We've updated the pictures and some of the info for this post a couple of times over the years since it was first published in 2014. Since we still love it, and since Panera appears to have taken it off the menu again (horror!), it seemed appropriate to remake and reshoot it again. Yep, still as yummy and easy as ever!
Chels and I don't get away for lunch dates very often (I'm usually working, babies are napping, etc), but last week we had that opportunity. I had taken a couple of hours away from the office to visit a showing of school curriculum we intended to purchase for Grace and Eden's upcoming school year, and Chels's parents had offered to come by and watch the kids so she could join me. After the showing, we decided to grab a quick lunch together at the Panera Bread across the street. We're both big fans of Panera Bread, though we haven't actually eaten in their cafes that often. Normally, I get Panera at office meetings, and Chels enjoys it occasionally when she gets her hair done down in the Hollywood District (they have [update: had] a "Panera Cares" cafe down there - that is an incredible community service, if you've never been to one). Needless to say, if you don't have one nearby...well, that's very sad for you. Panera Bread has a well-earned reputation for fresh, creative breads and pastries in their bakeries, as well as simple, flavorful salads, soups, and sandwiches in their cafes.
On this particular afternoon, I ordered a sandwich while Chels picked out a bowl of soup, but we both settled on the delectable looking and sounding "Signature BBQ Chopped Chicken Salad." It was excellent - a wonderful combination of semi-southwestern flavors and interesting textures, while remaining fresh and light. We had to try it at home. Chels made a quick list of the ingredients, and added it to the menu for the coming week. When we gave it a try on Tuesday, it turned out better than we had hoped - I dare say, directly on par with the salad we enjoyed at Panera. Bottom line? Try this salad the next time you're near a Panera Cafe, and make it at home the next time you're not!
{Copycat} Panera Bread BBQ Chicken Salad
Craving some fresh, crispy Panera Bread BBQ Chicken Salad goodness without leaving your four walls? This recipe delivers - Voila!
Ingredients
- Large head of romaine lettuce
- 1 cup of corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1 can of black beans
- 3 tablespoon ranch dressing
- 3 tablespoon barbecue sauce (preferably Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- 1 cup tri-color tortilla strips
- 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast
- additional barbecue sauce for marinating
- additional barbecue sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Place chicken in a ziplock bag and cover with barbecue sauce. Seal bag and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium high heat.
- Chop romaine, rinse black beans, and heat a grill pan (preferably, but a frying pan will work) to medium high heat.
- Mix ranch and barbecue sauce together to create dressing. Add more ranch or barbecue sauce to taste.
- Spray grill with Weber non-stick grilling spray, and place chicken breast on grill. Grill approximately six minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Meanwhile, add corn to grill pan. Sprinkle lightly with smoked paprika and grilled until some kernels are slightly blackened.
- Allow chicken to rest for 2-3 minutes, and then dice into small pieces.
- In a large serving bowl, add romaine, black beans, corn, tortilla strips, and chicken. Add dressing and toss to coat. Drizzle additional barbecue sauce over individual servings. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 283Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 458mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 6gSugar: 13gProtein: 16g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.
Anonymous says
I was so upset to find they have discontinued this salad at Panera! My daughter found this recipe and I will be making it this week. I am very thankful you created this, especially since it appears it will be all I have now to end my BBQ chopped chicken salad craving.
Chels/Catz in the Kitchen says
Oh no! I had no idea! Maybe it's just a summer salad?? At any rate, so glad you came across this recipe, because it is very similar to Panera's. Let us know how you like it. :)
Alissa Renteria says
I work at Panera and it was a permanent menu item but, Panera decided to discontinue it for unknown reasons. But, with our ever changing menu I'm sure it will come back in a couple month.
Jean Bandalevitch says
I had it today!!! Mmmmmm
Chelsia Rief says
So glad you enjoyed it! :)
Chels/Catz in the Kitchen says
With the warmer months quickly approaching, I'm sure a lot of people would welcome this salad. I do hope they bring it back. :)
Anonymous says
Yes I have boycotted panera for discontinuing the bbq chicken salad. Had it 2 weeks ago,went there yesterday and they told me it is gone.. So pissed. Was the best salad I ever had. Will try this recipe,thanks.
Joshua Rief says
I'm so sorry to hear that! As Chels mentioned above, we had no idea! I hope you are pleased with the recipe - we created it shortly after visiting Panera and ordering the salad, and we both felt it was very close to the original's texture and flavor. We were quite happy with it. :)
Anonymous says
agreed! almost every Sunday i get this salad as one in my "you pick two" and it is what i get every time! i will definitely try this recipe!
Chels/Catz in the Kitchen says
Let us know how it turns out for you! I hope you like it as much as we do. :)
Tiberius Kirk says
According to Panera's web site. It's says you can still ask them to make the salad for you. But, there is a different dressing I believe.
Anonymous says
I too was saddened to find out that this salad was no longer offered. Thank goodness for this recipe!!!
Chels/Catz in the Kitchen says
I'm so glad you found it! Let us know how it turns out :) Have a great week!
Anonymous says
Yep, I haven't set foot in Panera ever since I found out they removed this salad. I hate when restaurants randomly change their menu, seems like this was one of the more popular ones too. I'd always hear people ordering it while standing in line. What's wrong with you Panera? Terrible move.
Chels/Catz in the Kitchen says
I keep checking their online menu hoping they've surprised me and brought it back.
Jocelyn says
Love this salad, and Panera! I'm definitely going to be making this soon! :)
Chels/Catz in the Kitchen says
You won't be sorry ;)
Pat says
You can still go to Panera and request the bbq chicken salad and they will make it.
Chelsia Rief says
Oh, I know - they've actually brought it back...but they changed a few things to it. I don't think its as good as they used to make it. The Fuji Apple salad is actually pretty darn good though. :)
Becjy says
This was really good. Thank you for sharing!