CPK BBQ Chicken Salad (Copycat Recipe)

5 from 9 votes

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If you like California Pizza Kitchen’s BBQ Chicken Salad, then you’ll love this copycat CPK BBQ Chicken Salad recipe I have recreated. It’s obviously not the exact same salad, but it’s pretty darn close replica if I do say so myself! While you’re at it you should probably also try Southwest Salad Recipe with Chicken and my Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.

CPK BBQ Chicken Salad in a white bowl with a fork

CPK BBQ Chicken Salad |Yum!

I’m starting to become somewhat obsessed with chopped salads. I think it all originated back in the day when I’d travel with my college roommates from Southeast Idaho to Utah to visit our sisters. We all had sisters in Utah at that time miraculously. Anyways, the first time I went to a California Pizza Kitchen, it was in Utah with my two roommates Amy and Amy. Yes, my two best friends’ names are both Amy. They both said I should try this salad….guys…I licked my plate CLEAN!

Since then I’ve only been to CPK a handful of times but each time I go, you better believe I order this salad! It’s so so good! If you’ve never been to said restaurant, then today is your lucky day 🙂  Easy peasy to throw together! PROMISE! I hope you like this CPK BBQ Chicken Salad copycat salad as much as I do.

fork going into the CPK BBQ Chicken Salad in a white bowl

Main Ingredients Needed

This CPK BBQ Chicken Salad is great to make with left over grilled chicken from a previous meal. It only needs 1 breast (more if you like), cut up, and bonus if its already been grilled in bbq sauce! You’ll need some avocado, fresh basil and cilantro, a handful of black beans, and a few other ingredients. Here’s the full list of ingredients you’ll need:

  • Romaine Lettuce- gotta have lettuce in this salad. You could also use iceberg lettuce here.
  • Basil + Cilantro– fresh is best!
  • Black Beans– adds some flavor and protein!
  • Sweet Corn + Tomato + Avocado– these taste great together.
  • Jicama– this is a root vegetable native to Mexico. It tastes similar to an apple, but not as sweet.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese– either of these works great.
  • Ranch Dressing- I prefer Hidden Valley, but use whatever you like best!
  • Grilled Chicken Breast– I used 1 breast and diced it up. You may want to add more.
  • BBQ Sauce– I used KC Masterpiece, but you can use whatever you like.
CPK BBQ Chicken Salad in a white bowl with a kitchen cloth next to it

How to Make CPK BBQ Chicken Salad | Directions

Because this is a salad, the prep is pretty simple. Wash and cut your veggies, toss with dressing, add in grilled chicken and avocado, and top it with a drizzle of bbq sauce! Yum!

Step 1: Combine in Bowl

In a large bowl, combine lettuce with basil, cilantro, black beans, corn, cheese and jicama. Toss with ranch dressing {as much as you’d like} and divide between two serving bowls

Step 2: Add Tomato + Avocado + Grilled Chicken

Place diced tomatoes around the edges of each bowl, top with avocado slices and diced grilled chicken. Drizzle bbq sauce over top the whole thing and serve.

*If you did not grill your chicken with BBQ sauce, dice your cooled chicken breast, toss in a little bbq sauce, place on salad and drizzle with more sauce.

Want To Make CPK BBQ Salad Ahead of Time?

To make CPK BBQ Chicken Salad ahead of time, simply chop and combine everything except the avocados, tomatoes and dressing. Refrigerate the dressing and salad separately, then when ready to serve, toss salad in ranch dressing, then, add the tomato and ripe avocado and top with a drizzle of BBQ sauce.

If you let the salad and dressing mingle too long together in the fridge things tend to get soggy, that’s why it’s best to wait until you’re ready to devour this salad.

Leftovers

Any leftover CPK BBQ Chicken Salad can be refrigerated, in an airtight container, for up to 2 days. 

More BBQ Recipes to Try!

Enjoy this copycat CPK BBQ Chicken Salad recipe! This makes for a wonderful healthy lunch or dinner!

The printable recipe card is below. Be sure to print/pin/save/bookmark/share this recipe because its a crowd pleaser and you won’t be sorry you did! Have a great day, friends! 🙂

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5 from 9 votes

CPK BBQ Chicken Salad (Copycat Recipe)

This CPK BBQ Chicken Salad is one you're going to want to make! Light, very flavorful, and cheaper than going to a restaurant! Holla!
servings 2 serving
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce chopped
  • 3 large fresh basil leaves chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/4 cup black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup sweet corn drained
  • 1/4 cup monterey jack cheese or mozzarella cheese (grated)
  • 1/4 cup jicama peeled and diced
  • 1/4-1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing such as Hidden Valley
  • 1 large tomato diced
  • 1 ripe avocado sliced
  • 1 leftover grilled chicken breast chilled and diced
  • 1/4-1/2 cup prepared bbq sauce such as KC Masterpiece Original

