Copycat California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

4.5
(4)
3 Reviews

This salad is inspired by California Pizza Kitchen's BBQ chicken salad, with crisp lettuce and jicama, sweet BBQ chicken and juicy corn kernels. You can cook the chicken thighs on a grill pan, or use an outdoor grill if the weather permits. Tortilla strips add a welcome crunch to the salad—find them in the salad dressing aisle at major supermarkets.

By
Amanda Stanfield
Amanda Stanfield Headshot
Amanda Stanfield

Amanda Stanfield is a Test Kitchen assistant in the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios. She completed her undergraduate degree in journalism and strategic communications at Hampton University. After graduation, Amanda worked in the nonprofit sector as a marketing associate for a global nonprofit organization. In 2018, she pivoted into the food industry and began training in fine-dining restaurants around Atlanta. Later she gained her culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University and went on to work in a variety of kitchens from boutique restaurants to conference hotels. As a true foodie, Amanda seeks out nutritious and unique flavors to inspire others to eat happily and healthfully. When she's not cooking up delicious recipes, you can find her lap swimming in the pool or watching a good sci-fi movie.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on March 28, 2024
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Tested by
Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

" tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> EatingWell Test Kitchen
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Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
a recipe photo of the Copycat California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
Photo: Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Styling: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Active Time:
1 hr 10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Servings:
6
Nutrition Profile:
Sesame-Free Nut-Free Healthy Pregnancy High-Fiber High-Protein Egg-Free Gluten-Free
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil

  • ¾ teaspoon salt, divided

  • ⅓ cup reduced-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt

  • ¼ cup whole milk

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, plus wedges for serving

  • 1 teaspoon dried dill

  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • ⅓ cup barbecue sauce

  • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce hearts

  • 1 (15.5 ounce) can no-salt-added black beans, rinsed

  • 1 ½ cups fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels

  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided

  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil

  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish

  • 2 small avocados, cut into 18 slices

  • 1 cup peeled jicama strips

  • 1 cup tortilla strips

  • 2 cups chopped plum tomatoes

Directions

  1. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Pat chicken dry with paper towels; brush with canola oil and season both sides evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, turning occasionally, until grill marks appear on both sides and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a large plate; let cool for 15 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, whisk yogurt, milk, olive oil, lime juice, dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl until smooth.

  3. Chop the chicken into bite-size pieces; place in a medium bowl. Add barbecue sauce; toss until well coated.

  4. Combine lettuce, black beans, corn, 3/4 cup cheese, basil, cilantro and the dressing in a large bowl; toss with tongs until well coated.

  5. Divide the salad among 6 bowls (about 1 1/2 cups each). Top each with 3 avocado slices, about 3 tablespoons jicama, about 3 tablespoons tortilla strips and 2 teaspoons cheese; add 1/3 cup tomatoes around the edges of each bowl. Top each bowl with 1/2 cup barbecue chicken. Garnish with additional cilantro and serve with lime wedges, if desired.

To make ahead

Refrigerate dressing (Step 2) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, September 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

475 Calories
26g Fat
36g Carbs
30g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size about 2 1/2 cups
Calories 475
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 36g 13%
Dietary Fiber 11g 39%
Total Sugars 9g
Added Sugars 2g 4%
Protein 30g 60%
Total Fat 26g 33%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 90mg 30%
Vitamin A 2596IU 52%
Vitamin C 37mg 41%
Vitamin D 10IU 3%
Vitamin E 3mg 18%
Folate 90mcg 23%
Vitamin K 93mcg 78%
Sodium 621mg 27%
Calcium 253mg 19%
Iron 3mg 17%
Magnesium 99mg 24%
Potassium 975mg 21%
Zinc 3mg 27%
Vitamin B12 1mcg 42%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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