Go Back
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, shredded - 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine) The main star of this dish is the grilled chicken. I love using juicy chicken breasts. They provide a great source of protein. Shredding the chicken helps it soak up all the BBQ sauce. Use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether you make it at home or buy it. The mixed greens give a fresh crunch to the bowl. Spinach, arugula, and romaine blend well for a tasty base. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen) - 1 avocado, diced Next, we add fresh ingredients for extra flavor and color. Cherry tomatoes bring a sweet bite. Corn adds a pop of sweetness and texture. You can use fresh, canned, or frozen corn; all work well. Diced avocado adds a creamy element to the salad. It balances the tangy BBQ sauce perfectly. - ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese - ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste For toppings, I like to add red onion for a bit of bite. Shredded cheddar cheese brings a rich, savory flavor. If you enjoy fresh herbs, cilantro can add a bright note. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. These simple toppings are key to making this salad bowl a hit! You can find the full recipe to create these bowls and enjoy a healthy meal. 1. First, grab your grilled chicken breasts and shred them into pieces. This makes it easy to mix with BBQ sauce. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. Stir well until every piece of chicken is coated. Set this aside for later. 3. Now, take your mixed greens. You can use spinach, arugula, or romaine. Rinse them to clean, then place them in a large salad bowl. 4. Add halved cherry tomatoes, corn, and thinly sliced red onion to the greens. Toss gently to mix all the fresh ingredients together. 1. Next, it’s time to add avocado. Dice it into small pieces and gently fold it into the salad mix. Be careful not to mush the avocado, as it adds nice creaminess. 2. Now, season the salad with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This step really boosts flavor. 3. With the salad mixture ready, divide it evenly into serving bowls. Make sure each bowl has a good mix of all ingredients. 1. Generously top each salad bowl with the BBQ chicken. This is where the heartiness comes in. 2. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken for extra flavor. 3. If you like, garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve your salad bowls with tortilla chips on the side to add a nice crunch. For the full recipe, refer to the complete instructions provided above. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Salad Bowls! To grill chicken breasts perfectly, focus on even cooking. Start with room-temperature chicken. This helps it cook evenly. Use medium heat for grilling. It keeps the chicken juicy. Flip the chicken once to avoid drying it out. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Look for 165°F in the thickest part. When it comes to BBQ sauce, I recommend a few brands. Sweet Baby Ray's offers a rich flavor. Stubb's has a nice balance of sweetness and spice. If you prefer homemade, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar for a quick sauce. To amp up the flavor of your salad, consider adding spices. A pinch of smoked paprika gives a nice kick. You may also try garlic powder for depth. For a crunch, toss in some nuts or seeds. Almonds and sunflower seeds work well. They add texture and healthy fats. You can prepare components ahead of time. Grill and shred the chicken a day before. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Chop the veggies and keep them separate. This keeps them fresh. When you’re ready to eat, just mix everything together. For best storage, use glass containers. They keep the salad crisp and fresh. Avoid mixing the salad until serving. This way, each bite stays tasty and appealing. {{image_2}} You can switch up your protein easily. Rotisserie chicken is a great choice. It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred it and mix it with BBQ sauce. If you want a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu. Both are packed with protein and taste great in salads. Mixing your greens can add fun to your salad. Kale is a hearty green that pairs well with BBQ chicken. Iceberg lettuce gives a nice crunch. You can also combine different herbs, like cilantro or parsley, for extra flavor. This keeps your salad fresh and exciting. Adding fruits brings a sweet twist. Mango or pineapple chunks can brighten your bowl. They add flavor and nutrients. You can also toss in beans for extra protein and fiber. Black beans or kidney beans work well. These additions make your BBQ chicken salad even more satisfying. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftovers, keep the chicken and salad separate. Use airtight containers. This keeps each fresh. The chicken can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. The salad is best eaten within 2 days. This way, you enjoy the best taste and texture. Yes, you can freeze cooked BBQ chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. It stays good for about 3 months. Do not freeze the salad. Fresh veggies do not do well in the freezer. Instead, store the salad ingredients in the fridge. Reheat BBQ chicken in the oven or microwave. If using an oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the chicken with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 minutes. When reheating, avoid the salad. Keep it fresh by adding it after warming the chicken. This keeps your salad crisp and tasty. For the best flavor, serve the salad right after you heat the chicken. If you want more tips, check out the Full Recipe for BBQ Chicken Salad Bowls. The best BBQ sauce for BBQ chicken salad bowls is one you love. You can choose a tangy, sweet, or spicy sauce. Some popular options include: - Kansas City-style sauce: Thick and sweet with a rich molasses flavor. - Texas-style sauce: Spicy with a hint of smoke. - Carolina-style sauce: Vinegar-based for a tangy kick. These sauces add great flavor to the chicken and salad. I often use homemade BBQ sauce to control sweetness and spice. Yes, you can make BBQ chicken salad bowls in advance! Meal prepping is easy and saves time. Here are some tips: - Cook and shred the chicken ahead of time. - Store the BBQ sauce separately to keep the chicken fresh. - Chop vegetables and store them in airtight containers. - Keep the salad greens separate until serving to prevent wilting. This way, you can assemble your bowls quickly on busy days. Yes, there are gluten-free options for BBQ chicken salad bowls. Here’s how to make it gluten-free: - Choose gluten-free BBQ sauce. Many brands offer gluten-free options. - Use corn tortillas instead of regular chips for crunch. - Ensure the chicken is plain grilled, with no added gluten-based marinades. By making these swaps, you can enjoy a delicious and safe meal for gluten-free diets. In this guide, we've explored the delicious world of BBQ chicken salad bowls. We discussed main ingredients like grilled chicken and BBQ sauce, fresh additions like cherry tomatoes and corn, and tasty toppings. I shared step-by-step instructions to make it easy for you to create perfect bowls. Remember to try different proteins and greens for variety. With these tips, you’ll impress anyone who joins you for this meal. Enjoy your BBQ chicken salad bowls, and make it your own!

BBQ Chicken Salad Bowls

Savor the flavors of summer with these delicious BBQ Chicken Salad Bowls! Packed with shredded chicken, vibrant greens, and a medley of fresh veggies, this recipe is perfect for a quick meal. Drizzled with BBQ sauce and topped with creamy avocado and crunchy tortilla chips, it’s a satisfying dish for any occasion. Ready in just 30 minutes, click through to discover the complete recipe and impress your family with this tasty twist on salad!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 grilled chicken breasts, shredded

1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)

4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)

1 avocado, diced

½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

¼ cup cilantro, chopped (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded grilled chicken with the BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is well-coated and set aside.

    In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, and red onion. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.

      Add the diced avocado to the salad mixture and gently fold it in to avoid mushing the avocado.

        Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.

          Divide the salad mixture into serving bowls.

            Generously top each salad bowl with the BBQ chicken and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

              Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve with tortilla chips on the side for added crunch.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4