Imagine a salad that's not just a boring bowl of greens, but a mouthwatering adventure that combines smoky, tangy barbeque chicken with crisp vegetables and a burst of fresh flavors. Bonnie's Barbeque Chicken Salad isn't just a meal - it's a culinary experience that will transform your perception of healthy eating. Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or when you want to impress your friends with a restaurant-quality dish right at home, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup barbeque sauce
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
- 1 cup corn, drained
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the cooked chicken. If you haven't already, you can use rotisserie chicken or boil and shred chicken breasts. Once shredded, set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the barbeque sauce over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This enhances the flavor and makes it easier to mix with the chicken.
- Add the shredded chicken to the warmed barbeque sauce in the saucepan. Stir well to ensure all the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. Let it cook together for an additional 10 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- While the chicken is heating, prepare the salad base. In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens as the foundation of your salad.
- Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes on top of the mixed greens. The sweetness of the tomatoes will complement the barbeque chicken nicely.
- Slice the red onion thinly and sprinkle it over the salad. The onion adds a nice crunch and a bit of sharpness to balance the flavors.
- Add the drained corn to the salad. This will add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
- Once the barbeque chicken is heated and well mixed, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly for a couple of minutes.
- After cooling, spoon the barbeque chicken mixture over the salad base in the bowl.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the salad for a creamy, cheesy element.
- Finally, garnish the salad with the chopped cilantro, which adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens the dish.
- Serve the salad immediately while the chicken is still warm, or refrigerate for a short time if you prefer it chilled. Enjoy your Bonnie's Barbeque Chicken Salad!
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving hack that doesn't compromise on flavor.
- Warm the barbeque sauce slowly to develop a deeper, richer taste.
- Let the chicken marinate in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
- Choose a high-quality, flavorful barbeque sauce to elevate the entire dish.
- For extra crunch, consider toasting some sunflower seeds or sliced almonds as a topping.
- Use fresh, crisp mixed greens for the best texture and nutritional value.
- If you prefer a cooler salad, you can chill the barbeque chicken before adding it to the greens.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
