BBQ Chicken Salad

A smoky and flavorful BBQ Chicken Salad, featuring tender chicken tossed in barbecue sauce, fresh greens, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 6 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, spinach, arugula)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (grilled or canned)
• 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup crispy tortilla strips

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
   • Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then dice or shred it.
   • Toss the chicken in barbecue sauce until well coated.
2. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing and barbecue sauce.
4. Combine and Serve:
   • Top the salad with the barbecue chicken and drizzle with the ranch-barbecue dressing. Garnish with crispy tortilla strips.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Tips

• Make it spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using shredded rotisserie chicken and tossing it in barbecue sauce.
• Add variety: Include diced avocado, bell peppers, or cucumber for extra crunch and flavor.
• Storage: Store salad components separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving.

You can visit our Salads Recipes section for even more delicious recipes.

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FAQ

1. Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce? Yes, choose your favorite barbecue sauce for this recipe.

2. What pairs well with BBQ Chicken Salad? Serve it with cornbread, baked potatoes, or a simple pasta salad for a complete meal.

3. Can I make this salad vegetarian? Yes, replace the chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas and use a vegetarian barbecue sauce.

4. How do I keep the tortilla strips crispy? Add the tortilla strips just before serving to keep them crunchy.