Ultimate BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad

Ingredients

• 12 ounces (about 2 breasts) boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• to taste Salt and fresh black pepper
• 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
• 4 large eggs
• 8 ounces (about 6-8 strips) thick-cut bacon
• 1 large head, chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen and thawed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 (15-ounce) can canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 avocado, diced
• For the Avocado Ranch Dressing:
• 1/2 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps

1. 1

   Place eggs in a saucepan and add cold water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, then immediately turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let it stand for 11 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath.

2. 2

   While the eggs cook, place bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, turning occasionally, until brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, let it cool, and then crumble.

3. 3

   Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet with the rendered bacon fat. Raise heat to medium-high and sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board.

4. 4

   While the chicken rests, prepare the dressing. Combine the halved avocado, mayonnaise, buttermilk, chives, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. 5

   Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then dice it into bite-sized pieces. Place the diced chicken in a bowl and toss with the BBQ sauce until evenly coated.

6. 6

   Peel and quarter the hard-boiled eggs.

7. 7

   To assemble the salad, spread the chopped romaine lettuce across a large platter or in individual bowls. Arrange the BBQ chicken, crumbled bacon, quartered eggs, corn, cherry tomatoes, black beans, and diced avocado in distinct rows on top of the lettuce.

8. 8

   Serve immediately, drizzling with the avocado ranch dressing or offering it on the side.