BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad – Delicious & Easy Recipe

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the ultimate summer sensation, and for good reason! Imagin extracte tender, smoky chicken pieces, kissed by the grill and glazed with your favorite barbecue sauce, all nestled atop a vibrant bed of fresh greens. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture, a dish that perfectly balances that craveable sweet and savory BBQ goodness with the refreshing crunch of crisp vegetables. What makes this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad truly special is its versatility and ease of preparation. It’s ideal for backyard barbecues, quick weeknight dinners, or even as a light yet satisfying lunch. The combination of juicy chicken, zesty dressing, and colorful produce is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, making this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad a go-to recipe for any occasion.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue. Juicy, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection are tossed with a bed of fresh greens and a creamy, tangy homemade dressing. It’s a dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent, and the best part is, it’s surprisingly easy to put together. We’ll be making our own delicious dressing from scratch, which elevates this salad from ordinary to extraordinary. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this with you!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Chicken Skewers

Let’s get started with the star of our salad – the chicken skewers! First, take your 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. It’s best to cut these into uniform, bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 3 tablespoons of avocado oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. This initial seasoning helps to tenderize the chicken and provides a base for the flavors to come.

Now, it’s time for the BBQ sauce. We’re going to use a good portion of our 2 cups of BBQ sauce here. Reserve about 1/2 cup for serving later. Add the remaining 1.5 cups of BBQ sauce to the seasoned chicken. Toss everything gently until each piece of chicken is generously coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for a more intense flavor, refrigerate for up to 4 hours. While the chicken is marinating, take your 8 (6-inch) wooden skewers and make sure they are fully submerged in water. Soaking them is crucial to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Grilling the Chicken

Once your chicken has had time to marinate and your skewers are well-soaked, it’s time to assemble and grill. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers. Don’t overcrowd them; leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. You should get about 6-8 pieces of chicken per skewer.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You can use an outdoor grill or a grill pan on your stovetop. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Carefully place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The BBQ sauce can caramelize quickly, so keep an eye on them and turn them regularly to avoid burning. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and set them aside to rest for a few minutes.

Crafting the Creamy Lemon-Dill Dressing

While the chicken is resting, we’ll whip up a fantastic homemade dressing. This dressing is bright, zesty, and has a wonderful creamy texture that perfectly complements the smoky BBQ chicken. In a blender or food processor, combine 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.

Now, with the blender or food processor running on low, slowly drizzle in 1 cup of avocado oil in a thin, steady stream. This emulsifies the dressing, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. Continue to blend until the dressing is thick and well combined. Once the dressing is emulsified, stir in 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh dill fronds and 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. These herbs add a burst of freshness and beautiful color. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed – you might want a little more salt or lemon juice depending on your preference.

Assembling Your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This is the moment we’ve been waiting for! In a large salad bowl, arrange your favorite salad greens. You can use anything from crisp romaine to a peppery arugula mix. Add any of your desired optional additions like juicy cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion for a bit of bite, sweet corn kernels, or creamy avocado slices.

Once the chicken skewers have rested, carefully remove the cooked chicken pieces from the skewers and place them over the greens. Drizzle generously with the remaining reserved BBQ sauce. Then, it’s time for our homemade dressing! Drizzle the creamy lemon-dill dressing all over the salad. Don’t be shy – this dressing is meant to be enjoyed! Toss everything gently to coat the greens and chicken with the dressing and BBQ sauce. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite of your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad!

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to create this incredibly versatile and delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad! This recipe truly shines because it offers the best of both worlds: the smoky, sweet char of grilled chicken skewers combined with the refreshing crunch and vibrant flavors of a hearty salad. It’s a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner, a impressive potluck dish, or a satisfying lunch that will keep you fueled. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your additions!

For serving, I love to present it family-style with the skewers nestled atop the salad. It also works beautifully as individual bowls, allowing each person to customize their own. Consider pairing it with some crusty bread for soaking up any extra dressing, or even a side of corn on the cob during grilling season.

As for variations, feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or firm tofu for a different protein. Bell peppers and red onions are classic additions to the skewers, but feel free to experiment with pineapple chunks, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. For the salad base, beyond the greens, consider adding grilled corn, black beans, avocado, or even some crum extractbled feta cheese. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a recipe that truly begs for personalization. I encourage you to give it a try soon and discover your favorite combinations!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the chicken skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate and even grill the chicken skewers a day in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently under the broiler or on the grill for a minute or two before adding them to your salad to ensure they are warm and juicy.

What kind of greens work best for this salad?

A mix of sturdy greens like romaine lettuce or a spring mix holds up well to the other ingredients. If you prefer something softer, spinach or even butter lettuce can also be used, though they might wilt slightly more if the chicken is still very warm.

Can I make a vegetarian version of this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?

Definitely! Instead of chicken, thread cubes of extra-firm tofu or halloumi cheese onto skewers. Marinate them in a similar BBQ sauce and grill until golden brown and slightly charred. They make a wonderful vegetarian protein component for this delicious salad.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

A refreshing salad featuring grilled BBQ chicken skewers tossed with a creamy, herb-infused dressing. Perfect for a light and flavorful meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
30 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 BBQ sauce. Thread chicken onto pre-soaked skewers.
2. Step 2
   Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
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 emulsified.
4. Step 4
   Stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds and 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley into the dressing.
5. Step 5
   Once chicken skewers are cooked, remove chicken from skewers and place in a large bowl. Add the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce and toss to coat. Drizzle with the prepared herb dressing and gently toss to combine.
6. Step 6
   Serve the BBQ chicken skewer salad immediately, garnished with extra herbs if desired.

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.