Bold, fresh, and packed with flavor—this BBQ Chicken Salad combines smoky grilled chicken, crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and a drizzle of ranch for the ultimate weeknight meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s light yet filling, perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
📝 Recipe Card
Author: Judy Wilson
Servings & Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Yield: 2 servings
Dietary Badges
✅ Low-Calorie
✅ High-Protein
✅ Gluten-Free (if using GF BBQ sauce)
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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½ cup BBQ sauce
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4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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½ red onion, thinly sliced
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1 avocado, diced
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½ cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or grilled)
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½ cup black beans, rinsed
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¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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¼ cup ranch dressing
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & pepper, to taste
🍳 Instructions
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Cook the Chicken
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Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high.
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Season chicken with salt, pepper, and coat with BBQ sauce.
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Grill 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
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Remove from heat, rest 5 minutes, then slice.
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Prepare the Salad
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In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, onion, avocado, corn, and black beans.
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Assemble
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Top salad with sliced BBQ chicken and shredded cheddar.
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Drizzle with ranch dressing.
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Serve
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Enjoy immediately while the chicken is warm.
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🌟 Why You’ll Love It
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Quick & Easy → Dinner in just 25 minutes.
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Balanced Meal → Protein, fiber, and healthy fats in every bite.
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Versatile → Works for meal prep, family dinners, or healthy lunches.
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Flavor Explosion → Smoky BBQ meets creamy ranch for the perfect combo.
🍽 Tips & Variations
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Meal Prep → Store chicken separately and assemble salad fresh for best texture.
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Dressing Swap → Try blue cheese, chipotle ranch, or even a lime vinaigrette.
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Add Crunch → Toss in tortilla strips or roasted chickpeas.
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Extra Flavor → Sprinkle with crumbled bacon or roasted jalapeños.
🥡 Storage
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Store leftovers in airtight containers (without dressing) for up to 2 days.
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Keep chicken refrigerated separately and slice fresh before serving.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use leftover chicken?
A: Absolutely! Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken makes this salad even faster.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes—skip the cheddar and use a dairy-free ranch or vinaigrette.
Q: What BBQ sauce works best?
A: A smoky or slightly sweet sauce pairs best, but use your favorite.
✨ This BBQ Chicken Salad is light, satisfying, and guaranteed to steal the show at your table. Perfect for summer nights, quick weeknight dinners, or whenever you’re craving big flavor fast.
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