BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad- Easy & Delicious Recipe

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is my absolute go-to for a reason – it’s the perfect marriage of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors all wrapped up in a refreshingly light package. Imagin extracte tender, juicy chicken marinated in your favorite barbecue sauce, grilled to perfection on skewers, and then artfully arranged over a vibrant bed of crisp greens. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a celebration of summer, picnics, and backyard gatherings. People adore this dish because it’s incredibly satisfying without being heavy, offering that delightful grilled flavor we all crave. What makes this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad truly special is the versatility. You can customize the greens, add your favorite crunchy vegetables, and even switch up the barbecue sauce to suit your mood. It’s a dish that’s both impressive enough for guests and simple enough for a weeknight meal, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Summer grilling season calls for fresh, vibrant dishes that are both satisfying and relatively easy to prepare. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad hits all the right notes. Juicy, flavorful BBQ chicken skewers are the star of the show, perfectly complemented by a creamy, herbaceous dressing and a medley of fresh greens. It’s a delightful meal that feels both rustic and refined, ideal for a casual weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue. The skewers themselves are a fun and interactive element, and the homemade dressing is so good, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Chicken Skewers

First things first, let’s get our chicken ready for grilling. You’ll want to cut the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Aim for pieces that are roughly 1-inch square. This ensures they cook evenly and are easy to thread onto the skewers. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 3 tablespoons of avocado oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. This helps to tenderize the chicken and provides a base for seasoning.

Now, it’s time to marinate the chicken with our BBQ sauce. Take 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (I’m using Primal Kitchen here, and it’s fantastic!) and add it to the bowl with the seasoned chicken. Gently toss everything together until each chicken piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor. If you’re pressed for time, even 15 minutes will make a difference.

While the chicken is marinating, let’s get our wooden skewers ready. If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s crucial to pre-soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning up on the grill. I usually fill a shallow dish with water and submerge them completely. Once soaked, carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each piece of chicken to ensure they cook evenly. You should get about 8 skewers with this amount of chicken.

Making the Creamy Herb Dressing

While the grill is heating up, we’ll whip up a delicious homemade dressing. This dressing is what truly elevates the salad from good to spectacular. In a blender or a food processor, combine 1 cup of avocado oil, 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, blend all these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. You’re looking for a creamy consistency, similar to mayonnaise. The egg and avocado oil will emulsify to create that lovely creaminess. If it seems a little too thick, you can add a tiny splash more lemon juice or vinegar. Once blended, stir in 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh dill fronds and 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. These fresh herbs add a wonderful burst of freshness and color. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – you might want a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon.

Grilling the BBQ Chicken Skewers

Now for the fun part – grilling! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Carefully place the chicken skewers onto the hot grill. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. As the skewers cook, brush them with the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. This creates a beautiful, caramelized glaze. Watch them closely to prevent the sauce from burning. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Assembling the Salad

Once the chicken skewers are perfectly grilled and glazed, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. While the skewers are resting, prepare your salad greens. You can use a mix of your favorite lettuce, spinach, or arugula. Arrange the greens on a large platter or individual plates.

Carefully place the rested BBQ chicken skewers on top of the salad greens. Drizzle generously with the creamy herb dressing you made earlier. You can also serve any extra dressing on the side for those who like a little extra. For added texture and flavor, consider adding other elements like sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, or even some toasted nuts. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a complete meal on its own, offering a wonderful balance of smoky, sweet, savory, and fresh flavors. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad recipe is a true winner! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the smoky, sweet flavors of BBQ chicken without the heaviness of traditional BBQ dishes. The combination of tender, grilled chicken skewers with a vibrant, fresh salad creates a meal that’s both satisfying and incredibly healthy. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a fantastic addition to your next backyard cookout. I love how adaptable this dish is – you can easily customize the vegetables and dressing to suit your preferences.

For serving, I often enjoy it on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side of cornbread or some grilled corn on the cob. If you’re looking for variations, consider adding grilled pineapple chunks to your skewers for a tropical twist, or swap out the chicken for firm tofu or shrimp. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your salad components; bell peppers, cucumbers, and red onions are all excellent additions. I really encourage you to give this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the chicken skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate and grill the chicken skewers a day in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can then add them to your salad just before serving for maximum freshness.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

It’s best to store the salad components and the chicken skewers separately. This prevents the salad greens from wilting and the chicken from becoming soggy. Reheat the chicken slightly if desired, or enjoy it cold, and assemble your salad fresh.

Can I use a different kind of BBQ sauce?

Yes, please do! Feel free to use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or even a homemade version. A spicier sauce can add a nice kick, while a vinegar-based sauce will offer a tangier profile. The possibilities are endless!

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

A refreshing salad featuring tender BBQ chicken skewers and a creamy dill-parsley dressing.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
35 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. Toss 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 oven to medium-high heat. Grill or bake skewers for 10-12 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through, turning occasionally. Brush with remaining BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
3. Step 3
   While chicken is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a blender, combine 1 cup avocado oil, egg, coconut milk, lemon juice, red grape juice vinegar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, onion powder, and minced garlic. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4
   Stir in the chopped fresh dill and parsley into the dressing.
5. Step 5
   Remove chicken skewers from grill/oven and let rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken skewers over a bed of greens (not included in ingredient list) and drizzle generously with the dill-parsley dressing.

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.