Picture this: a sunny afternoon barbecue where the smoky aroma of grilled chicken fills the air, and everyone gathers around for something fresh and satisfying. That’s exactly what inspired my BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad—a perfect blend of juicy, BBQ-glazed chicken skewers tossed over a vibrant bed of greens and veggies. I’ve made this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad countless times for family gatherings, and it never fails to impress with its bold flavors and easy prep. What I love most is how it turns simple ingredients into a meal that’s both hearty and light, ideal for those warm days when you want to enjoy the outdoors without slaving over the stove.
In my experience, the key to a great BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad lies in the balance of smoky sweetness from the sauce and the crisp freshness of the salad base. It’s a recipe that’s versatile too—you can tweak it for picky eaters or amp up the spice for adventure seekers. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that screams summer, this is it. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to method so you can whip up your own BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad and make some memories.
For more salad inspiration, check out our Caprese Pasta Salad or the refreshing Cucumber Carrot Salad. Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways:
- BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad combines grilled chicken with fresh veggies for a balanced, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for summer barbecues.
- Prep time is just 20 minutes, with cooking taking another 15, making this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad a quick weeknight option.
- The smoky BBQ flavor pairs beautifully with crisp lettuce and tangy dressing, creating an explosion of taste in every bite.
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor, but even a quick soak works wonders for the best results.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; serve cold or gently reheated for a fresh twist anytime.
Why You’ll Adore This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Effortless Summer Entertaining: Hosting a cookout doesn’t have to be stressful, and this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad proves it. With minimal chopping and hands-off grilling, you’ll spend more time chatting with friends than in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but comes together in under an hour, leaving everyone raving.
Nutrient-Packed and Satisfying: Who says salads can’t be filling? Loaded with lean protein from the chicken and a rainbow of veggies, this recipe keeps you energized without the heaviness. I always feel great after enjoying it, and it’s a sneaky way to get more greens into your day.
Customizable Flavor Adventure: From mild to spicy BBQ sauces, you can tailor this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad to your taste buds. Add extras like avocado or feta for a personal touch—it’s endlessly adaptable and keeps things exciting.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike dig into these skewers, making meal time a breeze. The fun presentation of skewers over salad turns dinner into an event, and leftovers make fantastic lunchbox surprises the next day.
Essential Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here, providing lean protein that’s quick to grill and absorbs the BBQ sauce beautifully. I recommend cutting them into even 1-inch cubes for uniform cooking—trust me, it makes a huge difference in tenderness. In the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, they become juicy and flavorful skewers that elevate the whole dish from ordinary to outstanding.
BBQ Sauce: Choose a thick, tangy BBQ sauce with a hint of smokiness to glaze the chicken—it’s what gives this salad its signature bold taste. A good one has notes of molasses and vinegar that caramelize perfectly on the grill. Don’t skimp; the right sauce transforms simple chicken into something irresistible in your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad.
Mixed Greens and Veggies: A base of romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers adds crunch and color to balance the richness of the chicken. These fresh elements keep the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad light and refreshing, preventing it from feeling too heavy. Freshness is key—pick vibrant produce for the best texture and nutrition.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Prepare the Chicken and Marinate
Start by cubing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and tossing them in a bowl with about half a cup of your favorite BBQ sauce—let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up that smoky goodness. I like to add a dash of olive oil and garlic powder for extra depth, but keep it simple if you’re short on time. This step ensures every piece in your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is infused with flavor from the get-go. Thread the chicken onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
Grill the Skewers to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F, and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking—safety first! Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes and brushing with more BBQ sauce for a glossy finish. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken is opaque, reaches 165°F internally, and has those beautiful char marks. The sizzle and aroma will have everyone hovering—it’s the highlight of making this salad.
Assemble the Fresh Salad Base
While the skewers rest, chop your mixed greens, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the bell peppers and red onions thinly, and toss everything in a large bowl with a light vinaigrette or ranch dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping it vibrant and crisp. Now, slide the warm BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad skewers off onto the salad, drizzling any extra sauce over top for that final burst of flavor. For a pro move, incorporate elements from our 5-Minute Asian Sesame Dressing Recipe if you want an Asian twist.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, divided
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water
- 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or arugula)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 avocado, sliced for garnish
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Instructions
- Marinate the chicken cubes in 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper for 15-30 minutes.
