Description
BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad is a fresh, hearty, and flavor-packed meal loaded with juicy barbecue chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, sweet corn, black beans, creamy avocado, cheddar cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips, all drizzled with a delicious BBQ ranch dressing. Perfect for healthy lunches, easy dinners, meal prep, and summer gatherings, this high-protein salad delivers the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Salad
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup tortilla strips
For the Dressing
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeño slices
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add BBQ sauce: Brush barbecue sauce over the chicken and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Remove and let rest.
- Slice the chicken: Rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together ranch dressing and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, tomatoes, corn, black beans, and red onion.
- Add toppings: Top with avocado, cheddar cheese, and tortilla strips.
- Add chicken: Arrange sliced BBQ chicken over the salad.
- Add dressing: Drizzle BBQ ranch dressing evenly over the top.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, and lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor, but rotisserie chicken works as a quick shortcut.
- Add dressing just before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
- Balance flavors by adjusting BBQ sauce and ranch ratio to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 servings
- Calories: 520 calories
