Garlic Lime Barbecue Chicken Salad (Printer-Friendly)
Zesty barbecue chicken, tangy lime, sweet pineapple, and fresh greens create a vibrant, flavorful summer meal.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Marinade
01 -
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
03 -
1 tablespoon soy sauce
04 -
1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
05 -
1 teaspoon vegetable stock powder
06 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
08 -
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Salad
09 -
6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
10 -
2 cups pineapple rings, fresh or canned, drained
11 -
1 large avocado, sliced
12 -
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
13 -
2 green onions, thinly sliced
14 -
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
15 -
1 tablespoon olive oil, for drizzling
16 -
Salt, to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
In a wide bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vegetable stock powder, minced garlic, and fresh lime juice. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
02 -
Heat a large nonstick grill pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Sear marinated chicken breasts for 2 minutes per side, then cover and continue cooking, turning every 2 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Transfer chicken to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes. Reserve pan juices.
03 -
In the same pan, add a teaspoon of oil if needed. Grill pineapple rings for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized and lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
04 -
In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, green onions, and torn basil leaves. Slice rested chicken and add to salad along with grilled pineapple rings and avocado slices. Season with salt to taste, drizzle with remaining pan juices and extra olive oil as desired. Toss gently and serve immediately.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Squeeze lime juice over avocado slices to prevent browning and keep them vibrant.
02 -
For optimal texture, grill pineapple just until caramelized—avoid overcooking.
03 -
If substituting with bone-in chicken, use a thermometer to ensure doneness.