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Copycat California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

Copying a recipe like California Pizza Kitchen's BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad can be a fun and delicious project. While I can't provide you with the exact, proprietary recipe used by the restaurant, I can offer you a homemade version that closely mimics the flavors and ingredients. Here's a recipe for a Copycat California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad:
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 475kcal

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).