This BBQ Chicken Salad with cilantro ranch dressing is a refreshing and budget-friendly weeknight meal. It’s an entree salad with a combination of Tex-Mex flavors. 

This recipe serves four people and costs about $9.60 to make. That’s just $2.40 per serving.

The finished salad on a serving plate.

BBQ Chicken Salad

During the summer, my family spends more time (especially when we have visitors) out and about. You can find us enjoying the beach, amusement parks, fairs, outdoor concerts, summer movies, and more. With all of this entertainment comes more spending.

When the end of the month rolls around, I sometimes have to stretch my food budget. I’m sure you’ve been there, too! That’s why I like budget-friendly meals like this BBQ chicken salad. It’s a refreshing dinner recipe that generally costs under $20 to make for a family of four.

It’s also delicious, chock-full of nutritious veggies, and filling. So filling that I didn’t hear a peep out of my daughter, and she’s a swimmer who often comes home after 2 hour long practices with a big appetite.

Believe it or not, this BBQ chicken salad is enough for a main dish. Usually you don’t need any sides! But if your family’s as hungry as mine, you can serve it with a small portion of a warm side like mac ‘n’ cheese or oven fries.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe

  • Delicious Flavor: BBQ chicken adds a smoky, tangy, and savory flavor to the salad. The combination of tender, grilled chicken coated in barbecue sauce with the fresh and crisp salad ingredients creates a mouthwatering taste sensation.
  • Balanced and Nutritious Meal: This salad is a balanced and nutritious option that incorporates both protein and vegetables. The grilled chicken provides lean protein, while the salad greens, vegetables, and toppings offer essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. 
  • Versatility: BBQ chicken salad offers endless possibilities for customization. 
  • Easy to Prepare: This salad is relatively simple and quick to prepare, making it a convenient option for a satisfying meal. You can use leftover grilled chicken or cook the chicken specifically for the salad. 
  • Perfect for Gatherings and Potlucks: BBQ chicken salad is a crowd-pleaser and a popular choice for gatherings, picnics, or potlucks. 
A up close picture of the finished salad.

BBQ Chicken Salad Ingredients

Per Serving Cost: $2.40

Recipe Cost: $9.60

  •     1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: $2.34
  •     ⅓ cup Barbecue Sauce: $0.50
  •     10 ounces chopped romaine lettuce: $2.32
  •     ½ cup chopped cilantro, divided: $0.20
  •     ½ cup corn, cooked and slightly cooled: $0.21
  •     ¼ cup halved and sliced radishes: $0.24
  •     15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained: $0.78
  •     1 cup Shredded Cheese: $1.11
  •     ½ cup chopped tomato: $0.36
  •     1 large avocado, sliced: $1.15
  •     ⅓ cup Ranch Dressing: $0.38

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have. I updated the pricing for this recipe in June 2023.

A picture of the ingredients needed to make this recipe.

How To Make BBQ Chicken Salad

  1. Adjust oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 375 degrees F. 
  2. Place the chicken in an 8×8-inch baking dish and cover evenly with barbecue sauce. 
  3. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. 
  4. Let the chicken cool slightly and slice on a diagonal.
  5. In a large bowl, add the romaine lettuce, ¼ cup of the chopped cilantro, corn, radishes, black beans, shredded cheese, and tomato. Toss until all of the toppings are evenly distributed. 
  6. Pour the salad out onto a large platter and top with the sliced chicken and avocado.
  7. In a small bowl mix the ranch dressing and the remaining ¼ cup cilantro together. 
  8. Top the salad with the ranch dressing mixture and serve.

A picture collage showing how to make this recipe.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Protein Options: Instead of using boneless skinless chicken breasts, you can substitute with other proteins such as grilled shrimp, sliced steak, pulled pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. 
  • BBQ Sauce Varieties: Experiment with different flavors of barbecue sauce to add variety to your salad. Try smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy barbecue sauces to suit your taste preferences. 
  • Salad Greens: While chopped romaine lettuce is commonly used in BBQ chicken salad, you can mix and match with other greens. Spinach, arugula, mixed salad greens, or even kale can provide different textures and flavors.
  • Fresh Herb Substitutions: Instead of using cilantro, you can substitute with other fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or basil for a different flavor profile. 
  • Additional Toppings: Feel free to add more toppings to your salad to enhance the flavor and texture. Consider including diced red onions, tortilla strips, roasted bell peppers, sliced jalapeños for heat, or crumbled bacon for added smokiness.
  • Dressing Options: If you prefer a different dressing, you can substitute ranch dressing with other options such as chipotle ranch, honey mustard, cilantro-lime dressing, or balsamic vinaigrette.
  • Customize with Vegetables: Expand the vegetable selection to include your favorites or what you have on hand. You can add cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or any other veggies that complement the flavors of the BBQ chicken.

