BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad- Delicious & Easy Recipe

BBQ chicken skewer salad is an absolute game-changer for your weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Imagin extracte juicy, perfectly grilled chicken skewers, infused with smoky BBQ goodness, nestled amongst a vibrant medley of crisp greens, sweet corn, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocado. It’s the kind of dish that screams summer, even when the weather doesn’t quite cooperate. We all crave those effortless meals that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss, and this BBQ chicken skewer salad certainly fits the bill. What makes it truly special is the dynamic interplay of textures and tastes – the tender chicken, the crunchy vegetables, the zesty dressing – all coming together for a truly satisfying bite. It’s a delightful way to elevate your usual salad game and bring a burst of sunshine to your plate.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, a hearty appetizer, or even a fun weeknight dinner. The smoky sweetness of the BBQ chicken skewers, paired with a creamy, herb-infused dressing, creates a symphony of tastes and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. We’ll be making our own delicious dressing from scratch, which adds a wonderful homemade touch that really elevates the whole salad. Get ready for a seriously satisfying meal!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Chicken Skewers

1. Start by preparing your chicken. Trim any excess fat from the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and then cut them into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size. This will ensure 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 initial coating helps to season the chicken and ensures it doesn’t stick to the skewers.

2. Now, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Thread the seasoned chicken cubes evenly onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers. Soaking the skewers prevents them from burning too quickly on the grill or in the oven, which is essential for a good cooking experience. Aim to have about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking.

3. In a separate small bowl, combine 1.5 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce with the chicken skewers. Make sure each piece of chicken is well-coated in the sauce. Reserve the remaining 0.5 cup of BBQ sauce for later. You can let the chicken marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for a deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

Cooking the BBQ Chicken Skewers

4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the BBQ chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If using the oven, place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked and slightly caramelized. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the skewers with the reserved BBQ sauce for an extra layer of flavor and glaze.

Crafting the Creamy Herb Dressing

5. While the chicken is cooking, let’s make our delicious homemade dressing. This creamy dressing is a refreshing counterpoint to the rich BBQ chicken. 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 the minced garlic cloves. Blend until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. This might take a minute or two. If the dressing seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

6. Once the dressing is emulsified, gently fold in the finely chopped fresh dill fronds and the finely chopped fresh parsley. Stirring these fresh herbs in at the end preserves their vibrant color and fresh, herbaceous flavor, which is key to a bright and flavorful dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a pinch more salt or lemon juice.

Assembling the Salad

Now that our components are ready, it’s time to bring it all together! The beauty of this salad is its versatility. You can serve the BBQ chicken skewers over a bed of fresh greens like romaine lettuce, spinach, or a mixed greens blend. Add some of your favorite salad toppings like corn, black beans, chopped red onion, or even some crum extractbled tortilla chips for extra crunch. Drizzle generously with the creamy herb dressing, and you have a show-stopping meal that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy every bite!

Conclusion:

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad recipe is an absolute winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly flavorful, packed with fresh ingredients, and offers a fantastic balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy notes. The tender, grilled chicken skewers are the star, perfectly complemented by a vibrant medley of crisp vegetables and a delicious dressing. It’s a dish that feels both satisfying and healthy, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing summer barbecue. We love serving it over a bed of mixed greens, quinoa, or even just on its own for a lighter meal. For variations, feel free to swap in your favorite grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn, or experiment with different herbs and spices in your marinade. Don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness of your BBQ sauce or add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes. We truly encourage you to give this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad a try – it’s sure to become a new favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the BBQ chicken skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate and even grill the chicken skewers a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, you can gently reheat them or enjoy them chilled, which is also delicious in the salad. This makes assembly a breeze!

What if I don’t have skewers?

No worries at all! If you don’t have skewers, you can simply grill the marinated chicken pieces directly on the grill grates until cooked through. You can also cube the chicken and toss it directly into the salad after grilling. The flavor will be just as amazing.

What other dressings work well with this salad?

While our recommended BBQ dressing is fantastic, other options that would be delicious include a creamy ranch, a zesty Caesar, or even a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette. The key is to find a dressing that complements the smoky flavor of the BBQ chicken.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

A refreshing salad featuring smoky BBQ chicken skewers with a creamy dill and parsley dressing.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
12 Minutes

Total Time
32 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. Toss with 3 tablespoons avocado oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 cup of the BBQ sauce. Thread chicken onto pre-soaked skewers.
2. Step 2
   Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly 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 emulsified 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
   Once chicken is cooked, brush the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the skewers during the last few minutes of grilling.
6. Step 6
   Remove skewers from the grill and let rest for a few minutes. Serve chicken skewers over a bed of greens (not included in ingredient list, assumed as a base for salad) and drizzle generously with the dill and 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.