
Q, Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Thaw it thoroughly first, then marinate and cook it.
Q. What better way to meal-prep a Smoky BBQ Chicken Salad?
*Cook the chicken first, then chop it.
*Place all the salad vegetables in separate bowls.
*Mix the dressing and store it in a small jar.
*Now you can prepare it fresh before eating.
Q, How long can barbecue chicken salad be stored?
Place the salad base (without the dressing) in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Remember to keep the chicken and dressing separate to preserve freshness.
Final Thoughts
When you’re craving a wonderful, homemade chicken salad, Smoky BBQ Chicken Salad is a must-try because it’s more than just a salad; it’s one of the most delicious dishes of all time.
Barbecue chicken salad combines spiciness with crisp vegetable freshness, making it perfect for family dinners, or for quick meals on busy weekends and weeknights, making it ideal for most lunches.
This salad is healthy, versatile, and delicious.
If you are thinking of making something fresh or want to make a filling meal, then instead of ordering from a restaurant, make this recipe at home because barbecue chicken salad is definitely liked when made at home, which is different from the food eaten outside, it has a wonderful taste when made at home.