Imagine yourself sitting in a cozy booth at Red Robin, surrounded by the delicious aroma of sizzling burgers and crispy fries. The waiter brings out a colorful plate of BBQ chicken salad, topped with juicy grilled chicken, fresh greens, crunchy tortilla strips, and tangy BBQ ranch dressing. You take a bite and savor the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Now, you can recreate this mouthwatering dish in the comfort of your own home with our easy-to-follow recipe.
Tastes Just Like the Original
This homemade version of Red Robin’s BBQ chicken salad tastes just like the original, thanks to the combination of smoky grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy dressing. You won’t believe how easy it is to make this restaurant favorite at home!
Reasons to Make This Dish
- Healthy and nutritious
- Easy to prepare
- Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner
- Great for meal prep
- Customizable to suit your taste preferences
Why My Family Loves This Meal
My family loves this BBQ chicken salad because it’s a satisfying and flavorful meal that everyone can enjoy. The combination of protein-rich chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser every time we make it.
Ingredients
- Grilled chicken breast – 2 breasts, sliced
- Romaine lettuce – 1 head, chopped
- Red onion – 1/2, thinly sliced
- Corn kernels – 1 cup
- Black beans – 1 can, drained and rinsed
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
- Avocado – 1, diced
- Tortilla strips – 1 cup
- BBQ ranch dressing – 1/2 cup
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start assembling the salad, make sure to prepare all the ingredients as follows:
Cutting Techniques
For the best results, slice the grilled chicken breast into thin strips, chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, thinly slice the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the avocado. This will ensure that each bite of the salad is perfectly balanced with all the ingredients.
Kitchen Tools Required
To make this BBQ chicken salad, you will need the following kitchen tools:
- Grill or grill pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
Temperature and Timing Guide
Grill the chicken breast over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.
Common Issues and Solutions
- If the chicken is dry, marinate it in BBQ sauce before grilling to add moisture and flavor.
- If the salad is too bland, adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional dressing to taste.
- If the tortilla strips are soggy, toast them in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to the salad for extra crunch.
Instructions
- Grill the chicken: Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, then grill over medium-high heat until cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, red onion, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and grilled chicken strips.
- Add the dressing: Drizzle the BBQ ranch dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Top with tortilla strips: Sprinkle the tortilla strips over the salad for a crunchy texture.
- Serve and enjoy: Divide the salad into individual bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy the flavors of Red Robin’s BBQ chicken salad in the comfort of your own home!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best results when making this BBQ chicken salad, follow these tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning and dressing to suit your taste preferences.
- Grill the chicken just until cooked through to keep it juicy and tender.
- Top the salad with tortilla strips just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.
Alternative Ways to Change the Recipe
If you want to change up this BBQ chicken salad recipe, consider the following alternatives:
- Swap the grilled chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Add diced bell peppers, cucumber, or jalapenos for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use a different dressing, such as honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette, for a unique twist on the classic salad.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own version of Red Robin’s BBQ chicken salad is a fun and rewarding experience that will impress your family and friends. With fresh ingredients, flavorful seasonings, and a little creativity, you can enjoy this restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own home. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to savor every bite of this delicious salad!
