Copycat Panera BBQ Chicken Salad

You know that moment when you’re staring into the fridge, hangry after a long day, wondering if a trip to Panera is worth the drive—and the price tag? Enter the Copycat Panera BBQ Chicken Salad. It’s got that smoky, sweet, tangy magic you crave from your favorite fast-casual stop… but it’s made right in your own kitchen. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.

This recipe is perfect for those “I want something fresh but hearty” kind of nights. It’s got juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a flavor combo that makes you feel like you’re eating out—but in your yoga pants, on your couch. And honestly, what’s better than that?

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Panera BBQ Chicken Salad

Let’s start with the obvious: it tastes just like the restaurant version—maybe even better. But here’s the real kicker: this Copycat Panera BBQ Chicken Salad is actually easy to make. No crazy steps. No hard-to-find ingredients. Just good food that hits the spot.

You’ll get:

• The bold BBQ flavor of chicken that’s brined, seared, and sauced to perfection.
• The crunch of tortilla chips and fresh lettuce (hello, texture!).
• The zing of pickled onions and creamy ranch drizzle that ties everything together.

This salad is basically what happens when meal prep meets “treat yourself” vibes.

Ingredients That Work Hard (So You Don’t Have To)

For the BBQ Chicken:

• 1.5 lb chicken thighs (skinless, boneless—aka easy)
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand works!)
• 8 oz water
• 4 oz white distilled vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp dried dill
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp avocado oil

For the Salad Base:

• 4 cups green leaf lettuce (or romaine if that’s what’s in your fridge)
• 1 cup roasted corn (frozen & sautéed works great!)
• 1 cup black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup pickled onions (you can make your own or use store-bought)
• ⅓ cup crushed tortilla chips
• Optional: Extra BBQ sauce and ranch for drizzling (yes please)

Step-by-Step: Your Weeknight Dinner Hero

1. Brine the Chicken (Don’t Skip This!)
Microwave the water, vinegar, sugar, and salt for about 2 minutes—just enough to dissolve everything. Pour it into a dish and let it cool before adding the chicken (we don’t want to accidentally cook it early).
Add the chicken thighs, dried dill, and minced garlic. Mix it all up, cover, and pop it in the fridge for 1 hour. Set a timer, then go do something for you—maybe finally finish that episode?

2. Sear That Chicken
Take the chicken out of the brine and pat it dry. Season lightly with sea salt and pepper, then brush on some BBQ sauce. Heat a cast iron skillet with avocado oil until it’s nice and hot—like a summer sidewalk.
Cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F inside. Let it rest for 5 minutes so those juices don’t go running away.

3. Build the Salad
While the chicken rests, pile your bowls with lettuce, corn, black beans, tomatoes, and pickled onions. Slice or shred the chicken, brush it with more BBQ sauce (yes, more sauce is always a good idea), and lay it on top.

4. Top It Off
Finish with crushed tortilla chips, a little drizzle of BBQ sauce, and ranch if you’re feeling indulgent. And let’s be real—you are.

Quick Tips for Your Copycat Panera BBQ Chicken Salad

• Short on time? You can skip the brining step if you must, but it really adds flavor. Just marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for 15–20 minutes instead.
• No cast iron? A regular skillet works too—just crank the heat a little to get that nice sear.
• Leftovers? The chicken is great the next day on wraps or grain bowls. Store everything separately to keep the lettuce crisp.

A Little Backstory…

I first whipped this up after one too many Panera lunch orders left me feeling… underwhelmed and overcharged. I love their BBQ chicken salad, but I knew I could make it bolder, fresher, and honestly, just more fun to eat. It quickly became a family favorite—and even my BBQ-skeptic husband requests it now. That’s saying something.

FAQs About This Copycat Panera BBQ Chicken Salad

Conclusion

This Copycat Panera BBQ Chicken Salad brings all the restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen table—without the takeout cost, the drive, or the line. It’s fresh, flavorful, and totally doable even on your busiest weeknight. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just trying to stay sane between laundry cycles, this salad delivers the kind of meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

It’s the perfect combo of convenience and comfort—a little bit of crunch, a touch of smoky sweetness, and a whole lot of “mmm, this is good.” Plus, it’s one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if you’re eating it in leggings with a toddler climbing on your lap.

So go ahead—skip the drive-thru. Light a candle, pour yourself something sparkly (even if it’s just LaCroix), and enjoy a meal that’s every bit as satisfying as the restaurant version… maybe even more. Your dinner’s already better at home—and hey, your couch is comfier than any booth anyway.

Discover More Flavorful Chicken Creations

If you loved this Copycat Panera BBQ Chicken Salad, there’s a whole world of chicken goodness waiting for you! From bold flavors to comforting classics, Chicken Magic Recipes has dozens of dishes that fit right into your weeknight rotation—or your weekend cravings. Whether you’re craving something grilled, creamy, spicy, or hearty, here are a few reader favorites that pair beautifully with the salad vibes you already love.

• For another fresh, vibrant bowl, try this Southwestern Chopped Chicken Salad—it’s loaded with color, crunch, and flavor that pops.
• Craving a backyard BBQ flavor with minimal effort? This Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken delivers juicy, sweet-savory goodness with barely any cleanup.
• If you love a smoky grilled finish, the Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad packs a spicy punch and is perfect for lunch or dinner.
• And for something warm and comforting on the casserole side, don’t miss the BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole—it’s like your favorite flavors baked into one bubbly, cheesy dish.

Explore these dishes and more to keep your chicken routine exciting, easy, and always delicious!

Copycat Panera BBQ Chicken Salad

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• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Make your favorite salad at home with this Copycat Panera BBQ Chicken Salad—a hearty, colorful bowl filled with grilled BBQ chicken, crunchy veggies, sweet corn, black beans, and drizzles of BBQ and ranch dressing. Perfect for a quick dinner or satisfying lunch!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lb chicken thighs (skinless, boneless)

• ½ cup BBQ sauce

• 8 oz water

• 4 oz white distilled vinegar

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp salt

• 1 tbsp dried dill

• 1 tbsp minced garlic

• 1 tbsp avocado oil

For the Salad:

• 4 cups green leaf lettuce, chopped

• 1 cup roasted corn

• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup diced tomatoes

• ½ cup pickled red onions

• ⅓ cup crushed tortilla chips

• Optional: extra BBQ sauce and ranch dressing for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Brine the Chicken:
   In a microwave-safe cup, heat water, vinegar, salt, and sugar for 2 minutes. Pour into a large dish and let it cool. Once cooled, add chicken thighs, dill, and minced garlic. Mix well and refrigerate for 1 hour.

2. Cook the Chicken:
   Remove chicken from brine, pat dry, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Brush with BBQ sauce. Heat a cast iron skillet with avocado oil. Sear chicken until it reaches an internal temp of 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then brush again with BBQ sauce and slice.

3. Assemble the Salad:
   In large bowls, layer chopped lettuce, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and pickled onions. Top with sliced BBQ chicken and crushed tortilla chips.

4. Dress It Up:
   Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and ranch if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Short on time? Skip the brine and marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for 20 minutes instead.

• Store leftover chicken and toppings separately to keep salad fresh.

• You can use romaine or spring mix in place of green leaf lettuce.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Category: Salad
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg