BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is a colorful medley of vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and zesty dressing that dances on your taste buds. Imagine biting into juicy chicken grilled to perfection, mingling with crunchy greens and sweet corn, all topped with a tangy BBQ dressing that brings it all together.
This salad is perfect for summer picnics or casual weeknight dinners when you want something fresh but also satisfying. There’s just something about the way the flavors meld that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover grilled chicken, making it not only delicious but also practical.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is incredibly easy to make and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes
- The flavor profile is a delightful mix of smoky, sweet, and savory elements
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress at any gathering
- Versatile enough to adapt for various diets, you can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand
I remember the first time I made this salad for a family barbecue; my cousin devoured three servings before I even had a chance to sit down. The laughter and compliments made it a cherished memory.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Corn: Fresh corn adds sweetness and crunch; if unavailable, frozen corn works just fine.
- Romaine Lettuce: Crisp romaine provides the perfect base; wash and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems burst with flavor; halve them for easy eating.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives a sharp bite; soak them in water if you prefer less pungency.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness; feel free to omit it if you’re not a fan.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand; smoky varieties work best for depth of flavor.
- Dressing Ingredients (Olive Oil & Lime Juice): Combine these for a zesty finish that enhances all the flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before cooking until fully cooked through—about 6-7 minutes per side—until juices run clear.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken cooks, chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Slice cherry tomatoes in half, thinly slice red onion, and cut corn off the cob if using fresh.
Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lime juice until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste for extra zing.
Chop the Chicken: Once cooked chicken has rested for a few minutes, chop it into bite-sized cubes. Toss it in some additional BBQ sauce for added flavor before adding it to your salad.
Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, corn, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and BBQ chicken. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently until everything is coated evenly.
Serve It Up!: Serve immediately in bowls or on plates. For an extra touch, garnish with more BBQ sauce or some crushed tortilla chips for crunch!
Enjoying this BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad will surely become one of your go-to meals! It’s fresh enough for those hot summer days yet hearty enough to satisfy your hunger cravings any time of year. Happy cooking!
You Must Know
- The BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is not just a delight; it’s a symphony of flavors
- Marinating overnight enhances the chicken’s taste, while the crunch of fresh veggies adds texture
- This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour for maximum flavor. Grill it to juicy perfection, then toss it with fresh veggies and dressing for an unforgettable salad.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or corn. You can also try different dressings such as ranch or vinaigrette to suit your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the chicken gently on the grill or in a skillet to keep it juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, let your chicken marinate overnight
- This allows all those delicious spices to soak in properly
- Also, chop your veggies uniformly for even texture and presentation
- Lastly, don’t skimp on dressing; it ties all the flavors together beautifully!
There was that one time I made this salad for a family gathering, and my cousin declared it “the best salad ever.” Let’s just say, I might have done a little happy dance in the kitchen!
FAQ
Can I use leftover grilled chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled chicken adds great flavor and saves time.
What type of dressing works best with BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad?
A tangy barbecue dressing pairs perfectly with the flavors of this salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It holds up well when stored properly and is great for lunch throughout the week.
BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines juicy grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy barbecue dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or quick weeknight dinners, this salad is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to use up leftover grilled chicken. Each bite is a celebration of flavors, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup fresh corn (or frozen corn)
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (smoky variety recommended)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest before chopping into cubes.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the vegetables: chop the romaine, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion, and cut corn off the cob if using fresh.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lime juice; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, corn, tomatoes, onion, cilantro (if using), and BBQ chicken. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
- Serve immediately in bowls or on plates; garnish with extra BBQ sauce or crushed tortilla chips if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for at least an hour before cooking. Feel free to add or substitute your favorite veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers. This salad stores well for up to three days when kept in an airtight container.