- Thread chicken onto soaked skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning and basting with remaining sauce until cooked through.
- Prepare the salad by tossing greens, tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion with a light dressing.
- Remove chicken from skewers and arrange over the salad; serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Soak Your Skewers: Always soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill—it’s a small step that saves hassle.
Baste Liberally: Brush on extra BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for that sticky, caramelized exterior everyone loves.
Room Temp Chicken: Let the chicken sit out for 10 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking and juicier results.
You Must Know
- This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is gluten-free if you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce—perfect for dietary needs.
- Grilling time may vary based on skewer thickness; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- The salad base wilts quickly under heat, so add chicken after resting for maximum crunch.
- Nutritionally, each serving offers about 350 calories with 30g protein—great for balanced meals.
How to Store BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
To keep your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad fresh, store the chicken and salad components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dressing can be added just before serving to avoid sogginess. For reheating, warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave—it’s best enjoyed cold as a salad the next day, maintaining that BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad vibe without losing texture.
Customizing Your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian twist, or add corn and black beans for a Southwestern flair in your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. If you’re watching carbs, bulk up with more greens instead of extras. For spice lovers, mix in jalapeños or use a hotter BBQ sauce. Check out our Korean Cucumber Salad for ideas on adding pickled elements.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Pair this with crusty garlic bread or corn on the cob for a complete barbecue spread—simple sides that soak up the flavors. For beverages, iced tea or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness beautifully. If you’re feeding a crowd, add potato wedges or our easy Potato Soup Recipe on the side for variety. It’s versatile enough for picnics or indoor dinners alike.
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
A vibrant salad featuring grilled BBQ chicken skewers, fresh vegetables, corn, and a creamy dill dressing for a high-protein summer meal.
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 02 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 03 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 04 2 cups BBQ sauce (divided, such as Primal Kitchen)
- 05 8 wooden skewers ((6-inch), pre-soaked)
- 06 1 cup avocado oil
- 07 1 egg (large)
- 08 1/2 cup unsweetened full fat coconut milk
- 09 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 10 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 11 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 13 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 14 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds
- 15 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 16 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 17 4 ears corn
- 18 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 19 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce (from about 2 small heads)
- 20 6 green onions (thinly sliced (green parts only))
- 21 16 ounces quartered grape tomatoes (about 2 cups)
- 22 1 black beans ((15-ounce) can drained and rinsed)
- 23 1/4 cup loosely packed, freshly chopped cilantro leaves
- 24 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil
- 25 1 avocado (peeled, seeded, and diced into medium cubes)
FILED UNDER:
NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Can I make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prep the chicken skewers and salad base up to a day in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. Grill just before serving to keep everything fresh and warm. This makes it ideal for parties without last-minute stress.
How long does BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad last in the fridge?
When stored properly, your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad will stay good for 3 days. Beyond that, the veggies might soften, so aim to enjoy it soon. Always check for freshness before eating.
Is BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad keto-friendly?
Yes, it can be with a few tweaks like using a low-carb BBQ sauce and skipping sugary add-ins. Focus on the protein and greens for a keto win—it’s naturally low in carbs otherwise.
Can I bake the skewers instead of grilling?
Definitely; preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad method works great indoors, especially on rainy days, without losing much flavor.
What if I don’t have skewers?
No problem—just grill the chicken cubes directly or use metal alternatives. The salad assembly stays the same for an easy adaptation.
How do I make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad spicier?
Add chili flakes to the marinade or choose a spicy BBQ sauce—your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad will have that kick without overpowering the fresh elements. Start small and adjust to taste.
Can kids eat this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?
Yes, it’s fun and mild enough for little ones; let them pull the chicken off skewers themselves. Mild sauce keeps it family-approved.
What’s the best dressing for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?
A simple ranch or honey mustard complements the smokiness perfectly, but experiment with vinaigrettes for lightness. Avoid heavy creams to let the flavors shine.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish like this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad that brings people together over good food and even better company. From the first bite to the last, it’s all about those layers of flavor and freshness that make meals memorable. I encourage you to fire up the grill this weekend and give it a try—you won’t be disappointed. Share your twists in the comments; I’d love to hear how your version turns out!