BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of summer flavors packed into one vibrant dish. Who doesn’t love the smoky sweetness of barbecue chicken, perfectly grilled on a skewer and then tossed with crisp, fresh greens? This isn’t your average side salad. It’s a hearty, satisfying option that bridges the gap between a light lunch and a full-fledged dinner. What truly makes our BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad special is the delightful contrast of textures and tastes. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken marinated in our signature BBQ sauce, mingling with the crunch of romaine, the sweetness of corn, the pop of cherry tomatoes, and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties it all together. It’s the ultimate way to capture that beloved backyard barbecue essence any day of the week, and it’s incredibly easy to whip up.

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

Get Ready for a Flavor Explosion!

Flavorful BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: A Summer Delight

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a celebration of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. The star of the show is undoubtedly the tender, grilled chicken, coated in a rich BBQ sauce and served atop a vibrant bed of salad greens with a luscious homemade dressing. It’s the kind of dish that brings a smile to your face and transports you straight to a summer backyard barbecue, no matter the season. The skewers make it fun to eat, and the customizable salad base means you can adapt it to your favorite produce. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this delicious creation with you!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Chicken Skewers

1. Begin extract by preparing your chicken. Trim any excess fat from the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and then cut them into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1-inch to 1.5-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly on the skewers. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 3 tablespoons of avocado oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Make sure each piece is lightly coated. This oil helps to prevent sticking and promotes browning, while the salt enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.

2. Next, it’s time to get saucy! Take approximately 1.5 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce and generously coat the seasoned chicken cubes. Ensure every piece is well-covered in the delicious sauce. The remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce will be used for basting and for serving, adding an extra layer of flavor.

3. Now, thread the saucy chicken pieces onto your pre-soaked wooden skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a small space between each piece of chicken to allow for even cooking and to make them easier to turn on the grill or in the pan. You should be able to fit about 4-5 chicken pieces per skewer, depending on their size. Pre-soaking your skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (or longer if you have the time) is crucial to prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re not grilling, you can also cook these in a skillet or under the broiler.

Cooking the BBQ Chicken Skewers

4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re not grilling, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of avocado oil, or preheat your broiler to high. Carefully place the chicken skewers on the hot grill grates. Grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning them every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. During the last few minutes of grilling, you can brush the skewers with some of the reserved BBQ sauce for an extra glossy finish and intensified flavor. If cooking in a skillet, sear the skewers for a similar amount of time, turning regularly, until cooked through. For broiling, place skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil and broil for about 4-5 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Whipping Up the Creamy Lemon-Dill Dressing

5. While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to prepare the delightful dressing that will tie this salad together. In a blender or 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, 1 tablespoon of red grape juice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. This creates a creamy, rich dressing that’s surprisingly light.

6. Once the dressing is smooth, add the finely chopped fresh dill fronds and finely chopped fresh parsley to the blender. Pulse a few times until the herbs are just incorporated. Be careful not to over-blend at this stage, as you want to see those beautiful flecks of green throughout the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This dressing is wonderfully versatile and can be used on other salads as well.

Assembling Your Delicious Salad

7. Once the chicken skewers are cooked and have rested for a couple of minutes, you’re ready to assemble your salad. Start by placing a generous bed of your favorite salad greens in large bowls or on a platter. If you’re using any additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or sliced red onion, arrange them artfully over the greens.

8. Carefully place the cooked BBQ chicken skewers on top of the salad. Drizzle a generous amount of the creamy lemon-dill dressing over the entire salad. You can also serve the remaining BBQ sauce on the side for those who want an extra kick. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is best served immediately while the chicken is warm and the salad is crisp and fresh. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your ultimate guide to creating a sensational BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad! This recipe truly shines because it’s a perfect marriage of smoky, grilled chicken and vibrant, fresh ingredients. The ease of preparation combined with the explosion of flavors makes it an absolute winner for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a delightful backyard gathering. The tender, marinated chicken skewers, kissed by the grill, provide a fantastic protein punch that pairs beautifully with the crisp greens, juicy vegetables, and tangy dressing. I truly hope you’ll give this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad a try; I’m confident you’ll love its delicious simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal.

For serving suggestions, consider pairing it with some crusty bread for soaking up any extra dressing, or serve it alongside corn on the cob for a truly classic summer meal. If you’re looking to switch things up, try different marinades for your chicken, like a honey-lime or a spicy jerk seasoning. You can also swap out the salad greens for a mix of romaine and spinach, or add some grilled pineapple chunks for a touch of sweetness. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad your own!

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. Simply reheat them gently before adding them to your salad, or serve them chilled for a refreshing twist.

What other vegetables work well in this salad?

The beauty of this salad is its versatility! Bell peppers of any color, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and corn are fantastic additions. Grilled zucchini or asparagus also add a wonderful depth of flavor and texture.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

A refreshing salad featuring smoky BBQ chicken skewers served with a creamy, herb-infused dressing.

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, such as Primal Kitchen)
• 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 and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Thread chicken onto pre-soaked skewers.
2. Step 2
   Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until cooked through. Brush with 1 cup of BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
3. Step 3
   While chicken cooks, 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 creamy.
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
   Arrange grilled BBQ chicken skewers on a platter. Serve with the dill and parsley dressing on the side.
6. Step 6
   Drizzle remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken skewers 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.