This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fun and tasty dish! It features juicy chunks of grilled chicken on skewers, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing that brings it all together.
The best part? You get to eat it off the skewer! I love how easy it is to mix and match your favorite veggies. It’s perfect for a sunny day or a quick weekday dinner. Yum! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe uses chicken breast for a lean option. If you’re looking for a juicier alternative, try thighs instead! They are more flavorful and stay tender when grilled.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to bring personality to the skewers. If you’re after a lighter option, you can use a sugar-free or homemade sauce for a healthier twist.
Romaine Lettuce: While romaine provides a nice crunch, you can swap it out for mixed greens, spinach, or even kale for different flavors and textures.
Corn: You can use canned corn for convenience, but grilled corn adds a fresh, smoky flavor. If corn isn’t available, diced bell peppers can add sweetness.
Black Beans: If beans are not your thing, chickpeas or kidney beans can be a delicious substitute. Both add protein and a nice texture to the salad!
Ranch Dressing: If ranch isn’t your favorite, feel free to swap in a vinaigrette or yogurt-based dressing for a lighter profile. Homemade dressings are often best!
How Do I Grill Chicken Skewers to Make Them Juicy and Flavorful?
Grilling chicken skewers can be simple, but achieving juicy, flavorful chicken requires a few important steps. First, marinate your chicken—this allows it to soak up flavors and remain tender.
- Combine chicken pieces with olive oil, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. This ensures a good sear without drying out the meat.
- When grilling, turn the skewers occasionally to get nice golden grill marks. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Brush on extra BBQ sauce in the last few minutes for an added flavor boost!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn (freshly grilled or canned)
- ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup ranch dressing (or dressing of choice)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad will take about 20 minutes of prep time and another 10-12 minutes for grilling the chicken. If you decide to marinate the chicken longer for extra flavor, add about 30 minutes or overnight into your total time. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for a fresh meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Skewers:
In a large bowl, add the chicken pieces, olive oil, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the chicken is fully coated. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight if you have time). While it marinates, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, and soak the wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.
2. Grill the Chicken:
Once marinated, thread the chicken onto the skewers. Grill the chicken skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want them to be cooked through and have lovely grill marks. If you like saucy chicken, you can brush the skewers with more BBQ sauce while they cook. Yum!
3. Assemble the Salad:
While the chicken is grilling, it’s time to make the salad! In a big bowl, mix together the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, diced red onion, and avocado if you choose to include it. It’s a fresh mix that brings great colors and flavors together!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk the ranch dressing and lime juice together. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This dressing will give your salad a zesty kick!
5. Combine and Serve:
Drizzle the dressing over your salad and toss everything gently to combine. Now, it’s time to serve! Place a generous portion of the salad on a plate, top it with the grilled BBQ chicken skewers, and sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for an extra touch. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad right away!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and flavor to your skewers. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Marinate and grill the thighs the same way as you would with the breasts for delicious results.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick marinade using a mixture of soy sauce, honey, ketchup, and a dash of chili powder for some heat. This will give your chicken a sweet and tangy flavor. Adjust the ingredients according to your taste preferences!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. For the salad, chop and toss the veggies, but wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp!
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. The salad can last for up to 2 days; just make sure to keep an eye on any avocados, as they might brown quickly!
