California Pizza Kitchen’s BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is a beloved menu item that combines smoky BBQ flavors with fresh, crunchy ingredients. If you’re a fan of this restaurant classic, you can recreate it at home with this easy-to-follow copycat recipe. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or a delightful dinner, this salad is a fantastic choice.
With grilled BBQ chicken, a medley of crisp veggies, creamy ranch dressing, and a touch of Southwestern flair, this homemade version is sure to impress your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious and hearty California Pizza Kitchen-inspired BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Copycat California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 Cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 8 Cups mixed salad greens (romaine, iceberg, or your preference)
- 1/2 Cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 Cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 Cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 Cup diced red onion
- 1/2 Cup shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend
- 1/2 Cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 Cup tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
- 1 Avocado, diced
- 1 Lime wedges for garnish (optional)
For the Ranch Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate and Cook the Chicken:In a bowl, marinate the chicken breasts in the BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, several hours in the refrigerator.Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste with extra BBQ sauce while grilling.Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into thin strips or cubes.
- Make the Ranch Dressing:In a separate bowl, whisk together all the ranch dressing ingredients until well combined. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- Assemble the Salad:In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, shredded cheese, and cilantro.Add the grilled BBQ chicken on top of the salad.
- Serve:Enjoy your homemade California Pizza Kitchen-inspired BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad! You can customize it further by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the dressing to your liking.Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad or serve it on the side.Garnish with diced avocado and tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips.Serve your BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor (optional).
What is Copycat California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad?
California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is a popular dish at the California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) restaurant chain in the United States. It’s a version of salad made from fresh and diverse ingredients, including BBQ grilled chicken, raw greens, vegetables like lettuce, kale, onions, zucchini, avocado, garlic, grapefruit, and various spices. The salad is typically served with BBQ sauce and a homemade salad dressing.
Nutritional of Copycat California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
In terms of nutrition, this salad provides a substantial amount of nutrients from greens and other ingredients. Here are some key nutrients you can find in a portion of BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad:
Protein: BBQ grilled chicken offers a high-quality protein source, aiding in muscle building and maintenance. Indeed, chicken enthusiasts might find the interesting combination in this healthy salad recipe appealing.
Fiber: This salad contains various greens and raw vegetables, supplying fiber to support digestion and maintain gut health.
Vitamins and Minerals: Greens, zucchini, avocado, and grapefruit are rich sources of vitamins (such as A, C, K) and minerals (like potassium and magnesium). These are essential nutrients that anyone would want to incorporate into their diet.
Healthy Fats: Grapefruit and other components provide healthy non-saturated fats, primarily in the form of beneficial unsaturated fats for health.
Energy: This salad offers a substantial amount of energy from proteins and healthy non-saturated fats, providing the necessary energy for the body.
However, it’s essential to note, as per the Recipe Cook Online advice, that the quantity of fats and sauces will affect the overall calories and fat content of the salad. If you are concerned about controlling calories or fats in your daily diet, consider reducing the amount of sauce or ingredients containing fats in the Copycat California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad recipe mentioned above.