California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe

CPK’s BBQ chicken salad has everything—grilled chicken, fresh greens, crunchy tortilla strips, and that smoky-sweet dressing!

Grilling the chicken with a little barbecue sauce before slicing adds an extra layer of flavor. It’s the only way I’ll do it.

I like using romaine for the base because it holds up well with all the toppings and doesn’t get soggy.

If you want the dressing to taste just like CPK’s, mixing ranch with barbecue sauce is the way to go.

I always toss the salad before serving instead of just drizzling the dressing on top—it makes every bite balanced.

This one is a favorite because it’s fresh, hearty, and has just the right amount of crunch!

How to Make California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Salad

Ingredients

• 2 Chicken Breasts (grilled)
• 1 Avocado (sliced)
• 1 cup Corn Kernels
• 1 cup Black Beans
• 1/2 cup Jicama (diced)
• 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Tortilla Strips
• 1/2 cup Tomato (diced)
• 1/4 cup Ranch Dressing
• 1/4 cup BBQ Sauce
• 3 cups Romaine Lettuce (chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Grill the chicken breasts and allow them to cool.

Once cooled, slice them into strips.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, avocado, corn, black beans, jicama, and tomatoes.

Step 3:

Add the sliced chicken and Monterey Jack cheese to the salad.

Mix gently.

Step 4:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and BBQ sauce.

Then pour over the salad mixture.

Step 5:

Toss the salad to ensure everything is well coated with the dressing.

Finally, top with tortilla strips.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Grilling the Chicken:

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce before grilling.

This adds a depth of flavor that’s simply delicious.

Avocado Choices:

Make sure the avocado is ripe for a smooth, buttery texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of other ingredients.

Dressing Mix:

If you want a bit more spice, adding a dash of hot sauce to the dressing mix can heat up the taste.

Just stir it in according to your heat preference.

Jicama Options:

Try substituting with cucumber if you’re not a fan of jicama or if it’s unavailable.

It keeps the salad fresh and crisp.

Cheese Variations:

Switching between Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese can offer a delicious change for your salad without much effort.

The taste difference is subtle but noticeable.

What to Serve with California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Salad

Garlic Bread

You’ve got to try pairing your salad with some crispy garlic bread!

The rich flavors of butter and garlic work magic when served alongside the tangy BBQ chicken in the salad.

Just toast up a baguette, spread some garlic butter, and give it a quick bake.

Sweet Potato Fries

This is a fun twist on the classic fries.

Sweet potato fries have a sweetness that complements the tangy BBQ dressing wonderfully.

Plus, they’re so easy to make at home by just slicing, seasoning, and baking until crispy.

Coleslaw

Let’s keep things classic with a fresh coleslaw!

The creamy yet slightly tangy coleslaw makes a great partner for the BBQ chicken salad.

You can jazz it up with some apple slices or raisins for extra texture.

Fruit Salad

For something light yet flavorful, serve a fresh fruit salad alongside.

Combining strawberries, blueberries, and melon can offer a refreshing contrast to the savory BBQ flavors.

Add a drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lime for extra zest.

Herb-Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are not just healthy; they’re also quite tasty with the salad.

Asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini grilled with a sprinkle of herbs and olive oil really go well with the BBQ essence.

This side not only looks colorful but also gives a healthy vibe to your meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Options

You can get creative with the protein in your salad.

Try using grilled shrimp or a plant-based chicken alternative if you’re looking for a non-chicken option.

Dressing Choices

If ranch dressing isn’t your preference, consider swapping it with balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy avocado dressing.

This can give your salad a whole new flavor profile!

Vegetable Twists

For a vegetable twist, add roasted red peppers or baby spinach.

These can bring additional flavors and textures to your salad.

Cheese Substitutions

If Monterey Jack cheese isn’t your favorite, crumbled feta or sharp cheddar make great alternatives.

These cheeses add a distinctive taste that complements the other ingredients well.

Grain Additions

Quinoa or farro can be added if you’re considering a more filling version of the salad.

This inclusion can transform it into a more substantial meal!

How to Store Leftover California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Salad

Make sure you refrigerate leftover BBQ Chicken Salad in an airtight container to keep it fresh and delicious.

I recommend using a container that seals tightly, as this helps retain the flavors and prevents moisture loss.

You can store your salad in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Seal in Flavor and Freshness

Ensure all excess air is removed from the container before sealing to prolong the salad’s freshness.

Consider adding a paper towel on top of the salad to absorb any moisture and keep the greens crisp.

The dressing can be stored separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Creative Storage Options

If you’re short on refrigerator space, consider using storage bags designed to save space.

Be sure to label the containers with the date to remember how long they have been stored.

Try separating different ingredients before storing, especially if you plan to enjoy the leftovers gradually.

Handy Tips

Break down the salad into smaller portions for quicker and easier servings during the week.

If you’ve got a busy schedule, you can mix the salad fresh each day using the stored components.

You can even repurpose leftover chicken for sandwiches or wraps, making it extra convenient!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too Much BBQ Sauce

It’s easy to go heavy on the BBQ sauce.

Make sure not to drench the salad, as it can overpower other flavors.

Use a light touch and let the freshness of the other ingredients shine through.

Skipping Marination

Don’t skip marinating the chicken.

Even a short marinade can add a lot of flavor to the dish.

Take the time to let the chicken soak up those flavors before cooking.

Mushy Chicken

Avoid cooking the chicken at too high of a temperature or for too long.

Overcooked chicken can become dry and lose its appeal.

Cook it just until it’s done, and let it rest before cutting into cubes.