Looking for a delicious, filling meal that won’t eat up your entire evening? The BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is your answer! With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering taste, this salad brings together the smoky goodness of barbecue chicken and the crunch of fresh veggies—perfect for those busy days when you still want to enjoy a big bowl of yum.

This BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is a delightful medley of textures and flavors. Imagine juicy pieces of tender chicken coated in sweet barbecue sauce tossed with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy cucumbers, and ripe cherry tomatoes. The sharpness of red onion, creamy cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing ties everything together, creating a symphony in every bite. It’s a fresh and satisfying salad that your whole family will love, whether at lunch or dinner.

Why should you whip up this BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad? Here are a few reasons:

Quick to Prepare: It can be on your table in under 30 minutes!
Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for making ahead for busy work weeks.
Simple Ingredients: Requires just a few pantry staples and fresh produce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Benefit 1: Ready in 30 minutes
Benefit 2: Made with pantry staples
Benefit 3: Perfect for weekly meal prep
Benefit 4: Customizable to fit your taste

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

Step-by-Step Instructions of BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-cook the chicken breasts over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Coat with BBQ Sauce: Remove the chicken from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice or shred the chicken. Toss the chicken in the barbecue sauce until fully coated.
Prepare the Veggies: In a large serving bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
Assemble the Salad: Top the lettuce and veggies with the BBQ chicken and shredded cheddar cheese.
Dress It Up: Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad or serve it on the side. Toss everything gently to combine.

Tips for Success

Grill for Extra Flavor: If you have a grill, use it to cook the chicken to add a smoky flavor.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Choose fresh produce for a lively taste and crunch.
Mix and Match: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or even add some corn or black beans for a twist.

Substitutions & Variations of BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas, and use a gluten-free barbecue sauce.

Variations: Add sliced avocado, crispy bacon, or even some black olives for added flavor and variety.

Storage Instructions of BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The veggies may wilt, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!

Freezer: This salad isn’t great for freezing due to the lettuce, but you can freeze leftover chicken for up to 3 months.

Make-Ahead: You can cook the chicken and chop all veggies a day ahead, keeping everything separate until you’re ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and will save you even more time.

What dressing pairs well with this salad?
Besides ranch, you might like blue cheese or a vinaigrette for a tangy kick.

Can I add other toppings?
Feel free to sprinkle some sunflower seeds or nuts for added crunch and nutrition!

Final Toughts

This BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad not only fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle but also offers a delicious way to enjoy nutritious ingredients. Whether you’re prepping for a hectic week or need a quick dinner solution, this meal checks all the boxes. Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out leave a comment and a star rating!

BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

Print Recipe

A delicious, filling BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad combining smoky BBQ chicken and fresh veggies for a quick, satisfying meal.

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Grill or pan-cook the chicken breasts over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Remove the chicken from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice or shred the chicken.
Toss the chicken in the barbecue sauce until fully coated.
In a large serving bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
Top the lettuce and veggies with the BBQ chicken and shredded cheddar cheese.
Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad or serve it on the side. Toss everything gently to combine.

Notes

For extra flavor, grill the chicken. Fresh ingredients matter for the best flavor.

Author: soukaina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: None