Looking for a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that will elevate your meal game? Look no further than our BBQ Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Ranch! This refreshing salad combines the smoky flavors of grilled chicken and BBQ sauce with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful fusion of BBQ goodness and fresh salad crunch!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill, ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- While the grill is heating, prepare the chicken breasts. If they are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the grill is ready, place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side, then flip the chicken over.
- After flipping, brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce on the cooked side. Grill for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the salad base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and freshly squeezed lime juice. This will be your cilantro lime ranch dressing.
- Once the chicken has rested, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the salad mixture.
- Drizzle the cilantro lime ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything is well coated.
- Serve the BBQ Chicken Salad immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing meal!
Tips
- Grill Mastery: Ensure your grill is preheated properly to achieve those beautiful grill marks and smoky flavor. A clean, oiled grill will also help prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Even Cooking: For perfectly cooked chicken, pound the breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly and remain juicy.
- BBQ Sauce Timing: Apply BBQ sauce only after flipping the chicken to prevent burning. This allows the sauce to caramelize beautifully without charring.
- Resting is Key: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial for keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh ingredients for the salad, especially the cilantro and lime juice, to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or toppings, like avocado or black beans, to personalize your BBQ Chicken Salad even more.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cilantro lime ranch dressing in advance and store it in the fridge. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, serve the salad with warm, crusty bread or tortilla chips for an extra crunch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
