This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details.

BBQ Chicken Salad - Smoky BBQ chicken, corn, tomatoes, black beans, avocado + cheese drizzled with homemade Ranch. An instant family favorite!

 

Smoky BBQ chicken, corn, tomatoes, black beans, avocado + cheese drizzled with homemade Ranch. An instant family favorite!

BBQ Chicken Salad - Smoky BBQ chicken, corn, tomatoes, black beans, avocado + cheese drizzled with homemade Ranch. An instant family favorite!

Hello, summertime bliss. We have picnics, blue skies, ice cream, trips to the beach, and of course, a classic BBQ chicken salad here.

BBQ Chicken Salad - Smoky BBQ chicken, corn, tomatoes, black beans, avocado + cheese drizzled with homemade Ranch. An instant family favorite!

With charred, smoky BBQ chicken bites (hello, dark meat) tossed in fresh shredded romaine, charred corn, cherry tomatoes, black beans, avocado, red onion, freshly grated cheddar cheese, and a homemade Ranch that will knock your socks off.

Is there anything better? I think not. Nope, there certainly is not.

BBQ Chicken Salad - Smoky BBQ chicken, corn, tomatoes, black beans, avocado + cheese drizzled with homemade Ranch. An instant family favorite!

Store-bought Ranch can definitely be used here if you’re short on time, but this Ranch is oh-so-creamy and perfectly drizzly. It’s one you’ll want to use for all your salads (and everything else) this summer.

BBQ Chicken Salad - Smoky BBQ chicken, corn, tomatoes, black beans, avocado + cheese drizzled with homemade Ranch. An instant family favorite!

We also love a good BBQ seasoning with a saucy, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce for that double whammy. It’s what summer dreams are made of, and one of the best summer recipes hands down.

Tools For This Recipe

Cast iron grill pan

BBQ Chicken Salad: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken breasts can absolutely be used here but chicken thighs have more dark meat and a higher fat content which will yield juicier, more flavorful chicken.

What BBQ seasoning do you recommend?

We used Yellowstone Cowboy BBQ seasoning but there are so many good ones out there so feel free to use your favorite brand.

BBQ Chicken Salad

Yield: 4 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Smoky BBQ chicken, corn, tomatoes, black beans, avocado + cheese drizzled with homemade Ranch. An instant family favorite!
5 stars (25 ratings)
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Leave a Review

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 2 teaspoons BBQ seasoning
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 ears corn, husks and silk removed
  • 1 head romaine, shredded
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
  • ½ cup diced red onion
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Homemade ranch dressing

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine chicken, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, BBQ seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  • Heat remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add chicken to the grill pan in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside and stir in BBQ sauce until well combined.
  • Add corn to the grill pan, and cook, turning occasionally, until charred and tender, about 5-10 minutes; let cool before cutting the corn kernels off the cobs.
  • To assemble the salad, place romaine lettuce in a large bowl; top with chicken, corn, tomatoes, black beans, avocado, red onion and cheese. Pour the ranch dressing on top of the salad and gently toss to combine.
  • Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

*If you do not have a cast iron grill pan, you can also use a large cast iron skillet.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @damn_delicious on Instagram and hashtag it #damndelicious!

Pin Recipe Share on Facebook