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Bowl of BBQ chicken salad with black beans, corn, and cilantro on a wooden table

BBQ Chicken Salad for Crowd-Pleasing Lunch Trays

This budget-friendly BBQ chicken salad is perfect for feeding a crowd. Made with shredded chicken, sweet corn, black beans, and a tangy BBQ ranch dressing, it's a fun and satisfying lunch that comes together in minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken from about 1 rotisserie chicken or 1 lb poached chicken
  • 1 can 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn thawed
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper any color
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, red onion, bell pepper, and cilantro.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy on lettuce cups, as a sandwich filling, or with crackers.