BBQ Chicken Salad

A hearty chopped salad tossed with fresh greens, BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers, tortilla strips and a delicious cilantro lime dressing. My absolute favorite salad!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Refrigerate dressing: 30 minutes

Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes

Servings:

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 cups black bean salsa , see link below for recipe
5 cups lettuce , or spinach
1 1/2 cups ranch dressing
1/2 cup cilantro
1 lime , juiced
1 tomatillo , small
tortilla strips for topping

Instructions

Place chicken breasts in crock pot over low heat. Pour BBQ sauce over the chicken. If I have onions on hand, I will put a few slices on top of the chicken. Cook for 6 hours, or until the chicken shreds easily. Can also cook on high for 3-4 hours. Shred chicken and remove any fat.
For the dressing: Combine ranch dressing, cilantro, lime and tomatillo in a blender or food processor. If you like it spicy, you could throw half a jalapeno in there. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Place desired amount of lettuce on your plate. Then add a few spoonfuls of chicken and black bean salsa. Pour on dressing and top with tortilla strips.

Notes

Black bean salsa: This is my favorite black bean salsa recipe. If you want to make this salad without the black bean salsa, add your favorite toppings such as tomatoes, avocado, corn, red bell peppers, cheese, etc.

Chicken: You can also make this easy baked BBQ chicken for a quicker alternative. Or shred a rotisserie chicken and mix with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Dressing: This salad also tastes delicious with ranch dressing or an avocado lime dressing.

Tortilla strips: These homemade tortilla strips are give the salad the best crunch.

Nutrition

Author: Jamielyn Nye