The Perfect Combination of Sweet and Savory
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a refreshing and healthy meal that will keep you cool and energized throughout the day. And what could be better than a delicious and nutritious BBQ chicken salad? In this article, we will share with you our favorite Panera BBQ chicken salad recipe, which is easy to make and will satisfy your taste buds with the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors.Ingredients
To make this tasty and healthy salad, you will need the following ingredients:- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup tortilla chips, crushed
Instructions
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it's time to start cooking! Follow these easy steps to make your own Panera BBQ chicken salad:- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
- In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and chopped cilantro.
- Brush the sauce over the chicken and grill for an additional 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, corn kernels, black beans, and sliced avocado.
- Add the sliced chicken to the bowl and toss everything together.
- Top the salad with shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and a drizzle of the remaining BBQ sauce.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make your Panera BBQ chicken salad even more delicious:- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu.
- If you don't have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of BBQ sauce, honey, and vinegar to your liking, depending on how sweet or tangy you prefer your dressing.
- You can also add other toppings to your salad, such as sliced bell peppers, cucumber, or jalapenos.
- For a healthier version, you can omit the cheese and tortilla chips, or use a low-fat cheese and baked tortilla chips instead.