If you’re looking to shake up your salad routine with a crave-worthy meal that packs in smoky, savory flavor without a lot of fuss, BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is about to become your new go-to. Imagine juicy, barbecue-glazed chicken charred right on the grill, nestled atop a bed of crisp greens and colorful veggies, and finished with all your favorite toppings and a creamy dressing. This dish is as beautiful to serve as it is delightful to eat, perfect for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, and anytime you want a little barbecue magic in your salad bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is chosen for a reason, combining to create irresistible layers of taste and vivid pops of color. From the smoky spices on the chicken to the sweet notes from corn and the creamy richness of avocado, everything works together for a balanced bite.
- Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken keeps things lean and lets the barbecue flavors shine through. Cut them into even pieces for quick, even grilling.
- Barbecue sauce: This brings all the big, bold, smoky-sweet flavor to the chicken and can be homemade or your favorite store-bought brand.
- Olive oil: Helps the chicken stay tender and prevents sticking on the grill or grill pan.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savoriness that works perfectly with barbecue sauce.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses the chicken with a gentle, smoky warmth that elevates the entire salad.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the salad base for optimal flavor.
- Mixed salad greens: Choose a hearty blend like baby spinach, arugula, and romaine for vibrant color and texture.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy burst and natural sweetness are perfect for balancing out the savory components.
- Corn kernels: Fresh, canned, or even grilled—corn adds both sweetness and a lovely golden color to the salad.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar gives the salad a creamy richness and just the right amount of indulgence.
- Red onion: Sliced thin for crunch and a gentle kick that ties together the salad’s flavors.
- Avocado: Creamy slices offer a cooling, buttery element that’s downright irresistible with barbecue chicken.
- Ranch or creamy dressing: The perfect drizzle to marry the flavors and keep the salad moist and luscious.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Chopped cilantro brightens things up, doubling down on the salad’s summery appeal.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Toss your chicken pieces in a bowl with barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a good hit of salt and pepper. If you have a few minutes to spare, let it marinate for 15 to 30 minutes—this is where those smoky-sweet barbecue notes really soak in and transform the chicken.
Step 2: Skewer and Grill
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers; metal skewers are great for grilling, but soaked bamboo skewers work beautifully too. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high, then cook the skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. You’re after lightly charred edges and fully cooked centers. Let the chicken rest for just a few minutes before slicing or serving.
Step 3: Prep the Salad Base
While the chicken cooks, arrange your mixed greens on a large platter or divide between individual plates. Scatter on those jewel-bright cherry tomatoes, golden corn kernels, and vibrant red onion slices—you’ll love the color explosion. Add slices of creamy avocado and a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness and flavor.
Step 4: Assemble and Dress
Slide the chicken from the skewers and nestle the juicy pieces on top of your fresh salad base. Drizzle the whole creation with your favorite ranch or creamy dressing for just the right tangy balance. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro kicks the freshness up another notch—totally optional, but so good.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is best straight off the grill, while the chicken is piping hot and juicy and the veggies are crisp and cool. Gather everyone around the table, and prepare for the requests for seconds to roll in!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Garnishes
Finish your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with a shower of chopped cilantro for a hit of herbal freshness, a squeeze of lime for bright acidity, or a sprinkle of crunchy tortilla strips for extra texture. A light dusting of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper over the top is a simple way to make it look (and taste) ultra-special.
Side Dishes
This salad plays well with classic summer sides like grilled bread, cornbread, or roasted sweet potatoes. For a lighter touch, serve with a citrusy fruit salad or some crisp cucumber spears to contrast the rich flavors from the barbecue chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad in wide, shallow bowls for a restaurant-style look, or pile everything up on a big sharing platter in the middle of the table for relaxed, family-style dining. For a party, you can even create individual mason jar salads—just layer the ingredients and skewer a chicken bite right on top!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the chicken and salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad will stay crisp for up to two days, while the grilled chicken keeps well for three to four days. Wait to add dressing until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.
Freezing
While the salad greens and veggies don’t freeze well, the barbecue chicken skewers themselves can be frozen for up to two months. Let them cool completely, remove from the skewers, and store in a freezer-safe bag. When a BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad craving strikes, simply thaw and reheat!
Reheating
To reheat chicken for this salad, place pieces in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8 minutes, or quickly warm them up in a skillet over medium heat. The goal is to heat them through while keeping them juicy—a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce in the pan helps keep things moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of chicken for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a juicy, flavorful alternative and hold up very well to grilling. You’ll just need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer than chicken breasts.
What type Main Course, Salad
You can use any barbecue sauce you love—sweet and smoky, spicy, or even a homemade version. Choose one that matches your flavor preferences; a little heat or extra tang is always welcome in BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad.
Can I make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad without a grill?
Definitely. A grill pan on the stovetop works just as well, or even a broiler in your oven. The key is to achieve those caramelized, slightly charred edges that bring the barbecue experience to life.
How can I make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad dairy-free or lighter?
Skip the cheddar cheese and opt for a simple vinaigrette or dairy-free ranch dressing. Avocado brings enough creaminess that you’ll never miss the cheese, and the smoky BBQ chicken keeps every bite satisfying.
Can I add extra toppings or substitutions?
Yes—with pleasure! Feel free to toss in black beans for more heartiness, swap in grilled bell peppers, or finish with crunchy tortilla strips. BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a canvas that welcomes your favorite salad add-ons and personal touches.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a salad that finally steals the spotlight at dinner, it’s time to give BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad a whirl. Every bite is loaded with flavor, color, and texture, making it a staple you’ll reach for all summer long. Grab your skewers and give this crowd-pleaser a try—you’re about to win salad night!
Print
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad that combines smoky grilled chicken skewers with a fresh, vibrant salad loaded with colorful veggies and a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon 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)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or grilled)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- Ranch or creamy dressing for serving
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken with barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Thread onto skewers and marinate for 15–30 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken: Cook skewers on a preheated grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange greens on a platter. Top with tomatoes, corn, red onion, avocado, cheddar cheese. Add grilled chicken, drizzle with dressing, and garnish with cilantro.
- Serve: Enjoy your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad immediately!
Notes
- You can use rotisserie or pre-cooked BBQ chicken for a quicker option.
- To lighten the salad, omit cheese or use vinaigrette dressing.
- Enhance texture with black beans or tortilla strips.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
