Bbq Ranchero Chicken Salad Recipe

A zesty and smoky twist on classic chicken salad! This BBQ Ranchero Chicken Salad combines juicy grilled chicken with a vibrant blend of smoky BBQ sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and fresh, zesty flavors of Mexican-inspired ingredients. Perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Easy to make and bursting with flavor!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 0 mins
Calories 301.7 kcal
Protein 57g
Rating 4.9 (11 Reviews)
Bbq Ranchero Chicken Salad

Recipe Actions

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Bbq Ranchero Chicken Salad

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Halves
  • Barbecue Sauce
  • Mixed Salad Greens
  • Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno Pepper Cheese
  • Red Bell Pepper
  • Whole Kernel Corn
  • Canned Black Beans
  • Ripe Olives
  • Green Onions
  • Fat Free Ranch Dressing
  • Chili Powder
  • Cumin

How to Make Bbq Ranchero Chicken Salad

  1. Cook 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can grill, bake, or pan-fry them until cooked through (about 20 minutes).
  2. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup ranch dressing, 1/2 cup chopped red onion, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup chopped jalapeno (remove seeds for less heat), 1/2 cup corn (canned or grilled), and 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese.
  4. Gently mix all ingredients until well combined.
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more BBQ sauce for extra smokiness or jalapeno for extra heat.
  6. Serve immediately on bread, crackers, lettuce cups, or enjoy it as a standalone salad.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

41 g

Sugar

41g

Fat

4g

Carbs

11g