If you’re craving something that’s just as vibrant as it is satisfying, look no further than this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe. Imagine juicy chunks of barbecue-glazed chicken, still warm from the grill, nestled on a bed of crunchy greens and sweet veggies, then topped with creamy avocado and your favorite dressing. It’s a salad that eats like a meal, bursting with flavor and color in every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding hungry teens, or just looking to freshen up your weeknight dinner routine, this salad has you covered with irresistible smoky char, fresh produce, and a playful twist on classic barbecue.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how much flavor and texture this salad delivers. Every component plays its part—from lending smoky depth to adding pops of sweetness or creaminess—even the garnishes shine here!
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for skewering and pick up all the smoky, saucy flavors.
- Barbecue Sauce: Adds delicious smoky-sweet glaze; use your family favorite or spice things up with a bold, tangy variety.
- Olive Oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps meld all the marinade flavors together.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Smoked Paprika: Brings that extra hint of smokiness, making the BBQ vibe really pop.
- Salt and Pepper: Don’t skip the basics—they highlight every flavor in this dish.
- Mixed Salad Greens: The crisp, fresh base; choose a combination of lettuces for best flavor and texture.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Bursts of sweetness and color that balance the savory chicken.
- Corn Kernels: Adds a summer-sweet crunch; fresh, frozen, or grilled all work beautifully.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Creamy, slightly sharp, and a must-have for that classic BBQ finish.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a pop of peppery bite and visual appeal.
- Avocado: Adds a buttery, cooling creaminess that ties everything together.
- Ranch or Favorite Dressing: Drizzle over to unite all the flavors; ranch, cilantro-lime, or even a zesty vinaigrette is fair game.
- Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle of fresh herbs really wakes up the whole dish.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a good mix to ensure each piece is well-coated with flavor. Cover and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes—if you have a bit more time, up to four hours in the fridge will deepen the flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Skewer and Grill the Chicken
Thread your marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, keeping the pieces close, but not crammed together (they need a little space to cook evenly). Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. If you’re working with wooden skewers, remember to soak them for at least 30 minutes beforehand so they don’t burn. Grill the skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning them every few minutes for even cooking. Brush with extra barbecue sauce as they grill for a glossy, sticky finish. The chicken should be cooked through with lovely charred edges.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
As the chicken cooks, start building your salad masterpiece. On a large platter or in individual bowls, layer the mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, shredded cheddar cheese, ribbons of red onion, and creamy avocado slices. These colorful layers give this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe its irresistible look and satisfying crunch.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Dress the Salad
Once your chicken skewers come off the grill, gently slide the chicken pieces off using a fork or tongs. Arrange the piping hot chicken over your beautiful salad base. While the chicken is still warm, drizzle with ranch (or your favorite dressing) so it mingles with both the meat and veggies, making each forkful extra delicious.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, add a flourish of fresh cilantro or parsley if you like for a pop of green and hit of herbal freshness. Serve your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe right away while the chicken is still warm, and enjoy a fresh, smoky, hearty meal that’s anything but boring.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this salad is so much fun because it’s all about customization. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley adds a lively green finish, while extra sliced avocado or a pinch of flaky sea salt takes it to the next level. Feel free to offer lime wedges for squeezing or an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce for those who want an extra punch of flavor.
Side Dishes
If you’re turning this into a feast, classic BBQ sides like warm cornbread, baked sweet potatoes, or grilled vegetables pair perfectly. Even a simple fruit salad or crunchy tortilla chips can round out the meal without stealing the show from your tangy, hearty BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the salad components in big, bountiful bowls for a build-your-own experience, or layer everything in a large platter for a dramatic presentation. For lunch boxes, pack the chicken, salad, and dressing separately and assemble just before eating. Individual mason jars layered with veggies, chicken, and dressing at the bottom are an irresistibly cute and portable way to serve this salad at picnics or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad greens and toppings separately from the chicken to prevent sogginess. Keep everything in airtight containers in the refrigerator—salad and veggies will stay crisp for up to 2 days, and the chicken can last 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
While the cooked chicken skewers freeze beautifully in an airtight container for up to two months, the fresh salad elements are best enjoyed right away. Save freezing for the grilled chicken only, then thaw and reheat for assembling fresh salads on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, simply pop it in the microwave for a minute or two or warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. If you’ve frozen the chicken, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. When reheated, add it to fresh salad ingredients for that just-grilled taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them a wonderful swap for chicken breasts in this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe. Just trim any excess fat and follow the recipe as written.
What type Main Course, Salad
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Use your favorite BBQ sauce—sweet, smoky, tangy, or even spicy. Homemade sauces add a personal touch, but store-bought varieties work perfectly too.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, provided you use a gluten-free barbecue sauce and dressing. Double-check any bottled sauces to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I make this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! Marinate the chicken and store the salad ingredients separately in the fridge. Grill the chicken and assemble everything just before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
What’s the best way to grill when I don’t have an outdoor grill?
A grill pan on the stovetop is a fantastic alternative, giving you smoky charred flavor and gorgeous grill marks even if you’re cooking indoors. Broiling the skewers in your oven also works in a pinch!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe—it’s bound to become a new staple, especially when you want something easy, colorful, and crowd-pleasing. Whether it’s for a laid-back summer meal or a cozy family dinner, this recipe delivers on every front. Give it a go and let your taste buds celebrate!
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BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad recipe is a delightful mix of grilled chicken skewers marinated in barbecue sauce served over a bed of fresh mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, cheddar cheese, red onion, and avocado. Drizzled with ranch dressing, this salad is bursting with flavors and textures, making it a perfect main course for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for brushing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or grilled)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Ranch or your favorite dressing, for serving
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator).
- Grill the Chicken: Thread chicken onto skewers and preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with more BBQ sauce, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Assemble the Salad: Layer mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, cheddar cheese, red onion, and avocado in serving bowls or on a large platter. Remove cooked chicken from skewers and place over the salad.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle with ranch or preferred dressing and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- You can use rotisserie chicken and toss with BBQ sauce for a quick version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
