Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad from California Pizza Kitchen features tender grilled BBQ chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, black beans, roasted corn, and chopped tortilla chips, all tossed in a smoky BBQ ranch dressing, delivering a flavorful blend of smoky, crunchy, and fresh textures.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Large salad bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Can opener
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup roasted corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (for dressing)
- Salt
- Black pepper
When preparing the Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad, ensure the chicken breasts are boneless and skinless for even grilling and better texture. Use canned black beans that are thoroughly drained and rinsed to reduce excess sodium and improve the salad's freshness. Roasted corn kernels can be fresh, frozen, or canned, but roasting fresh or frozen corn enhances the smoky flavor. Combine both Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese for a balanced creamy and sharp taste. Your recreated Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad from California Pizza Kitchen will deliver the authentic smoky, crunchy, and fresh blend of flavors found in the copycat menu.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Brush chicken breasts with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce.
- Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest 5 minutes.
- Slice grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing and 1/4 cup BBQ sauce. Whisk until smooth.
- In a large salad bowl, add chopped romaine lettuce.
- Add black beans, roasted corn, diced tomatoes, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and cilantro to the bowl.
- Add sliced grilled chicken to the salad.
- Add half of the crushed tortilla chips to the salad.
- Drizzle BBQ ranch dressing over salad ingredients.
- Gently toss salad with tongs until evenly coated.
- Top salad with remaining crushed tortilla chips.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad from California Pizza Kitchen copycat menu combines grilled BBQ chicken, romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, and tortilla chips with a smoky BBQ ranch dressing. If fresh corn is unavailable, frozen or canned corn works perfectly without compromising flavor. You can substitute rotisserie chicken for grilled chicken breasts to save time while maintaining a delicious taste. For a dairy-free option, omit cheeses and choose a ranch dressing alternative or a simple vinaigrette. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper according to your preference to enhance the overall balance.
Tips
Make sure to let the grilled chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juiciness. Use fresh or thawed roasted corn for the best flavor; canned corn can be rinsed to reduce excess salt. When combining the BBQ sauce with ranch dressing, whisk thoroughly to create a smooth, even dressing that coats your salad perfectly. Add the crushed tortilla chips just before serving to maintain their crunch and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Nutritions
Your Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad provides a balanced mix of macronutrients, offering a good source of lean protein from the grilled chicken breasts, which supports muscle maintenance and repair. The black beans and roasted corn contribute fiber and essential vitamins like folate and vitamin C, aiding digestion and immune function. Cheeses add calcium and healthy fats, while the fresh romaine lettuce and cilantro supply antioxidants and hydration with low calories. The tortilla chips and BBQ ranch dressing add texture and flavor but also contribute to sodium and fat content, so enjoy them in moderation for a nutritious, satisfying meal.
Storage
Store any leftover Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep the crushed tortilla chips separate until ready to serve to preserve their crunch. Your salad will stay flavorful for up to 2 days when properly stored.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grilled chicken breasts with pulled rotisserie chicken for a quicker option without sacrificing flavor. Swap Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese for crumbled queso fresco or feta to add a tangy twist. Replace tortilla chips with crunchy roasted pepitas or sliced jicama for a different texture and added nutrients. Consider mixing smoked paprika or chipotle powder into the BBQ ranch dressing to enhance the smoky depth of the salad.
Allergies
Your Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad may pose allergy risks due to the presence of dairy from Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses as well as ranch dressing, which typically contains milk and eggs. The tortilla chips could also contain gluten or soy, depending on the brand, and the BBQ sauce may include ingredients like soy or corn derivatives that some individuals are sensitive to. Always check ingredient labels carefully and consult with a healthcare professional if you have food allergies or sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
California Pizza Kitchen's Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is loved for its perfect blend of smoky BBQ chicken, crisp fresh greens, and tangy dressing, delivering a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. The combination of avocado, roasted corn, black beans, and tortilla strips adds layers of richness and crunch, making each bite memorable. You can recreate this popular dish at home to enjoy a restaurant-quality salad with customizable fresh ingredients, freshening up your meal options. Making the copycat version is worth it because it allows you to control the freshness and portion size while replicating a classic favorite from CPK.