Chipotle Barbecue Chicken Salad

I know summer is coming to an end soon and with that so is the warm weather. However, while it is still here I am squeezing a few more salad recipes. On the bonus side, it makes for an easy dinner after a long day of work.

I loved how this salad tastes! I especially enjoy the sunflower seeds and pepper jack cheese. The chicken has great barbecue flavor with a hint of chipotle flavor, but doesn’t make it overly spicy. 

Chipotle Barbecue Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

Chipotle Barbecue Chicken

• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup sweet barbecue sauce

Salad

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 3/4 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 3/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 orange pepper, diced
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 1/3 cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds
• 3 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
• 2 ounces pepper jack cheese, cubed

Toppings

• tortilla strips
• ranch dressing

Directions:

1. In a small bowl stir together all of the spices.
2. Season both sides of the chicken with the seasoning.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook for about 5-8 minutes or until browned, flip the chicken over and cover the skillet. Allow the chicken to cook for about 5-8 minutes or until completely cooked. Remove the chicken and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
4. Dice the chicken and add to a bowl. Pour the barbecue sauce over top and stir to coat chicken.
5. Add the lettuce to a large bowl and add all of the salad ingredients, toss to mix.
6. Top each serving with some tortilla strips and ranch dressing.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 474
Total Fat		21g
Saturated Fat		5.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.5g
Monounsaturated Fat		0.5g
Trans Fat		0g
Cholesterol		91.1mg
Sodium		358.3mg
Potassium		989.3mg
Total Carbohydrates		26.9g
Dietary Fiber		8.2g
Sugars		5.3g
Protein		44.6g
Vitamin A 300.1% Vitamin C 156%
Calcium 27.2% Iron 22.6%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Carls Bad Cravings.