BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad – Easy Summer Meal

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of summer flavors, perfectly grilled, and tossed with vibrant ingredients. I absolutely adore this dish because it captures that irresistible smoky char of barbecue chicken, transforming it into bite-sized delights that are impossibly addictive. What makes this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad truly special is the way it balances the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce with the freshness of crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy vegetables. It’s the ultimate backyard barbecue upgrade, offering all the comforting flavors we crave with a delightful, lighter twist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to elevate your salad game!

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is my go-to for a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying meal that feels both healthy and indulgent. The smoky, sweet BBQ chicken skewers are the star, perfectly complemented by a creamy, herbaceous dressing and a medley of fresh components. It’s a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for your next backyard gathering. The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it with your favorite greens and vegetables. Get ready to elevate your salad game!

Ingredients:

Preparing the BBQ Chicken Skewers

Let’s start with the heart of our salad: the BBQ chicken skewers. This step is crucial for infusing that delicious smoky and sweet flavor.

First, we need to prep our chicken. Cut the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces. This size is perfect for skewering and ensures even cooking. Place the cubed chicken in a medium bowl. Drizzle it with 3 tablespoons of avocado oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. This initial seasoning will enhance the chicken’s natural flavor and help it brown nicely during cooking.

Now, it’s time to get those skewers ready. If you’re using wooden skewers, and I highly recommend them for that authentic BBQ feel, make sure they’ve been pre-soaked in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill or in the oven. Thread the seasoned chicken cubes onto the pre-soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even heat circulation. Aim for about 5-6 pieces of chicken per skewer.

Next, we’ll coat the chicken with our BBQ sauce. Reserve about 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce for glazing at the end. In a bowl, combine the remaining 1.5 cups of BBQ sauce with the skewered chicken. Gently toss the skewers in the sauce, ensuring each piece of chicken is generously coated. You can also pour the sauce over the skewers in the bowl and then gently turn them to coat. Allow the chicken to marinate in the BBQ sauce for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Now, let’s cook these glorious skewers. You have a couple of great options here. For that classic smoky char, fire up your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 8-12 minutes, flipping them every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the skewers with the reserved 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce for an extra layer of glaze and flavor. You’re looking for that beautiful caramelization.

While our chicken is cooking, let’s whip up a wonderfully creamy and zesty dressing that perfectly complements the richness of the BBQ chicken. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup of avocado oil, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup of unsweetened full fat coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of red grape juice vinegar. Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Blend until the mixture is smooth and emulsified, creating a thick and creamy dressing. This is like a healthier, brighter version of a creamy dressing.

Finishing Touches and Assembly

Once the chicken is cooked and the dressing is ready, it’s time to bring it all together for a show-stopping salad.

After your BBQ chicken skewers have finished cooking and have been brushed with that final glaze, let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken extra tender and moist. While they’re resting, you can prepare your salad base. I love using a mix of crisp romaine lettuce and tender spinach, but feel free to use your favorite greens. You can also add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, red onion slices, cherry tomatoes, or corn kernels for extra color and crunch.

Now for the grand finnon-alcoholic ale: assembling the salad. Arrange your bed of greens and chosen vegetables on a large platter or individual plates. Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the skewers and arrange them artfully over the greens. Drizzle generously with the creamy, herbaceous dressing we made. Finally, to add a burst of freshness and herbaceous notes, sprinkle the salad with 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh dill fronds and 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. The vibrant green herbs are the perfect finishing touch, adding both visual appeal and a refreshing herbaceousness that cuts through the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. This salad is a complete meal in itself, bursting with flavor and texture!

Conclusion:

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad recipe is an absolute winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly versatile, packed with flavor, and the perfect dish for warm-weather gatherings or a light, satisfying weeknight meal. The combination of smoky BBQ chicken skewers, crisp fresh vegetables, and a vibrant dressing creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, this recipe is designed to be approachable and rewarding. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients – that’s part of the fun! I truly encourage you to give this delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad a try. I’m confident it will become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the grilling, the assembling, and most importantly, the eating!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the BBQ chicken skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate and even grill the chicken skewers a day in advance. Store them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them gently or enjoy them cold as part of your salad. This makes assembly on a busy day a breeze.

What are some other vegetables I could add to this salad?

The beauty of this salad is its adaptability. Feel free to add other crunchy vegetables like sliced bell peppers in various colors, thinly sliced red onion, cucumber, or even some sweet corn. For a creamy element, consider adding avocado chunks. Grilled zucchini or asparagus would also be fantastic additions.

How can I make this salad spicier?

To add some heat, you have several options! You can incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into your BBQ chicken marinade or sprinkle it on the skewers before grilling. For the dressing, consider adding a dash of hot sauce, a finely minced jalapeño, or some red pepper flakes. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is yours to customize!

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

A flavorful and refreshing salad featuring grilled BBQ chicken skewers tossed with a creamy homemade dressing.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
25 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups BBQ sauce, divided
• 8 (6-inch) wooden skewers, pre-soaked
• 1 cup avocado oil
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsweetened full fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red grape juice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, toss chicken with 3 tablespoons avocado oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 cup of the BBQ sauce. Thread chicken onto pre-soaked wooden skewers.
2. Step 2
   Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred. Reserve remaining BBQ sauce.
3. Step 3
   While chicken is grilling, prepare the dressing. In a blender, combine 1 cup avocado oil, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup unsweetened full fat coconut milk, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon red grape juice vinegar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4
   Stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds and 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley into the dressing. Toss the grilled chicken skewers with the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce.
5. Step 5
   Arrange a bed of mixed greens (not provided, assumed to be part of a salad base) on a platter. Top with the BBQ chicken skewers and drizzle with the prepared creamy dressing. Serve immediately.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.