BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

This BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer BBQs, easy weeknight dinners, or healthy meal prep. Tender grilled chicken glazed with smoky barbecue sauce meets crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and cheddar cheese—all tossed in creamy ranch dressing. It’s satisfying, customizable, and ready in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Salad

  • Quick & easy: 30-minute recipe from grill to table.
  • Bold BBQ flavor: Every bite is packed with smoky, tangy goodness.
  • Perfect for summer: Light, refreshing, and filling without being heavy.
  • Highly customizable: Add your favorite toppings like avocado, black beans, or crispy tortilla strips.

Ingredients

  • 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup sliced cucumbers
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Brush both sides of the chicken with barbecue sauce and grill for 1 additional minute on each side to caramelize.
  4. Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Then slice into thin strips.
  5. In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and sliced BBQ chicken.
  6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and drizzle with ranch dressing. Toss gently to coat.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Optional Add-Ins

  • Avocado slices for creaminess
  • Crispy tortilla strips for crunch
  • Grilled corn for a sweet, smoky kick
  • Black beans for extra protein and fiber

Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Salad

  • Marinate for flavor: For maximum BBQ flavor, marinate chicken in barbecue sauce overnight before grilling.
  • Use fresh ingredients: Crisp lettuce and firm cucumbers keep the texture on point.
  • Make it a meal: Serve with garlic bread or cornbread for a complete dinner.
  • Meal prep friendly: Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately. Combine just before serving.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 460
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg
  • Sodium: 960mg
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 8g

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Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is everything you want in a summer meal—easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. It’s ideal for casual dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping your lunches for the week. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and crunchy in every bite!

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