This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fun and tasty dish! Juicy chicken pieces grilled to perfection are served on skewers, mixed with fresh greens, and drizzled with your favorite dressing.
It’s like a backyard BBQ on a plate! I love how quick this meal comes together, making it perfect for busy days. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy eating with skewers? It’s just so much more fun! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breast for its lean quality and quick cooking time. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey breast or firm tofu works well too for a vegetarian option.
BBQ Sauce: You can go with your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience. If you’re making it at home, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar for a quick version. Look for sugar-free options if you’re on a low-carb diet.
Corn: Fresh corn, grilled or roasted, adds great flavor. Canned corn is fine too, just make sure to drain and rinse it. Frozen corn is another excellent choice if you don’t have fresh or canned on hand.
Romaine Lettuce: Crunchy and fresh, romaine is perfect here. You can also use spinach, kale, or any mixed greens if romaine isn’t available. They will change the taste a bit, but it will still be delicious!
Cheese: I enjoy adding shredded cheese to balance the flavors. Cheddar is my top pick, but feel free to use pepper jack for a kick, or omit it to keep the salad dairy-free.
How Do You Grill Chicken Skewers to Perfection?
Grilling chicken skewers can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to avoiding dryness. Here’s how to get juicy, perfectly grilled chicken every time:
- Marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes. This helps in flavor and juiciness.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring even cooking and a nice char.
- Cook the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes to cook evenly. A good tip is to baste with more sauce halfway through for extra flavor.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup corn (grilled or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, such as cheddar or Mexican blend)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or desired salad dressing
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad will take about 1 hour to make, including 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Grill the chicken while you prepare the salad and dressing. It’s a perfect dish for a summer day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Skewers:
Start by placing the cubed chicken breast in a mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated. Let this marinate while you soak the skewers and prepare the salad.
2. Soak Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, the next step is to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
3. Assemble Skewers:
Once the chicken is done marinating and the skewers are ready, carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto each skewer. In the meantime, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill Chicken:
Place the prepared skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally for even cooking. The chicken should be fully cooked and have a lovely char on the outside. For extra flavor, feel free to baste them with more BBQ sauce while grilling!
5. Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, corn, cherry tomatoes, black beans, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. If you like cheese, sprinkle in some shredded cheese for added flavor.
6. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed—this dressing is what will tie all your flavors together!
7. Combine:
Drizzle the dressing over your salad mixture and toss everything together gently until evenly coated. It’s best to do this right before serving so the lettuce stays fresh and crisp!
8. Serve:
To serve, place the salad on plates and top each serving with one or two BBQ chicken skewers. You can add a bit more chopped cilantro on top for garnish if you wish. Enjoy your colorful and tasty BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and juiciness to your skewers. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook thoroughly—make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Dressing?
If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can easily substitute ranch dressing with Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of lemon juice or a vinaigrette of your choice. This will still provide a creamy texture but with a lighter profile.
How Should I Store Leftover Salad and Chicken Skewers?
Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad can be kept for up to 2 days, while the chicken skewers should be consumed within 3 days for optimal flavor and freshness. Reheat the skewers gently on the grill or in the microwave before serving!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Salad?
Certainly! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference. Bell peppers, cucumbers, or even avocado make great additions to the salad and will enhance both the flavor and nutrition of the dish.
