Panera-Style Chicken BBQ Salad Recipe You Can Make at Home

This copycat Panera chicken BBQ salad recipe is a delicious lunch or dinner. It’s as healthy as it is tasty and so quick and easy that it practically begs you to make it for a simple weeknight dinner! Ready in just 10 minutes from start to finish!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken BBQ Salad

We love Panera salads, but menus change and favorites sometimes disappear. I recreated Panera’s BBQ Chicken Salad so it’s always available at home. Crunchy greens and tender BBQ chicken form the base, while a roasted corn salsa adds bright vegetable flavor and tomatoes bring a sweet acidity. A handful of French fried onions provides crunch and a drizzle of BBQ sauce or BBQ Ranch ties everything together.

This copycat BBQ chicken salad is light and refreshing yet hearty enough to be a full meal. You can prep many components ahead of time, so assembly is fast—perfect for busy weeknights.

• Fresh, bright flavors
• Great for lunch or dinner
• BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with the veggies
• Made with simple, wholesome ingredients
• Quick and easy to prepare

Ingredient Information and Substitutions

• Chicken – Leftover chicken works beautifully. Use neutral-flavored cooked chicken such as grilled, roasted, or shredded chicken.
• Salad greens – Any greens you prefer. Romaine or leaf lettuce work well for structure and crunch.
• Roasted corn salsa – A simple mix of frozen corn, red bell pepper, red onion and black beans seasoned with garlic powder, salt and pepper, roasted until slightly charred. You can also use a store-bought corn or black bean-corn salsa if you prefer.
• Tomatoes – Roma or beefsteak tomatoes are great; use what you have on hand.
• French fried onions – Don’t skip these; they add crisp texture and flavor.
• Green onion or chives – A light sprinkle brightens the salad.
• Dressing – I recommend mixing equal parts BBQ sauce and ranch for an easy BBQ Ranch dressing, or use your favorite BBQ sauce alone.

How to Make This BBQ Chicken Salad

Step 1 – Roast the corn salsa.

Toss the corn salsa ingredients on a parchment-lined sheet pan and roast at 400°F for about 30 minutes. Allow to cool before using.

Step 2 – Make the dressing.

Whisk equal parts BBQ sauce and ranch dressing in a small bowl until smooth. Toss the lettuce lightly with the dressing to coat.

Step 3 – Dress the lettuce.

Combine the lettuce, tomatoes, and cooled roasted corn salsa in a bowl and toss gently to combine.

Step 4 – Assemble the salad.

Top the dressed lettuce with sliced or shredded BBQ chicken, roasted corn salsa, tomatoes, French fried onions, and chopped scallions. Finish with an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce if desired and serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Salad

• Use leftovers: This recipe is perfect for repurposing cooked chicken.
• If cooking chicken fresh: Marinate briefly in BBQ sauce for extra flavor before grilling or roasting.
• Dressing: Equal parts BBQ sauce and ranch make a simple, delicious BBQ Ranch dressing.
• Finish at the last minute: Add dressing and French fried onions just before serving to keep everything crisp.
• Add texture: Top with tortilla strips or chopped nuts for another crunchy layer.
• Prep ahead: Chop lettuce, cook and slice chicken, make the salsa and dressing, and store components separately until assembly.
• Storage: The salad (undressed) will keep 4–5 days refrigerated in a covered container.

What Goes With BBQ Chicken Salad

This salad works well on its own for a light meal, or pair it with sides like applesauce, a cozy soup, pita chips, or a heartier sandwich to round out the plate.

Other Delicious Salad Recipes to Try

Copycat Panera Chicken BBQ Salad

This copycat Panera chicken BBQ salad is a fast, flavorful lunch or dinner with bright veggies and BBQ chicken—ready in about 10 minutes when components are prepped.

Prep Time 10 mins

Total Time 10 mins

Servings 2

Calories 497 kcal

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 3 cups chopped lettuce
• 2 tomatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced (or leftover chicken)
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup French fried onions
• 2 scallions, chopped

BBQ Ranch Dressing

• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce

Roasted Corn Salsa

• 1 cup diced red onion
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 1 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Roast the corn salsa ingredients on a lined sheet pan at 400°F for 30 minutes; set aside to cool.
2. Whisk together ranch dressing and BBQ sauce until combined.
3. Toss the lettuce with BBQ ranch dressing to lightly coat and divide into serving bowls.
4. Top with chicken, cooled corn salsa, tomatoes, French fried onions, scallions and a drizzle of BBQ sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use leftover chicken to save time.
• If cooking chicken fresh, marinate in BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
• Mix BBQ and ranch 1:1 for an easy BBQ Ranch dressing.
• Add dressing and fried onions right before serving to avoid sogginess.
• Prep components ahead—lettuce, chicken, salsa and dressing—to speed assembly.
• Store undressed salad for 4–5 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 497 kcal

Carbohydrates: 89 g | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 16 g | Fiber: 10 g | Sugar: 35 g