Storage and Serving Tips

SERVE: Serve immediately once you’re done! Alternatively, if you don’t want hot chicken on your salad, you can serve it at room temperature or chilled.

STORE: Store your salad, chicken, and dressing separately in the fridge. They should all stay fresh for 4-5 days (3 days for the chicken). Don’t combine them until you’re ready to eat it all! 

FREEZE: I don’t recommend freezing this recipe, except maybe the cooked chicken. Salad veggies and ranch dressing tend not to survive well in the freezer.

BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs

How long does it take to make BBQ chicken salad?

This recipe takes only a half hour. You’ll need 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and about 20-25 to cook them.

How many servings does this recipe produce?

There should be enough for 4 people.

Can I use frozen corn in this recipe?

Absolutely! Or you can use steamed corn on the cob. Whatever is more convenient for you.

What cheeses taste best in this recipe?

I like to use pepper jack, monterey jack, or cheddar! Mexican/taco blends also work well.

What are some other tasty add-ins?

There are a lot of ingredients that taste wonderful in this BBQ chicken salad, like…
●      Tortilla strips
●      Onion (red onion is the best!)
●      Seasonings like chili powder or paprika, if you like spice
●      Guacamole instead of avocado, if you prefer it nice and mashed

A picture of the salad on a plate with a jar of dressing in the background.

More Chicken Recipes:

A up close picture of the finished salad.
5 from 2 votes

BBQ Chicken Salad – An Entree Salad

Author Jillian – a Food, Folks and Fun original!
Recipe Cost $ $9.60
Serving Cost $ $2.40
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
4 people
This BBQ Chicken Salad with cilantro ranch dressing is a refreshing and budget-friendly weeknight meal. It’s an entree salad with a combination of Tex-Mex flavors.

Equipment

  • 8×8-inch baking dish
  • cutting board
  • chopping knife
  • large bowl
  • large platter
  • Measuring cups
  • small mixing bowl
  • mixing spoon
  • stainer

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • cup Barbecue Sauce
  • 10 ounces chopped romaine lettuce
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro divided
  • ½ cup corn cooked and slightly cooled
  • ¼ cup halved and sliced radishes
  • 15 ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheese
  • ½ cup chopped tomato
  • 1 large avocado sliced
  • cup Ranch Dressing

Instructions

MAKE BBQ CHICKEN:

  • Adjust oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 375 degrees F.
  • Place the Barbecue Sauce on top of the Chicken.
  • Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
  • Let the chicken cool slightly and slice on a diagonal.

PREP SALAD:

  • In a large bowl add the romaine lettuce, ¼ cup of the chopped cilantro, corn, radishes, black beans, shredded cheese, and tomato.
  • Toss until all of the toppings are evenly distributed.
  • Pour the salad out onto a large platter and top with the sliced chicken and avocado.

TO FINISH:

  • In a small bowl mix the ranch dressing and the remaining ¼ cup cilantro together.
  • Top the salad with the ranch dressing mixture serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 2.5cup | Calories: 565kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 1235mg | Potassium: 1380mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 6745IU | Vitamin C: 18.2mg | Calcium: 237mg | Iron: 4.2mg

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8 Comments

  1. Oh my! I want to dig in right now. This salad looks so yummy.

  2. Oooohhhh I want this salad now. Yummy!

  3. HonestAndTruly says:

    This looks absolutely amazing – what a great (and filling) dinner for a summer night. I love how all these KRAFT items on rollback at Walmart make for such an easy summer meal! #client

  4. Thalia @ butter and brioche says:

    looks delicious! definitely inspired to recreate the recipe in my kitchen.

    1. Awesome, enjoy! Thanks for stopping by.

  5. huntfortheverybest says:

    great healthy salad!

    1. Plus it’s quick & easy, too!