Copycat Panera BBQ Chicken Salad

Make your own Copycat Panera BBQ Chicken Salad at home with this easy, flavor-packed recipe! Loaded with grilled chicken, black beans, corn, crispy onions, and tangy BBQ ranch dressing—healthy, satisfying, and way cheaper than takeout!

Craving that tangy, smoky crunch from Panera’s BBQ Chicken Salad without leaving your house (or your budget crying)?

This Copycat Panera BBQ Chicken Salad delivers all the bold flavors you love—grilled chicken, crisp romaine, black beans, fire-roasted corn, crunchy tortilla strips, and a drizzle of BBQ ranch dressing—right from your kitchen.

It’s hearty, healthy-ish, and ready in less time than it takes to drive to Panera and wait in line.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Bold Flavor Fusion: It combines the smoky goodness of BBQ chicken with the freshness of a vibrant salad, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Customizable Crunch: You can tweak the toppings to your liking—whether it’s crunchy tortilla strips, crispy bacon, or your favorite cheese, each addition enhances the texture and taste.
• Quick and Easy: It’s perfect for those busy days when you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it a go-to dish.
• Versatile Meal Option: Whether you’re serving it as a hearty lunch or a light dinner, this salad checks all the boxes. It’s filling enough on its own or pairs wonderfully with a side of warm bread.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with protein from the chicken, nutrients from the fresh veggies, and a balanced dressing, it’s a guilt-free pleasure that satisfies your cravings while keeping your health goals in check.

Panera BBQ Chicken Salad Ingredients

• Romaine lettuce – Crisp, fresh base for that perfect crunch
• Grilled chicken breast – Juicy, smoky, sliced, and packed with protein
• BBQ sauce – Sweet, tangy glaze for bold BBQ flavor
• Black beans – Hearty, fiber-rich beans add satisfying texture
• Corn kernels – Sweet bursts of golden corn goodness
• Pico de gallo – Fresh tomato salsa with a zesty kick
• Crispy tortilla strips – Crunchy topping that adds fun texture
• White cheddar cheese – Sharp, creamy shreds for extra richness
• Ranch dressing – Cool, creamy drizzle that ties it together

How To Make Copycat Panera BBQ Chicken Salad

Step One: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill until cooked through (165°F internal temp). Slice and toss with BBQ sauce. Don’t drown it—just coat enough for flavor.

Step Two: Chop romaine lettuce and toss it into a large bowl. This is your base, so go big or go home.

Step Three: Drain and rinse black beans, then add them in. Throw in corn kernels (if frozen, thaw first), and a few spoonfuls of fresh pico de gallo.

Step Four: Sprinkle shredded white cheddar across the top. Sharp cheddar adds a nice contrast to the sweet BBQ. Lay your BBQ-coated grilled chicken on top like a salad boss. Toss on crispy tortilla strips for that classic Panera-style texture. Finish it off with a generous drizzle of ranch dressing. Or serve it on the side if you’re fancy.

Panera BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe Tips

• Don’t skip grilling the chicken—it adds essential smoky flavor.
• Use fresh chopped romaine instead of bagged lettuce for better crunch.
• Lightly coat chicken with BBQ sauce to avoid soggy salad.
• Warm corn and black beans slightly for a heartier taste.
• Make fresh pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and lime.
• Drizzle ranch dressing right before serving or serve on the side.
• Add tortilla strips last to keep them crispy and crunchy.

Storing and Make Ahead Instructions

• Storing: Store the salad ingredients separately in airtight containers to keep everything fresh and crisp. Keep the dressing and tortilla strips apart to avoid sogginess.
• Make Ahead: Prep the chicken, veggies, and pico de gallo a day in advance to save time. Assemble the salad just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Copycat Panera BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe Faqs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling my own? Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken saves time and still tastes great—just toss it with BBQ sauce before adding to the salad.

What if I don’t like black beans? No problem. You can swap black beans for chickpeas, kidney beans, or simply leave them out.

Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian? To make it vegan, skip the chicken and cheese. Add more beans, corn, avocado, and a dairy-free ranch dressing.

How long will the salad stay fresh if I make it ahead? If stored separately, ingredients will last 2-3 days in the fridge. Assemble right before eating to keep it crisp.

Can I freeze the BBQ chicken for later? Yes, grilled BBQ chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before adding to your salad.

What’s the best dressing to use? Ranch dressing is the classic choice here. You can also try chipotle ranch or a creamy cilantro-lime for a twist.

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