This versatile BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a complete meal in one bowl, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. Packed with smoky grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, it’s a healthy and satisfying option that’s incredibly easy to whip up.
Key Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup your favorite BBQ sauce, plus more for brushing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese (optional)
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a revelation in simplicity and taste. The smoky, tender grilled chicken skewers are the star, perfectly complemented by a vibrant mix of fresh veggies and a creamy, tangy homemade dressing. It’s a satisfying meal that comes together in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly. If you have time, let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Grill the Chicken Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Brush with additional BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for extra flavor and glaze. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Prepare the Salad Base: While the chicken is grilling or resting, prepare your salad. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and corn kernels.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Salad: Remove the chicken from the skewers and chop it into bite-sized pieces if desired, or simply place the skewers on top of the salad. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese, if using. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad!
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
You’ll adore this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad for its sensational smoky-sweet chicken skewers that deliver a burst of grilled goodness in every bite. It’s an incredibly budget-friendly meal compared to dining out for similar dishes, making it perfect for saving money without sacrificing flavor. The vibrant combination of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and zesty red onion, all brought together by a creamy, tangy BBQ ranch dressing, elevates this salad into something truly special and deeply satisfying.
Forget those bland, uninspired salads; this recipe is a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, offering a taste that’s both comforting and exciting. Think of it as a deconstructed and lighter take on your favorite BBQ chicken platter, perfect for when you crave those classic smoky notes but want a cooler, more refreshing experience. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this easy-to-make masterpiece that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store any leftover BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, it’s best to keep the components separate to maintain freshness and texture. Store the grilled chicken skewers (off the skewers) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The prepared salad vegetables can also be stored in a separate airtight container for up to 3 days. The dressing should be kept in a separate, sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply combine the salad vegetables in a bowl, add the chicken, and then drizzle with fresh dressing. Reheating the chicken is optional; you can serve it cold or gently warm it in a skillet or microwave. Freezing is not recommended for this salad as it will significantly impact the texture of the fresh vegetables and the creamy dressing.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a true crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. I encourage you to gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try at home – you won’t be disappointed by its simplicity and fantastic taste!
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BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly. If you have time, let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, 1/4 cup your favorite BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Brush with additional BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for extra flavor and glaze. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.1/4 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- While the chicken is grilling or resting, prepare your salad. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and corn kernels.1 head romaine lettuce, chopped, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, to taste Salt and pepper
- Remove the chicken from the skewers and chop it into bite-sized pieces if desired, or simply place the skewers on top of the salad. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad.
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese, if using. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad!1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese