BBQ chicken skewer salad
BBQ chicken skewer salad is a fun and fresh way to enjoy tender grilled chicken paired with crisp veggies and a burst of tangy flavors. The smoky barbecue chicken skewers…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
BBQ chicken skewer salad is a fun and fresh way to enjoy tender grilled chicken paired with crisp veggies and a burst of tangy flavors. The smoky barbecue chicken skewers add a smoky, juicy touch that makes this salad stand out. It’s a great mix of protein and greens with a bit of crunch and zest.
I love making this salad when the weather is warm because the grilled chicken smells amazing and gives the whole dish a nice smoky flavor that everyone loves. A little tip I’ve found helpful is to marinate the chicken in some barbecue sauce before grilling so each bite is full of flavor and stays juicy.
When I serve this salad, I usually pile the chicken skewers on top of a bed of fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a few crunchy red onion slices. Sometimes I add a drizzle of ranch or a simple vinaigrette to round it out. It’s light but filling, and perfect for a quick lunch or an easy dinner after a busy day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: These are great for tender, lean meat. You can also use thighs for juicier, more flavorful skewers.
BBQ sauce: It adds smoky sweetness. If you want less sugar, try a low-sugar or homemade version.
Mixed lettuce: Use any crisp greens you like. Romaine and iceberg add crunch, but spinach or arugula work well too.
Greek yogurt dressing: Greek yogurt gives creaminess with protein. Swap for sour cream or a plant-based yogurt if you prefer.
How Do I Grill Chicken Skewers Without Them Sticking or Drying Out?
Grilling chicken can be tricky but easy if you follow a few steps:
- Use oil on the grill grates or brush on the chicken to prevent sticking.
- Keep the grill at medium-high heat to cook chicken evenly without burning.
- Turn the skewers every 2-3 minutes for even cooking and that nice char.
- Don’t overcook—the chicken is done when the juices run clear and it feels firm.
- Optional: Baste with extra BBQ sauce during grilling to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan – perfect for cooking the chicken evenly and adding those nice grill marks.
- Wooden or metal skewers – essential for threading the chicken chunks and grilling them easily.
- Mixing bowls – handy for marinating the chicken and tossing the salad ingredients.
- Whisk – helps blend the dressing smoothly without lumps.
- Sharp knife – needed for cutting chicken and chopping salad veggies precisely.
- Tongs – useful for turning skewers safely while grilling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a lighter, quicker-cooking option with great flavor.
- Add feta or goat cheese to the salad for a creamy, tangy contrast to the BBQ chicken.
- Include sliced avocado or bell peppers in the salad to boost creaminess and crunch.
- Mix smoked paprika or chili powder into the marinade for a spicier, smoky twist.
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed lettuce (romaine, iceberg, or your choice), chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or lime juice
- 1 tsp honey or agave syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 45 minutes in total. You’ll spend 10 minutes prepping, 30 minutes marinating the chicken, and about 12 minutes grilling it. The rest is quick assembling and tossing the salad – simple and fast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken
Put the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add BBQ sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so all chicken is coated. Cover the bowl and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it marinate up to 2 hours for extra flavor.
2. Prepare the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken chunks evenly onto the wooden or metal skewers. Be careful not to crowd them too much.
3. Grill the Chicken
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes. Turn them every few minutes so they cook evenly and get a nice char. If you like, brush a little extra BBQ sauce on the chicken while grilling. Once cooked through, remove and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.
4. Prepare the Salad
In a big bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, sweet corn kernels, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently.
5. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt or sour cream, lemon or lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
6. Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients well.
7. Assemble the Dish
Place the dressed salad on a serving plate. Lay the grilled BBQ chicken skewers on top or on the side. Garnish with some extra fresh cilantro if you like.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and juicy. Enjoy your vibrant, tasty BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before marinating. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture for better grilling results.
Can I Make the Salad or Dressing Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad and dressing a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. Wait to toss the salad with the dressing until just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
What Can I Use Instead of Wooden Skewers?
If you don’t have wooden skewers, metal ones work great and are reusable. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover chicken skewers and salad separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently on the stove or microwave before serving, and toss the salad with fresh dressing if needed.