This smoked BBQ chicken salad is fresh, summery, and made with smoky chicken, ripe peaches, juicy tomatoes, burrata, and arugula. The smoked chicken makes it hearty enough for dinner, while the peaches and burrata keep it from feeling too heavy. It's one of our favorite ways to use smoked BBQ chicken thighs.
This smoked BBQ chicken salad is the kind of warm-weather dinner that looks impressive but comes together fast if you already have smoked chicken ready to go. Kadeem threw this together one random Sunday and it quickly became one of our go-to easy summer lunches. We do actually eat this almost every week! It hits that sweet-savory-smoky combo really hard in the best way. Peaches bring a sweetness that works really well with smoky BBQ chicken. Burrata adds richness in a soft, creamy way that feels more special than a block of mozzarella.
Ingredients
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
Pro tip
This salad is best assembled right before serving. Once the burrata and dressing touch the arugula, everything starts to lose its texture.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Salad
Step 1
Slice or shred the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Spread the arugula on a platter or divide it into bowls. Layer on the peaches, tomatoes, and smoked chicken.
Step 2
Tear the burrata into pieces and scatter it over the salad. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with flaky salt and black pepper, then top with pickled red onions if using.
Substitutions & Variations
- Use nectarines instead of peaches.
- Swap burrata for fresh mozzarella.
- Use spring mix or baby spinach instead of arugula.
Tips for Serving Smoked BBQ Chicken Salad
Serve this smoked chicken salad with grilled bread, smoked corn, smoked sausage and peppers, or a simple pasta salad. If your chicken is cold from the fridge, let it sit out for a few minutes before adding it to the salad.
How to Prep Ahead
Prep the chicken, peaches, and tomatoes ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Wait to assemble with the arugula, burrata, olive oil, and balsamic glaze until right before serving or you'll risk everything becoming soggy.
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Smoked BBQ Chicken Salad with Peaches and Burrata
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Ingredients
- 4 smoked BBQ chicken thighs
- 4 cups baby arugula
- 3 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1-2 large heirloom or beefsteak tomato, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 balls burrata, about 8 ounces total
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, or reduction
- Flaky salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pickled red onions, optional
Instructions
- Slice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the arugula on a large serving platter or divide among bowls.4 smoked BBQ chicken thighs, 4 cups baby arugula
- Layer on the peaches, tomatoes, and chicken.3 ripe peaches, 1-2 large heirloom or beefsteak tomato
- Tear the burrata into chunks and scatter over the salad.2 balls burrata
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with flaky salt and freshly cracked black pepper.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, Flaky salt & freshly ground black pepper
- Top with pickled red onions, if using. Serve immediately.Pickled red onions
Notes
- Use ripe peaches that are still slightly firm and not too mushy.
- Burrata can be swapped for fresh mozzarella.
- Assemble right before serving for the best texture.
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