Easy BBQ Chicken Salad Recipes

I threw this together on a Tuesday because the family demanded “something healthy that tastes like pizza” and apparently I’m a negotiator. This is basically BBQ chicken, but in salad armor — smoky, sweet, crunchy, and lazy enough to justify using rotisserie chicken like a responsible adult. It’s special because it hits sweet, savory, and that charming zone where you can say “salad” and still get dessert-level satisfaction.

My husband once tried to help by flambéing the BBQ sauce. “Help” is a generous description; I call it a controlled oven drama. The kids thought the pineapple was a drum and launched a percussion solo across the kitchen island. I applauded their rhythm, then confiscated the pineapple. We survived. The pan was too small, the sauce was everywhere, and yes, I took the photos with sticky fingers because priorities.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. I won’t shame you; I will applaud quietly.
– Buy pre-shredded cabbage or a bagged slaw mix. It’s technically cheating, but also fast and tidy.
– Swap fresh pineapple for canned if you’re sleepwalking through dinner prep—just drain it.
– Line a baking sheet with foil and finish the chicken under the broiler instead of making a sticky mess in a skillet. More drama, fewer scrubs.
– Microwave the corn for 90 seconds instead of grilling or boiling when time is a tyrant.

Serving Ideas

– Pile it on crunchy tortilla chips for a taco-salad vibe, because chips fix everything.
– Serve with an easy slaw and cold beer — or a White Zinfandel if that’s your power move.
– Serve with wine if the kids drove you nuts. No judgment; pour two glasses.
– Keep it simple: lettuce, chicken, pineapple, drizzle of dressing. Because sometimes less is more and also less cleanup.

What to Serve It With

– Cornbread or crusty bread for mopping. You will mop; it’s worth it.
– Grilled corn, sweet potato fries, or a bright cucumber salad if you want to pretend you’re fancy.
– Rice or quinoa for a heartier bowl — great for lunch leftovers that don’t sulk in the fridge.

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Don’t drown the salad in sauce. BBQ is bold; a little goes a long way.
– If you use lettuce, add the dressing just before serving so it doesn’t become a sad, soggy mess.
– Yes, this pan is too small. No, I won’t wash fewer dishes. Accept both facts and move on.
– Taste the BBQ sauce before you pour it like it’s gasoline on a campfire—adjust sugar, acid, and salt to avoid a dessert or a science experiment.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.
– Keep chicken and dressing separate if you can; it extends crunch and dignity for another meal.
– Consume within 3–4 days. After that, your fridge will stage an intervention.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.
– Want it spicy? Add sriracha to the dressing or toss in pickled jalapeños.
– Vegetarian? Swap chicken for grilled tempeh, firm tofu, or charred cauliflower. Nobody’s judging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy BBQ Chicken Salad Recipes

This easy BBQ chicken salad is a perfect mix of tenderness and flavor, bringing together juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced
• ▢ 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ▢ 4 cups mixed greens
• ▢ 0.5 cup red onion sliced thin
• ▢ 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• ▢ 0.5 cup cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat your grill to medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• Grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from grill and let rest.
• In a bowl, mix the cooked, diced chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated.
• In a large serving bowl, combine mixed greens, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cheddar cheese.
• Toss the salad with the BBQ chicken and serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or use spicy BBQ sauce.