Description
A hearty and flavorful BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad packed with fresh vegetables, smoky chicken, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen and thawed)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup tortilla strips or corn chips, crushed
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- For the BBQ Sauce and Dressing:
- 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet or grill pan (or bake) until 165°F. Rest for 5-10 minutes, then dice or shred.
- 2. Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together BBQ sauce, ranch/blue cheese dressing, apple cider vinegar, honey (if using), and Dijon mustard. Season to taste.
- 3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red onion, pickled jalapeños (if using), and diced avocado. Add the cooked chicken.
- 4. Dress and Toss: Drizzle about half the dressing over the salad. Gently toss to combine. Add more dressing as needed, reserving some for serving if desired.
Notes
Store dressing separately from salad components for best texture. Dressed salad can be stored for 1-2 days, but greens may become limp.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 450-600 (depending on ingredients)
- Sugar: Approx. 10-20g
- Sodium: Varies widely based on BBQ sauce and dressing
- Fat: Approx. 25-40g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 20-30g
- Fiber: Approx. 5-10g
- Protein: Approx. 30-40g