This Easy BBQ Chicken Salad combines juicy, crisscross-scored chicken breasts cooked in the air fryer with a colorful medley of fresh veggies and a creamy dill ranch dressing, all topped with crispy French-fried onions. Perfect for meal prep or a quick, delicious dinner, this salad is a flavorful, healthy option that’s sure to please.

A wooden bowl filled with a rainbow of vegetables and pieces of tender BBQ Chicken.

Hey y’all! It’s Cousin Rosie, and today I’ve got something special for you – Easy BBQ Chicken Salad. This ain’t your average salad; it’s a vibrant, crunchy, flavor-packed masterpiece that’s gonna have you and your loved ones asking for seconds. So, let’s get right into it!

How to Make Easy BBQ Chicken Salad

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 lb chicken breast: The main protein of the salad.
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Helps to coat the chicken and ensures the spices stick.
1 Tbsp salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
1 tsp onion powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the chicken.
1 tsp garlic powder: Provides a rich, aromatic flavor.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Gives a smoky, slightly sweet flavor.
1 tsp black pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
½ cup homemade or store-bought barbecue sauce: Adds a tangy, sweet, and smoky glaze to the chicken.

For the Salad

2 heads of romaine lettuce, chopped: Provides a fresh, crisp base for the salad.
1 cup purple cabbage, shredded: Adds color and a crunchy texture.
1 cup shredded carrots: Adds sweetness and a vibrant orange color.
½ cup grape tomatoes: Provides a juicy, sweet burst of flavor.
½ cup dill pickles, sliced: Adds a tangy, briny flavor.
½ cup banana peppers: Adds a mild, tangy kick.
½ cup French-fried onions: Adds a crunchy, savory topping.

Small glass bowls of different ingredients for ranch dressing.

For the Dill Ranch Dressing

¾ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing.
½ cup coconut yogurt (or other plant-based yogurt): Adds a tangy, creamy consistency while keeping it dairy-free.
2 Tbsp lemon juice: Adds acidity and brightness.
2 Tbsp dill pickle juice: Enhances the tangy flavor.
3 cloves minced garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor.
1 tsp each: salt, ground pepper, onion powder, garlic powder: Seasonings to enhance the overall flavor of the dressing.
3 Tbsp chopped fresh chives: Adds a mild onion flavor.
3 Tbsp chopped fresh dill: Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Almond milk or water (to thin to desired consistency): Adjusts the thickness of the dressing for perfect drizzling.

Instructions

Three pieces of BBQ chicken on a white plate. Crisscross cuts are visible on the surface of each piece.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
Score the chicken breasts with diagonal lines about ½ inch apart, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Rub the chicken breasts with 2 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil.
Mix the spices: 1 Tbsp salt, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp black pepper.
Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring to rub the seasoning into the crevices.
Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil or any vegetable oil.
Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Baste the chicken breasts with ½ cup barbecue sauce on both sides.
Increase the air fryer temperature to 390°F and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Check after 3 minutes to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Creamy ranch dressing is drizzled on a BBQ Chicken Salad.

Mix the dill ranch dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup coconut yogurt, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 Tbsp dill pickle juice, and 3 cloves minced garlic. Add 1 tsp each of salt, ground pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir in 3 Tbsp chopped fresh chives and 3 Tbsp chopped fresh dill.
Thin the dressing to your desired consistency by adding almond milk or water, 1 Tbsp at a time.
Chop and prepare the vegetables: 2 heads of romaine lettuce, 1 cup purple cabbage, 1 cup shredded carrots, ½ cup grape tomatoes, ½ cup dill pickles, and ½ cup banana peppers.
Combine the vegetables in a large bowl.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate tented with foil for 5 minutes.
Slice the chicken along the pre-scored lines. If desired, toss the sliced chicken in any leftover barbecue sauce.
Assemble the salad: Plate the salad mixture and top with sliced chicken.
Add the finishing touches: Sprinkle with ½ cup French-fried onions and drizzle with the dill ranch dressing.

Tips and Tricks for this Easy BBQ Chicken Salad

A wooden bowl filled with BBQ Chicken Salad. Bright veggies, creamy avocado, crisp onion shreds and savory chicken are seen.

Score the Chicken Carefully: When scoring the chicken breasts, make sure not to cut all the way through. This ensures the chicken stays together and absorbs the seasoning and barbecue sauce better.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. This prevents undercooking or overcooking the chicken.
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Bell peppers, cucumbers, and red onions can be great additions.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Dressing: While homemade dill ranch dressing is delicious and fresh, you can save time by using a high-quality store-bought version. Add fresh herbs to elevate the flavor.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and dressing in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and assemble the salad just before serving for maximum freshness.
Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest under foil after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier and more flavorful.
Air Fryer Tips: Every air fryer is a bit different, so keep an eye on your chicken during the cooking process. Adjust the time and temperature as needed based on your specific model.
Thin the Dressing Gradually: When thinning the dill ranch dressing, add almond milk or water gradually until you reach the desired consistency. This prevents the dressing from becoming too watery.
Crispy French-Fried Onions: Add the French-fried onions just before serving to maintain their crispy texture. If you’re meal prepping, keep them in a separate container.
Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the barbecue sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This infuses the chicken with more depth and taste.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill and chives in the dressing make a big difference. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones can be used, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the salad immediately after assembling. This ensures the veggies stay crisp and the chicken remains juicy.

Why You’ll Love This Easy BBQ Chicken Salad

Juicy, Flavorful Chicken: The crisscross-scored chicken breasts, cooked to perfection in the air fryer, ensure every bite is packed with smoky BBQ goodness.
Vibrant and Fresh: A colorful mix of romaine lettuce, purple cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, dill pickles, and banana peppers adds crunch and freshness to every forkful.
Creamy Dill Ranch Dressing: The homemade dressing, made with fresh herbs and tangy ingredients, takes this salad to the next level with its rich, creamy texture.
Crunchy Toppings: Crispy French-fried onions provide the perfect finishing touch, adding a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and fresh veggies.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber, this salad is a wholesome option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the components in advance and assemble when ready to eat, making it a convenient option for meal prepping.
Versatile: Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs by swapping out vegetables or using a different dressing.
Family-Friendly: The smoky BBQ flavor and crispy toppings make this salad appealing to both kids and adults, ensuring it’s a hit at the dinner table.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family and friends with a salad that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant.

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Easy BBQ Chicken Salad drizzled with creamy homemade ranch dressing.

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