BBQ Chicken Salad

Name: BBQ Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tbsp olive oil; avocado oil spray, for cooking; 1/2 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce; 1 tbsp honey; 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 3 green onions, sliced; 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained; 1 large avocado, cubed; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/2 lemon, for juice; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp garlic powder (for dressing); 1/2 tsp salt (for dressing); 1/4 tsp black pepper (for dressing); 1 tbsp honey (for dressing)

This BBQ Chicken Salad combines tender cubed chicken breast with a homemade Greek yogurt dressing and fresh vegetables, delivering a high-protein meal in just 30 minutes without refined sugar.

🌍American 🏷️Bbq chicken salad 🏷️Chicken salad 🏷️High-protein 🏷️Salad Bbq chicken

🏷️

🏷️Greek yogurt dressing

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TikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$43–$71

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp olive oil
avocado oil spray, for cooking
1/2 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cucumber, diced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
3 green onions, sliced
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 large avocado, cubed
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 lemon, for juice
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp garlic powder (for dressing)
1/2 tsp salt (for dressing)
1/4 tsp black pepper (for dressing)
1 tbsp honey (for dressing)

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Instructions

1
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes and place them in a mixing bowl.
2
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
3
Spray a large pan with avocado oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for a few minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
4
Reduce the heat, then add the sugar-free BBQ sauce and honey to the pan. Stir to coat the chicken completely and let it simmer for a minute.
5
While the chicken cooks, prepare the dressing. In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and honey until smooth.
6
Assemble the salad. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions, drained corn, and cubed avocado.
7
Top the salad with the warm BBQ chicken, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
8
Pour the creamy dressing over the salad, toss everything together, and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cube chicken to uniform 1-inch pieces so it cooks evenly in 6-8 minutes without drying out.
Toss BBQ sauce and honey with hot chicken immediately off heat for better adhesion and caramelization.
Use avocado oil spray instead of regular cooking spray—it withstands higher temperatures and adds subtle richness.
Let seasoned chicken rest 2 minutes before adding BBQ sauce to lock in juices and prevent the exterior from steaming.

Substitutions

Sugar-free BBQ sauce → regular BBQ sauce (adds 3-4g carbs per serving)
Greek yogurt dressing → ranch dressing or balsamic vinaigrette (changes macros and flavor profile)
Honey → maple syrup or date paste (maintains sweetness and consistency)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked chicken and dressing separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days; assemble salad just before eating to preserve vegetable texture.

Common Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes. Cook and season the chicken up to 3 days ahead, and store separately from greens and dressing. Dress just before serving to keep vegetables crisp.

What temperature should the chicken reach?

Cook cubed chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Check with a meat thermometer in the thickest piece.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, but thighs take 2-3 minutes longer to cook through and will have a richer flavor. Adjust cooking time and check internal temperature.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Mostly. The sugar-free BBQ sauce and honey fit low-carb goals, but verify your BBQ sauce brand's carb count as formulas vary.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes as directed, don't overcook past 165°F, and avoid pressing down while cooking. High heat for shorter time preserves moisture.