If you crave something hearty yet fresh, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine juicy, perfectly grilled chicken skewers glazed in tangy barbecue sauce, nestled on a vibrant bed of greens, sweet tomatoes, smoky corn, and creamy avocado, all topped with a sprinkle of cheddar. It’s like a backyard summer cookout meets a crisp, colorful salad—bold flavors, fantastic contrasts, and so easy to put together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to amp up your salad game, BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is sure to please.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple, but purposeful. Each one plays a part in creating a salad that’s not only satisfying and colorful, but packed with great flavor and texture. Here’s why each component belongs in your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes cook quickly and stay tender on the skewer.
- BBQ sauce: Delivers that smoky, sweet, tangy punch and creates an irresistible char on the chicken.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the seasonings stick beautifully to the chicken.
- Smoked paprika: Provides subtle smoky depth that echoes the BBQ flavor.
- Garlic powder: Lends a warm, savory undertone that livens up the marinade.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances every other flavor—don’t skip these!
- Mixed salad greens: A lively base for your salad, packed with crunch and color.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and vibrant—they help balance out the smoky BBQ notes.
- Red onion: Adds a beautiful pop of color and a mild zingy bite.
- Avocado: Creamy slices offer richness and silky texture.
- Corn kernels: Fresh or grilled, corn brings a pop of sweetness and a little crunch.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Tangy, melty, and just salty enough to bring it all together.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional): A creamy finish is never a bad idea here—totally up to you!
- Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for grilling and serving those irresistible chicken cubes.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your cubed chicken breasts in a mixture of BBQ sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This marinade works its magic fast, so even 15 minutes is enough to infuse every bite with flavor—though if you have more time, let it marinate for up to four hours for extra depth.
Step 2: Thread and Grill
Take your marinated chicken cubes and thread them onto skewers, making sure each piece is snug but not squished. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium, then cook the skewers for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning until the chicken is charred in spots and cooked through. Let them rest a minute or two before serving.
Step 3: Build the Salad Base
In a large bowl or assembled on individual plates, arrange your mixed salad greens first. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, creamy avocado slices, sweet corn kernels, and a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese. This combo is not only delicious, but a true feast for the eyes.
Step 4: Assemble & Dress Your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Carefully lay the warm chicken skewers over your bed of vibrant salad. Drizzle with a little extra BBQ sauce for that signature glaze, and if you like, serve with your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing. Take a minute to admire—then dig in!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Garnishes
Sprinkle on some fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A handful of crunchy tortilla strips or a squeeze of lime can also add exciting flavor and texture to your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad.
Side Dishes
This salad is a meal on its own, but if you’re feeling extra, try pairing it with grilled garlic bread, a side of roasted potatoes, or simply a fresh fruit platter. These light sides let your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad take the spotlight while rounding out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party twist, serve the skewers right on top of mini salads in individual bowls or cups. If you’re hosting, arrange all the salad ingredients on a big platter and let guests build their own custom BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. It’s interactive and makes everyone feel like a grill master.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the chicken skewers and salad components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken keeps well for about three days, and the salad stays crisp longer when undressed.
Freezing
While the salad itself doesn’t freeze well, the grilled chicken skewers absolutely do. Wrap them tightly and pop them in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready, just thaw, reheat, and assemble a fresh BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy the chicken as if it were just grilled, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Just be sure to add the warmed chicken to fresh salad greens to keep everything crisp.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great swap and tend to stay even juicier on the grill. Just keep the cubes about the same size so they cook evenly.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is incredibly flexible, so use your favorite BBQ sauce—sweet, smoky, spicy, or even homemade. Each version will put a unique spin on the salad.
How do I grill corn for extra flavor?
Grilling fresh ears of corn and then slicing off the kernels gives a lovely smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with the salad. Simply grill the cob over medium heat, turning, until lightly charred all over, then let cool before slicing.
I’m feeding a crowd—can I prepare BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad ahead?
Definitely! Grill the chicken skewers in advance, then cool and refrigerate. Chop all your veggies and greens, keep them separate, and assemble right before serving for maximum freshness.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes—just make sure your BBQ sauce and dressing have no hidden gluten. The rest of the ingredients in this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad are naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for a crowd with dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up your salad routine, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad might just win you over. It’s colorful, super satisfying, and bursting with those classic BBQ notes that everyone loves. Give it a try and watch it disappear from the table—don’t be surprised when friends or family ask for seconds!
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BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a summer dinner. Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in BBQ sauce are served on a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, avocado, corn, and cheddar cheese. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and your favorite dressing for a flavorful finish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Salad:
- 8 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or grilled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss chicken cubes with BBQ sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat and cook the skewers for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl or on individual plates, arrange the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado slices, corn, and shredded cheddar. Top with the grilled chicken skewers and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.
- You can also grill the corn directly on the cob for a smoky touch.
- This salad is great served warm or cold, and works well with leftover grilled chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
