If you’re craving a fresh and satisfying meal, one you guys have to make is Cheesecake Factory’s BBQ Chicken Salad!
This dish is a wonderful combination of tender grilled chicken, savory BBQ sauce, and the cool, crisp taste of ranch dressing.
The balance of flavors with ingredients like corn, black beans, and crunchy onion strings creates a unique salad experience.
One trick I’ve found helpful is letting the chicken rest a few minutes after grilling before slicing it; this keeps it juicy and flavorful.
How to Make Cheesecake Factory BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing
- 4 cups Mixed Salad Greens
- 1/2 cup Corn Kernels
- 1/2 cup Black Beans
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 1 Avocado (sliced)
- 1 Red Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup Cilantro (chopped)
- 1 cup Crispy Onion Straws
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Prepare your chicken by marinating it in the BBQ sauce for about 30 minutes. This gives it all that delicious flavor!
Step 2:
Grill the chicken over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side. You want it cooked but still juicy.
Step 3:
While the chicken cooks, combine the salad greens, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and cilantro in a large bowl.
Step 4:
Once the chicken is done, let it sit for a few minutes. Slice it into thin strips.
Step 5:
Top your salad with the sliced chicken and crispy onion straws. Drizzle with ranch dressing and a bit more BBQ sauce if you like!
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Perfect Grilled Chicken
For the best texture, use medium heat to grill the chicken and allow it to rest after cooking, so the juices redistribute for tender slices.
Customize Your Salad
Feel free to switch up the veggies based on your preference; you can add cucumbers, bell peppers, or even cheese if desired!
Crispy Onion Straws
If you don’t want to make your own, pick up some ready-made onion straws at the store to save time without sacrificing flavor.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Salad
Classic Cornbread
You can’t go wrong with a slice of cornbread alongside your BBQ Chicken Salad.
The sweetness complements the smoky BBQ flavors perfectly.
Try serving it warm with a pat of butter.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and earthiness to your meal.
They’re easy to make and don’t require a lot of ingredients.
Chop them into cubes and roast until tender and slightly caramelized.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a fresh and vibrant side that pairs well with BBQ chicken.
Lightly season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill until they are tender yet still have a slight bite.
Avocado and Mango Salsa
Avocado and mango salsa brings a refreshing twist to the table.
The creaminess of the avocado and the sweetness of the mango work wonderfully with BBQ chicken.
Add a bit of lime juice for a zesty kick.
Pickled Red Onions
Pickled red onions provide a tangy crunch that elevates the dish.
They’re easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.
Slice the onions thinly and marinate in vinegar with a touch of sugar and salt.
Freshly Baked Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits
Spice things up with jalapeño cheddar biscuits.
They have a spicy kick and cheesy goodness that harmonizes with the salad.
Serve them warm for an irresistible treat.
Variations and Substitutions
Chicken Choices
You can use grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken for this salad, depending on what you have available or your taste preference.
Different cooking methods can bring a unique flair to your dish!
Dressing Options
If you want to switch it up, try using a spicy ranch or chipotle dressing.
You might also enjoy a drizzle of honey mustard for a slightly sweet twist.
Vegetable Additions
Feel free to add more of your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or cucumbers, to enhance the freshness.
Seasonal vegetables can provide both color and flavor diversity!
Cheese Substitutes
Though gouda and cheddar are popular, you can experiment with feta or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Each cheese imparts its own character, giving you lots of room to play around.
Bean Alternatives
If black beans aren’t your thing, swap them out for chickpeas or kidney beans for a different texture and taste.
Legumes add that hearty element that makes this salad more substantial!
How to Store Leftover Cheesecake Factory BBQ Chicken Salad
Once you’ve finished enjoying your delicious salad, you might find yourself with some leftovers.
Storing them properly will keep them fresh and tasty for later!
Refrigerate promptly in an airtight container to prevent any moisture loss or unwanted odors.
Salad Components
Separate the salad ingredients for the best results.
Keep the veggies, chicken, and dressing in different containers.
This way, each part retains its flavor and texture until you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Dressing Storage
You should store the BBQ ranch dressing in a small, sealed container.
This will preserve its creamy consistency.
Give it a good shake before using it again to redistribute any settled ingredients.
Ingredients Tips
For maintaining freshness, keep any tortilla strips or crispy toppings at room temperature.
You don’t want them to lose their crunch by refrigerating.
Store them in a resealable bag to keep them crisp.
Leftovers are best consumed within two days for optimal taste.
Enjoy the convenience and flavor the next day!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Dressing Overload
It’s really tempting to go overboard with the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing, but too much will drown the other flavors in your salad!
Try adding a drizzle at a time and remember that you can always combine more if needed.
Ingredient Overcrowding
You might feel like adding every topping imaginable, but be careful not to overcrowd your salad with too many ingredients.
Stick to a harmonious balance of flavors such as avocado, corn, beans, chicken, and cherry tomatoes for a satisfying bite.
Soggy Vegetables
Nobody enjoys a soggy salad!
Make sure to thoroughly dry your lettuce and other vegetables before adding them to maintain that crisp, fresh texture.
Cheesecake Factory BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad Recipe
- 2 Chicken Breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing
- 4 cups Mixed Salad Greens
- 1/2 cup Corn Kernels
- 1/2 cup Black Beans
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 1 Avocado sliced
- 1 Red Onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Cilantro chopped
- 1 cup Crispy Onion Straws
- Prepare your chicken by marinating it in the BBQ sauce for about 30 minutes. This gives it all that delicious flavor!
- Grill the chicken over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side. You want it cooked but still juicy.
- While the chicken cooks, combine the salad greens, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and cilantro in a large bowl.
- Once the chicken is done, let it sit for a few minutes. Slice it into thin strips.
- Top your salad with the sliced chicken and crispy onion straws. Drizzle with ranch dressing and a bit more BBQ sauce if you like!
- Ruth’s Chris New Orleans Shrimp Recipe - December 13, 2024
- Ruth’s Chris Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe - December 13, 2024
- Ruth’s Chris Manhattan Eastside Recipe - December 13, 2024
