Barbecue Chicken Salad

Ingredients

• 340 g (12 oz)lettuce, any type
• 2Tyson Grilled & Ready Chicken Fillets
• 340 g (12 oz)Birds Eye Southwestern Protein Blend
• 240 ml (1 cup)grape or cherry tomatoes
• about 110 g (1 cup)shredded pepper jack cheese, or another shredded cheese
• about 150 g (1 cup)avocado, diced
• about 30 g (1 cup)tortilla strips
• to tastebarbecue sauce

Instructions

1. 1

   Steam the blend

   Prepare the Birds Eye Protein Blend according to the packet instructions, steaming it in the microwave.

2. 2

   Warm the chicken

   While the blend steams, warm the chicken fillets in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. Slice them into thin strips. Alternatively, follow the packet's heating directions, including its microwave method if preferred.

3. 3

   Divide the lettuce

   Once the chicken and protein blend are ready, share the lettuce between four large salad bowls or plates.

4. 4

   Assemble and serve

   Divide the remaining ingredients evenly between the four bowls. Drizzle with barbecue sauce and serve.

What is barbecue chicken salad?

This is a hearty, American-style composed salad: rather than tossing everything together, you arrange the toppings over a bed of lettuce. Its barbecue flavour comes from the sauce, while Southwestern-style beans and grains make the bowl more substantial.

The ready-to-heat chicken and frozen blend suit the recipe's 10-minute preparation. Crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, tangy tomatoes and crunchy tortilla strips give each serving a range of textures.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 420 calories, 24g protein, 35g carbs, 21g fat.

The protein blend and chicken provide much of the protein, while the blend, lettuce, tomatoes and tortilla strips contribute carbohydrates. Avocado, cheese and tortilla strips supply much of the fat, with pepper jack contributing saturated fat. For a balanced plate, keep the toppings evenly divided and serve with extra plain vegetables if you want more volume.

The ready-to-heat ingredients

Protein blend: Follow the packet directions, since microwave times and any need for added water can vary between products. Steam it while you warm the chicken to keep preparation moving.

Chicken fillets: Heat them until hot throughout, then slice thinly so they are easy to eat with the other toppings.

Build the bowls

Lettuce base: Divide the lettuce first so each serving starts with a similar amount. Tear or cut large leaves into bite-sized pieces if needed.

Even toppings: Share the chicken, blend, tomatoes, cheese, avocado and tortilla strips between all four bowls. This helps each portion include a bit of every component.

Keep the textures distinct

Warm and cool: The warm chicken and protein blend contrast with the fresh lettuce and tomatoes. Let very hot ingredients stop steaming briefly before adding them if you want the lettuce to stay crisp.

Crunch: Add the tortilla strips just before serving so they retain their crispness. Drizzle the sauce at the end to avoid weighing down the salad.

Sauce and seasoning

Barbecue sauce: The recipe gives no measured amount, so start with a light drizzle and add more at the table. Sauces vary in sweetness and saltiness, making it easier to adjust each bowl to taste.

Cheese: Pepper jack brings a savoury, peppery note, but the recipe also works with another shredded cheese you have on hand.

What to serve alongside

The four bowls are designed as the main meal, with lettuce, chicken, the protein blend and toppings all in one. If you want extra on the side, serve with a simple vegetable side or fruit rather than another rich topping.

Recipe notes & tips

• Check the protein blend packet before starting, as preparation directions differ by product.
• Warm the chicken while the blend steams to keep the total preparation time short.
• Slice the chicken thinly so it distributes easily across the bowls.
• Halve larger cherry tomatoes for easier eating.
• Add the tortilla strips just before serving to help them stay crisp.
• Serve extra barbecue sauce on the side so everyone can choose how much to use.

Variations

• Swap the cheese: Use another shredded cheese if pepper jack is unavailable.
• Choose another lettuce: Butter, romaine or iceberg lettuce all work here.
• Make it milder: Use a mild shredded cheese instead of pepper jack.
• Add extra crunch: Scatter on more tortilla strips just before serving.
• Adjust the sauce: Offer barbecue sauce separately for individual drizzling.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Guessing the microwave time: Follow the protein blend packet so it heats properly.
• Serving cold chicken: Warm the fillets until heated through before slicing.
• Adding strips too early: Wait until serving so the tortilla strips remain crisp.
• Overdressing the bowls: Start with a small drizzle and add more to taste.
• Uneven portions: Divide each topping across all four bowls rather than piling it onto one.

How to store

For the best texture, assemble only the servings you plan to eat straight away. Refrigerate leftover ingredients separately in covered containers and use within 3–4 days, following any shorter storage guidance on the chicken and blend packaging; reheat the chicken and blend until hot before serving.

Frequently asked questions