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Bacon Chicken

BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad

30 minutes
4 servings

A refreshing BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad combining smoky chicken, crisp bacon, and fresh veggies for a delightful meal.

BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad
Hearty cobb salad with tangy BBQ chicken, bacon, black beans, and avocado all topped off with some homemade ranch dressing.

I am posting a salad recipe! Oh ya know, it’s only been 5 months since I’ve posted a salad recipe. To be honest, I’m not much of a salad person. Of course I’ll have one every once in awhile when I’m out to dinner or lunch but other than that, I don’t make too many of them at home.

I’m not sure why but I think I’ll have to change that. I really enjoy salads and all the different ways you are able to make a salad and all the different tangy, sweet, savory kinds of dressings that you can add to them. I might not make too many of them because my husband is not much of a salad eater either and of course our two littles don’t eat salad. But they actually ate this one.

Maybe because it has a ton of BBQ chicken and bacon on it that was the winner? Bacon. Has to be the bacon. Eh… doesn’t matter, they ate it just the same.

Anyway, with this salad, you can really put just about anything that you want on it with the BBQ chicken. I stuck with the corn/black bean theme because I’ve been cooking a few recipes with them lately and had some left over in the fridge that needed to be eaten. And of course, what is a salad without avocado? Seriously, I put avocado on just about anything I can.

BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad

What is a BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad?

The Cobb Salad, a classic American dish, is known for its rich combination of ingredients. Our twist on this classic incorporates BBQ chicken, adding a smoky depth that elevates the traditional flavors. The origin of the Cobb Salad dates back to the 1930s, created by Robert Cobb at the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood. This version pays homage to its roots while introducing a modern BBQ flair.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

This BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The smoky BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado and crisp bacon, creating a symphony of taste in every bite. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a hearty side, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • Bacon: Adds a savory crunch.
  • Chicken Breast: Juicy and tender, coated in BBQ sauce.
  • BBQ Sauce: Provides a smoky, sweet flavor.
  • Romaine Lettuce: Fresh and crisp base.
  • Roma Tomatoes: Adds a juicy, tangy element.
  • Avocado: Creamy texture and rich flavor.
  • Corn: Sweet and crunchy.
  • Black Beans: Adds protein and a hearty texture.

Substitutions & Additions

  • Turkey Bacon: For a leaner option.
  • Grilled Tofu: As a vegetarian alternative to chicken.
  • Salsa: Instead of BBQ sauce for a spicier kick.

Equipment Needed for BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad

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How to Make this Recipe

Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.

Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, cook the chicken until fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Let cool, then dice into 1/2 inch chunks.

Coat the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the diced chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated.

Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, layer the romaine lettuce and arrange rows of bacon, chicken, tomatoes, avocado, corn, and black beans.

Serve: Enjoy immediately with your favorite dressing or a homemade ranch dressing.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Bacon: For extra crispiness, bake the bacon in the oven instead of frying.

Chicken: Marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce overnight for enhanced flavor.

Avocado: Use ripe avocados for the best creamy texture.

BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad with a side of crusty bread or alongside a light soup for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an added burst of flavor.

Storage Suggestions

If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.

BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad

Recipe FAQ

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, feel free to substitute with iceberg or mixed greens.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free to keep the salad gluten-free.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients in advance, but assemble the salad just before serving.

This BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together the best of BBQ flavors with fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a dinner party centerpiece. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors that this salad offers, and make it a staple in your recipe collection.

BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad

BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad

5 from 1 vote
Hearty cobb salad with tangy BBQ chicken, bacon, black beans, and avocado all topped off with some homemade ranch dressing.
Yield 4 servings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices bacon diced
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 3 Tbsp BBQ sauce
  • 8 cups romaine lettuce chopped
  • 2 roma tomatoes diced
  • 1 avocado seeded, peeled, and diced
  • 1 cup corn drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed

Instructions
 

  • Heat large skillet over medium-high heat; add bacon and cook to desired doneness, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate.
  • Season chicken breast with salt and pepper, to taste. Add chicken to skillet and cook through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from skillet and let cool before dicing into 1/2 inch chunks.
  • Add chicken to medium bowl with BBQ sauce and toss to coat, adding more BBQ sauce to your preference.
Assemble the salad:
  • Place romaine lettuce in large bowl and top with arranged rows of bacon, chicken, tomato, avocado, corn, and black beans.
  • Serve immediately with your favorite dressing, or this ranch dressing.
Tried this recipe?Snap a photo and mention @JenniferMeyering

Comments (14)

  1. Oh Jennifer you’re tugging at my heartstrings with this one. YUMMMMM!!! This has seriously everything in it that I am craving right this second, or maybe I’m craving it because the pictures are awesome. I need to make this like yesterday! I can’t wait to give this a try! Thanks for sharing with us at #ThrowbackThursday hope to see you this week!

  2. What a tasty looking salad! Thank you so much for sharing at lasts weeks Get Your Shine On Link Party. We are featuring your article tomorrow at our party. Hope to see you there!

  3. I am such a salad person! I literally eat them almost every day! This one is for sure going in my rotation 🙂 Looks delicious!

  4. I find I don’t make a ton of salads either, at least not picture-worthy salads, because they take quite a few steps and it’s just as easy to get veggies in with a stir fry. But Cobb salads are one exception and I feel like there has to be at least one made per summer. This bbq chicken version looks great!

    1. Yeah, I usually just throw everything into a bowl when I’m craving a salad. Occasionally there will be a couple that make it to the blog here…

  5. See, this is just what I’m talking about! Salad is no good unless it’s a meal – it needs to be hearty and full of great tasting ingredients which compliment each other. Cobb Salad is by far my favourite salad of them all! I make this quite often, but I usually sub chickpeas for the bacon, or even hard-boiled egg. Looks delicious, Jennifer!

5 from 1 vote

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