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine lettuce with basil, cilantro, black beans, corn, cheese and jicama. Toss with ranch dressing {as much as you'd like} and divide between two serving bowls.
  • Place diced tomatoes around the edges of each bowl, top with avocado slices and diced grilled chicken. Drizzle bbq sauce over top the whole thing and serve.
  • *If you did not grill your chicken with BBQ sauce, dice your cooled chicken breast, toss in a little bbq sauce, place on salad and drizzle with more sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 506kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 792mg | Potassium: 1179mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 9404IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 3mg
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: CPK BBQ Chicken Salad

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Recipe Rating




35 Responses
  1. Nadine Wheeler

    5 stars
    YUM!!! This by far, was the best version of CPK ‘s bbq chopped chix salad, I’ve tried (and I’ve tried quite a few!) AND SO EASY! I crave this salad all the time, but budget and time prevents me from indulging. My family (and extended family) wanted me to make it two days in a row. Because it was a snap to do, I was able to happily accomodate! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
    ps.. Added a squeeze of siracha in the bbq sauce. Delightful sweet heat!

  2. So this one time, I tried out for The Next Food Network Star.... | Lauren's Latest

    […] drowned my sorrows in diet coke and shoveled in the BBQ Chicken Chop Salad. I have a copycat recipe right here incase you’re […]

  3. Easy Ways to Add More Vegetables in Your Diet | Informed and Empowered

    […] Salads are a mix of fruits, vegetables, and oils that make the whole ordeal of eating raw fruits pretty pleasing and colorful. You just have to find the salad that’s right for you. For me, the most irresistible salad is California Pizza Kitchen’s BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad (Click here for the recipe from Lauren’s Latest). […]

  4. BusyWorkingMama

    5 stars
    This is my favorite salad and I always, always order it at CPK. I don’t like their ranch dressing, though, and substitute the balsamic vinaigrette. Great copy cat recipe!

  5. Craving Salads: all day every day

    […] My personal favorite and the one I have been eating the last 8 days straight (no joke): CPK’s bbq chicken chopped salad. You can find a good recipe here! […]

  6. Michael K

    5 stars
    My wife also loves this salad and we will go to CPK for it specifically (the pizza stinks). I made this recipe at home and it came out wonderfully, thanks for sharing!

  7. California Pizza Kitchen’s Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad | What2Cook

    […] Recipe: California Pizza Kitchen’s Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad […]

  8. Francois

    Just got one at California Pizza Santa Ana. Simply gorgious. Thanks for having posted this recipe. I’ll bring it back to France in my baggages.

  9. Rissa

    Hi- I thought you might like to know that http://instagram.com/sarafit_nf is taking credit for your photo. http://instagram.com/p/gbOpkVSk8X/

  10. Lauren's Latest » So this one time, I tried out for The Next Food Network Star….

    […] drowned my sorrows in diet coke and shoveled in the BBQ Chicken Chop Salad. I have a copycat recipe right here incase you’re […]

  11. Deborah

    5 stars
    Another great recipe. My husband had seconds! My 14 month old loved it as well. Can’t wait to try the next recipe!

  12. Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking

    Oh my gosh! My best friend and I would go to CPK at least once a week in the Summer during High School and we would both always get this salad. It’s amazing and I haven’t had it in years! Thanks!

    ps- the few photos you were able to capture are beautiful, so no worries!

  13. Nikki @Seeded at the Table

    We had CPK in Chicago, but sadly not here in Mississippi. Next time I’m at one, though, I’m trying this chopped salad! I’m a sucker for them, too, especially from Portillo’s (if you ever go to Chicago…try it!). Or, just make the copycat from my blog.

    Either way, have fun in California! (And, am I the only one who always accidentally says “California Pizza CHICKEN”?)

  14. Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious

    Have a great time in CA! And this salad is the best! I absolutely LOVE CPK’s chopped salad but it’s way overpriced!

  15. Kiran @ KiranTarun.com

    LOVE chopped salads in summer. So easy, summery, delicious and colorful. Even kids can’t resist, so I guess it’s a good sign of a GREAT recipe 🙂

    Happy 4th, Lauren 🙂

  16. Kristi

    I have never been to California Pizza, but I imagine it’s delicioud.
    Chopped salads are my absolute favorite. I’ve been making them more and more at home.

  17. Valerie @ From Valerie's Kitchen

    This is what I order pretty much every time we go to CPK. It’s one of those things you have and then you crave like crazy for a week after! You have totally nailed it Lauren. I’m so craving this darn salad now!

  18. Cookbook Queen

    Can you believe we don’t have a California Pizza Kitchen here? 🙁 Sigh. This recipe looks fab — chopped salads are the best!!

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