BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad is a vibrant and flavorful twist on the classic Cobb salad, combining the smoky and tangy goodness of barbecue chicken with fresh, crisp vegetables and creamy avocado. This salad is a perfect blend of textures and tastes, from the tender chicken to the crunchy bacon, and the creamy blue cheese. It’s an ideal meal for those who want something hearty yet refreshing, making it perfect for lunch or a light dinner. The drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce adds an extra layer of flavor, making this salad both satisfying and irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, iceberg, and arugula)
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then brush them generously with BBQ sauce. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Cook the Bacon: While the chicken is grilling, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble it once cooled.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, arrange the mixed greens as the base. Top with the diced avocado, sliced eggs, cherry tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, bacon, red onion, and cucumber slices. Add the sliced BBQ chicken on top.
- Drizzle with Sauce: Drizzle additional BBQ sauce over the top of the salad. If desired, serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra creaminess.
- Serve: Toss the salad lightly to combine all the ingredients or serve it as-is, with the toppings beautifully arranged. Enjoy your fresh, flavorful BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad!
This salad is a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors, making it a standout dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.