BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that perfectly captures summer on a plate: the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe. This vibrant, hearty salad is a blend of juicy, barbecue-glazed chicken skewers, crisp veggies, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, all piled high atop fresh greens. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or just looking for something satisfying on a weeknight, the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe is as colorful as it is craveable. Each bite brings together smoky char, crunchy salad textures, and a hint of indulgence with your favorite dressing—trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this recipe is how each ingredient has its moment to shine—nothing fancy, just the right mix for a parade of flavors and textures. These kitchen staples combine effortlessly to deliver striking color, taste, and wholesome bite.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is meaty, lean, and perfect for quick, juicy grilling.
- Barbecue sauce: Adds irresistible smoky, tangy, sweet flavor that soaks into every bite of chicken.
- Olive oil: Keeps the marinade luscious and ensures a golden, tender finish on the grill.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness and warm color—totally worth having on hand!
- Garlic powder: A sprinkle gives the chicken extra punch without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt: Essential to bring out all those savory notes and balance the sweet barbecue sauce.
- Black pepper: Rounds out the spice blend, adding a gentle kick and aroma.
- Mixed greens or romaine lettuce: The crisp, cool base that contrasts beautifully with the warm chicken.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy sweetness pops with every bite—halved for perfect forkfuls.
- Cucumber: Cooling crunch gives balance and fresh hydration to the salad.
- Red onion: Thin slices provide a bit of zip and extra color to your plate.
- Corn kernels: Whether grilled or canned, corn adds a touch of sweetness and sunshine yellow.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts just enough against the warm chicken for major comfort vibes.
- Ranch dressing or dressing of choice: Creamy, tangy, or zesty—your pick, but it ties everything together beautifully.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing the cubed chicken breasts in a large bowl with the barbecue sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it all a thorough mix so every piece is coated, then cover and refrigerate. A quick 30-minute soak is all you need, but if you have extra time, let it sit longer for even deeper flavor!
Step 2: Prepare and Grill the Skewers
While your grill or grill pan preheats to medium-high, thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers. This not only makes grilling easy but helps each piece develop those golden, slightly charred edges we all crave. Grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning and brushing with extra barbecue sauce as you go for a sticky, caramelized finish. The smell will bring everyone to the backyard!
Step 3: Build the Salad Base
While the chicken cooks, arrange the fresh greens across a large bowl or individual plates. Scatter on the cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, corn, and cheddar cheese, making sure every plate is colorful and inviting. This is the moment to layer up for maximum visual (and textural) impact.
Step 4: Top and Dress the Salad
Once your chicken skewers are done, carefully slide the chicken from the skewers and place the juicy pieces right on top of the salad. Drizzle everything with ranch dressing or your favorite vinaigrette. The warmth from the chicken just slightly softens the cheese and brings all those flavors together.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Sprinkle everything with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley to brighten up your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe. Try a few extra grilled corn kernels or even a dash of smoked paprika on top—it’s these little touches that make your salad look and taste restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair your salad with crusty bread or warm pita wedges for something to mop up the extra dressing. Grilled sweet potatoes or a cool fruit salad work well too, keeping the BBQ vibes going while adding even more variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Amp up the fun by serving the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe deconstructed—skewers on the side, veggies and cheese in little piles, and dressing in a mason jar, so everyone can build their perfect salad. Or try stuffing the salad into wraps or pita pockets for an easy eat-on-the-go spin!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extras, store the chicken and salad components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the greens from getting soggy and the chicken tasting fresh and flavorful for up to three days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked BBQ chicken pieces for up to two months. Lay them flat in a freezer bag; just know that the veggies and greens won’t freeze well—always use fresh when assembling the salad.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, microwave gently or warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of extra barbecue sauce. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the chicken. Once warm, let it cool slightly before adding to your salad so the greens stay crisp.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are extra juicy and flavorful—just keep an eye on cooking time, as they may be a touch fattier and can take a minute or two longer to grill.
What are the best types of barbecue sauce for this salad?
Both classic, smoky sauces and sweet, tangy flavors work great. Feel free to experiment with regional styles or make your own barbecue sauce for a personal twist on the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as your barbecue sauce and ranch dressing are certified gluten-free, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe fits perfectly into a gluten-free diet.
How can I make this salad low-carb?
Skip the corn and cheese or substitute with diced avocado or olives for extra healthy fats. You’ll still get all the essential BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe flavors with fewer carbs!
Can I cook the chicken without a grill?
Definitely. A grill pan or even your oven’s broiler works well—just watch for nice browning and doneness. The smoky flavor might be subtler but the salad is still delicious!
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a meal that brings friends and family running to the table, the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From the zesty marinade to the fresh, crunchy veggies, every step is worth savoring. Give it a try this week, and don’t be surprised when it earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!
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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 combines tender grilled chicken skewers with a fresh, vibrant salad base for a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (plus more for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens or romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup corn kernels (grilled or canned)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ranch dressing or dressing of choice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken with barbecue sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken Skewers: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning and brushing with additional barbecue sauce, until fully cooked.
- Prepare the Salad: Arrange mixed greens in a bowl or on plates. Top with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, corn, and cheddar cheese.
- Assemble: Remove chicken from skewers and place on top of the salad. Drizzle with ranch dressing or your preferred dressing.
- Serve: Enjoy the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad immediately.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce.
- For a smoky flavor, grill the corn before adding it to the salad.
- To make it low-carb, omit the corn and cheese or substitute with avocado.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
