BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad – Easy Summer Meal

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is your new go-to for a meal that’s as vibrant and flavorful as it is satisfying. Imagin extracte tender, grilled chicken skewers, infused with smoky BBQ goodness, nestled amongst a bed of crisp greens and fresh, zesty toppings. It’s the perfect marriage of barbecue comfort and salad freshness, making it a summer sensation and a year-round favorite. We all love BBQ chicken, right? It’s that nostalgic, backyard cookout flavor we crave. But this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad elevates it to a whole new level. What makes this dish truly special is its delightful texture combination and the explosion of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes in every single bite. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, offering protein, fiber, and an undeniable taste of summer, no matter the season.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a flavor explosion that’s perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. Imagin extracte tender, grilled chicken skewers coated in your favorite smoky BBQ sauce, served atop a vibrant bed of fresh greens with a creamy, homemade dressing. It’s a dish that hits all the right notes – sweet, savory, tangy, and herbaceous. I love making this for weeknight dinners because it’s relatively quick to prepare but feels special enough for guests. The combination of textures, from the slightly charred chicken to the crisp salad components, is truly delightful.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken Skewers

The first step to creating this delicious salad is preparing the star of the show: the BBQ chicken skewers. Start by cutting your 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This size is perfect for skewering and ensures even cooking. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 3 tablespoons of avocado oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. This helps season the chicken and prevents it from sticking to the grill or pan. Next, it’s time to get them onto the skewers. Gently thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto your 8 pre-soaked wooden skewers. Make sure not to overcrowd the skewers; leaving a little space between the chicken pieces will allow them to cook more evenly and develop a nice char. Reserve about 1/4 cup of your BBQ sauce for brushing on later, and then toss the skewered chicken in the remaining 1 ¾ cups of BBQ sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. You can let this marinate for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or longer in the refrigerator if you have the time.

Grilling the Chicken Skewers

Now for the fun part – cooking those flavorful chicken skewers! You have a few options here. If you’re grilling outdoors, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning them every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. If you don’t have a grill, you can easily cook these indoors. Heat a grill pan or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of avocado oil to the pan and then carefully place the skewers in the hot pan. Cook for about the same amount of time, 8-10 minutes, turning them regularly to ensure even browning and cooking. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the reserved 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken skewers. This will create a lovely caramelized glaze. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked.

Making the Creamy Herb Dressing

While the chicken is cooking or resting, let’s whip up the incredibly delicious and creamy herb dressing. This dressing is what elevates the salad from good to absolutely fantastic. 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, and 1 tablespoon of red grape juice vinegar. Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Blend everything until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. It should be thick and creamy, similar to a mayonnaise consistency. This emulsification is key to a stable and delightful dressing.

Adding the Fresh Herbs

Once the dressing is smooth and emulsified, it’s time to add the fresh herbs. Gently 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 burst of freshness and vibrant color to the dressing, cutting through the richness of the other ingredients. Give it a final gentle stir to distribute the herbs evenly. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed; you might want a little more salt, lemon juice, or even a pinch of pepper. This dressing is incredibly versatile and can be used on other salads as well!

Assembling the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Finally, it’s time to bring everything together for the ultimate BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. Start with your favorite salad greens as the base. This could be a mix of romaine lettuce, spinach, or even some peppery arugula. Arrange your beautifully grilled and glazed BBQ chicken skewers on top of the greens. You can serve the skewers whole, or if you prefer, you can remove the chicken from the skewers and toss it with the greens. Drizzle a generous amount of your freshly made creamy herb dressing over the entire salad. You can add other complementary ingredients like corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, or sliced red onions for extra texture and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this incredibly satisfying and flavorful salad!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a true winner in my book. It’s the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory, with a refreshing crunch from the fresh vegetables. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for your next backyard barbecue. The grilled chicken skewers are incredibly juicy, and when paired with crisp greens and a tangy dressing, it creates a flavor explosion that’s utterly satisfying.

For serving suggestions, I love this salad piled high in a bowl, but it’s also fantastic stuffed into pita pockets or served alongside some crusty bread. Feel free to get creative with variations! Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu, or introduce different vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or cherry tomatoes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite BBQ sauce for a unique twist.

I truly encourage you to give this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad a try. It’s a delightful and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of summer, and I’m confident it will become a regular in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking!

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. Reheat them gently before adding them to your salad for optimal flavor and texture.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

That’s entirely up to your preference! A classic smoky and sweet BBQ sauce is fantastic. However, if you like a bit of heat, a spicy chipotle or Kansas City-style sauce would also be delicious. Don’t be afraid to use your favorite brand or even make your own!

Is this salad good for meal prepping?

Yes, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is excellent for meal prepping. Prepare all the components separately: grill the chicken, chop the vegetables, and keep the dressing on the side. Assemble your salads just before serving to prevent soggin extractess and maintain freshness. This makes for delicious lunches throughout the week!

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

A flavorful salad featuring tender BBQ chicken skewers and 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)
• 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, 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 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred. Brush with remaining BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
3. Step 3
   To make the dressing, 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 in a blender. 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 chicken skewers on a platter. Drizzle generously with the prepared herb dressing. Serve immediately.

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.