Description
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad combines juicy, smoky grilled chicken with crisp, fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply want a nutritious weeknight dinner, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the perfect solution – easy to prepare, visually stunning, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Salad Base:
- 8 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spring mix, or butter lettuce)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or frozen and thawed)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (substitute with dairy-free alternative for dairy-free option)
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (substitute with maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine ¼ cup BBQ sauce, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F) or set your oven to broil.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small spaces between each piece for even cooking.
- Set prepared skewers aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, combine all dressing ingredients: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk until well combined or seal and shake if using a jar.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken Skewers
- Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill or under the broiler.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- During the last minute of cooking, brush the remaining BBQ sauce on the skewers for an extra layer of flavor.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
- In a large serving bowl, arrange the mixed greens as the base.
- Layer on the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, corn, red onion, and avocado.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the vegetables.
- Drizzle with half of the prepared dressing.
Step 6: Add Chicken and Serve
- Place the grilled BBQ chicken skewers on top of the salad or arrange them around the edge of the bowl.
- Serve the remaining dressing on the side.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley.
Notes
Chicken tenderness secret: For the juiciest chicken, don’t overcook it. Remove from heat once it reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Make ahead strategy: Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
For extra smokiness: Add ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke to your BBQ sauce marinade.
Grilling alternative: No grill? No problem! These skewers work beautifully under the broiler or in a grill pan.
Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 670
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 21
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 95
Keywords: bbq chicken skewer salad, grilled chicken salad, summer salad recipes, healthy dinner ideas, bbq chicken recipes, protein salad, meal prep salad