Name: BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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

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BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is the ultimate harmony of smoky, tangy chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy ranch—all tossed together into one colorful, satisfying bowl. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a backyard get-together, this salad always finds a way to steal the show. The blend of flavors and textures delivers a refreshing crunch, a bit of heat, and just the right kick of sweet and savory flavor. If you’re hunting for something hearty and light, but never boring, this is the salad you’ll want on repeat.

BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is how accessible each ingredient is, yet every one brings something special. This salad works so well because each element shines—crisp, juicy, cheesy, and creamy, all in one bite!

Chicken breasts: Lean and hearty, these give the salad protein power and hearty flavor.
Barbecue sauce: Delivers smoky sweetness that makes the chicken the star of the show.
Romaine lettuce: Offers vibrant crunch and a refreshing, leafy base for your toppings.
Cucumbers: Add cool, crisp texture and a subtle pop of green.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and eye-catching—they bring a burst of color and flavor.
Red onion: That zingy bite cuts through the richness and makes every forkful exciting.
Cheddar cheese: Creamy and sharp, the cheese melts in with the warm chicken and cool veggies.
Ranch dressing: Creamy, cool, and classic—the finishing touch that ties all the flavors together.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and lifting all the other flavors.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

Step 1: Prep and Grill the Chicken

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high. While that’s heating up, pat your chicken breasts dry and sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper. Place them on the hot grill and cook for 6–8 minutes on each side. The goal is juicy, cooked-through chicken with those beautiful char marks that make grilled chicken irresistible. This first step sets the foundation for all the BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad magic to come.

Step 2: Brush and Glaze

Once the chicken has mostly cooked through, slather on that barbecue sauce. Brush both sides and give each piece just another minute or two on the grill to let the sauce caramelize. This quick glazing infuses the chicken with sweet, smoky flavor that you’ll taste in every bite.

Step 3: Rest and Slice

When the chicken’s done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This is the secret to juicy chicken. Then, slice it thin or chop it—whatever’s your style! The saucy slices are the highlight of this BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad.

Step 4: Toss the Veggies

In a big bowl, combine your chopped romaine, sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and those vibrant rings of red onion. These veggies form the crunchy, colorful base that holds up beautifully once topped with that warm chicken.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Cheese

Arrange your sliced BBQ chicken on top of the salad base. Sprinkle everything with shredded cheddar cheese, which will slightly melt over the warm chicken, creating that craveable creamy layer unique to this BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad.

Step 6: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the ranch dressing all over the top and use salad tongs to gently toss everything together. Be careful not to over-mix—just enough to coat the veggies and chicken without losing those lovely layers. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

Garnishes

To elevate your BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad, consider a shower of extra fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley. For a touch of luxury, add crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of crushed tortilla strips. A squeeze of fresh lime over the top can also brighten up all the flavors!

Side Dishes

The hearty, bold nature of this salad pairs perfectly with light, fresh sides. Think cornbread muffins, a slice of buttered sourdough, or sweet potato fries for a true all-American meal. For something lighter, serve it with a cold fruit salad or a grilled veggie platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad in mason jars for picnics and lunches on the go, or layer it in a clear glass trifle bowl to show off every colorful ingredient at your next party. For a fun twist, wrap it up in large romaine leaves or tortillas to create hand-held BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad wraps.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad, just pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the dressing on the side and drizzle fresh just before eating, as the veggies will stay crisper this way.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for fully assembled BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad since the lettuce and veggies will lose their crunch. However, you can grill and freeze the BBQ chicken separately for up to 2 months, then thaw and slice when ready to enjoy a quick salad.

Reheating

If you’re using leftover BBQ chicken straight from the fridge, you can warm it slightly in the microwave or a skillet before adding to your salad (just enough to take the chill off). The salad itself is meant to be enjoyed cold and fresh, so only reheat the meat!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad?

Absolutely! If you’re in a rush, shred some rotisserie chicken and toss it with barbecue sauce. Skip the grilling step and save loads of time without sacrificing flavor.

What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?

Go with your favorite! A sweet and tangy sauce works wonders here, but spicy or smoky varieties also shine. Try a homemade BBQ sauce or mix two store-bought kinds for a unique twist.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the cheddar for a dairy-free cheese or simply skip it, and use a vegan ranch dressing. You’ll still get all that zesty BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad flavor—just a little lighter!

Is this salad keto-friendly or low-carb?

With a couple tweaks, yes! Use sugar-free barbecue sauce and a low-carb ranch. Omit sweet ingredients or high-carb sides, and load up on extra greens for a keto BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad.

What’s the easiest way to chop romaine and veggies?

Use a big chef’s knife and slice the romaine crosswise for bite-sized pieces. A mandoline or food processor speeds up the cucumber and onion slicing, and halved cherry tomatoes add juicy bursts without extra fuss.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is one of those recipes that transforms simple ingredients into something crave-worthy. I hope you’ll give this salad a try and make it your own—there’s just nothing like that blend of smoky chicken, crisp greens, juicy veggies, and creamy ranch. It’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to, no matter the season!

BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 16 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the smoky flavors of barbecue chicken with crisp lettuce, fresh vegetables, cheddar cheese, and creamy ranch dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup barbecue sauce

For the Salad:

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

Instructions

Preheat Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; grill for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through.
Brush with Sauce: Brush chicken with barbecue sauce and grill for an additional minute on each side.
Rest Chicken: Let the chicken rest before slicing it into strips.
Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and sliced chicken.
Add Cheese and Dressing: Top with cheddar cheese and drizzle with ranch dressing; toss gently to combine.
Serve: Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American