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–+ servings
a white plate full of golden red bbq chicken topped with melted cheddar, onion, cilantro and scallions.

California Pizza Kitchen Inspired Loaded BBQ Chicken

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This California Pizza Kitchen Inspired Loaded BBQ Chicken is what happens when your favorite BBQ chicken pizza skips the crust and goes straight for the protein. Juicy grilled chicken thighs get loaded with melty cheddar, ranch, red onion, cilantro, and scallions for an easy summer dinner that feels nostalgic and totally crave-worthy.
Course Main Course, meat, protein
Cuisine American
Keyword 90s food, chicken, cookout, dinner, grilling, summer
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 recipe BBQ Chicken Thighs
  • 1 8 oz block Land O Lakes® Extra Sharp White Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoon ranch dressing
  • ¼ small red onion very thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoon scallions thinly sliced
  • 1 pinch Flaky salt for finishing

Instructions

  • Prepare the BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs according to the recipe instructions. Marinate, grill, and baste until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully caramelized.
  • During the last few minutes of cooking, generously top each chicken thigh with shredded Land O Lakes® Extra Sharp White Cheddar Cheese.
  • Reduce the heat to low and close the grill lid. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.
  • Transfer the cheesy BBQ chicken to a serving platter.
  • Drizzle with ranch dressing.
  • Scatter the red onion, cilantro, and scallions over the top.
  • Finish with a pinch of flaky salt and serve immediately.