I’ve got a must-try sizzling chicken salad recipe for you: BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad! This filling entree salad combines crisp romaine lettuce with grilled chicken and corn, black beans, fresh tomatoes, crushed tortilla chips (my favorite part) and red onions, drizzled with the can’t-miss combo of Ranch dressing and smoky BBQ sauce. It is bold, zesty, fresh, quick, and easy. A party on a plate!
Sometimes eating salads can get boring and repetitive, but this is one chicken salad you’ll be dreaming about making over and over and over again. It’s the fresh and summery toppings, for me. Make/chop everything once, then toss together for salads all week long. Again, do not forget the crushed tortilla chips!
Start by grilling chicken breasts that have been pounded thin and seasoned with salt and pepper for 3-4 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Brush the grilled side with BBQ sauce after flipping once, keeping the lid closed to let the BBQ sauce sizzle and caramelize as the second side cooks.
Pop a couple ears sweet corn on the grill next door then rotate occasionally until all sides are evenly charred.
Pull the chicken and corn off the grill then let then let them cool slightly before chopping the chicken and slicing the kernels off the cobs. Set both aside for a sec!
Next get the rest of the chopped salad ingredients ready, starting with the salad base – romaine lettuce. For 4 people you’ll want 2-10oz bags of chopped romaine lettuce.
Place the lettuce into a huge bowl (might want to do this in a few batches,) then use a pizza cutter to chop it up into small, bite-sized pieces.
To the chopped lettuce add chopped vine-ripened tomatoes, minced red onion,
black beans, and the kernels from the grilled corn.
Finally, add a big handful of crushed tortilla chips (however many you want) and shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. These two ingredients are my secret salad weapons. The chips add an awesome, unexpected crunch, and the mixture of cheeses is just right.
Add the chopped chicken then, using a pair of tongs, toss the salad ingredients together.
I like to dress my salad with a mixture of Ranch dressing and BBQ sauce, which really drives the flavor of the smokey-sweet BBQ chicken home, but use whatever your heart desires. Dress then toss again to combine, plate, and serve!
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