Get ready to meet your new obsession: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Meal. Imagine juicy barbecue-glazed chicken hot off the grill, nestled atop a bed of crisp, colorful greens, fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and sharp cheddar, all drizzled in tangy ranch and a pop of extra BBQ sauce. This salad isn’t just a dish; it’s a vibrant, satisfying main course that captures everything you love about summer grilling and fresh, wholesome salads in one unforgettable bowl. Whether you’re hosting friends for a backyard get-together or craving a fuss-free, flavor-packed dinner, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Meal delivers excitement and nourishment in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling off the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Meal only takes a handful of simple ingredients, but don’t let that fool you—each ingredient brings its own pop of flavor, color, and irresistible texture. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a quick tip for each, so your salad delivers greatness in every forkful.
- Chicken Breast: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breast for lean, tender protein that soaks up flavor beautifully.
- Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade—sweet, smoky, or spicy—since it’s the star marinade for your chicken cubes.
- Olive Oil: Adds moisture (no dry skewers here!) and helps the spices cling to the chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Brings depth and a comforting savory note to balance the barbecue sauce.
- Smoked Paprika: Just a pinch gives your chicken skewers that irresistible smoky edge without a smoker.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Seasonings you can’t skip—taste and adjust to make this meal sing.
- Mixed Salad Greens: The fresh, leafy base that holds everything together—you can use spring mix, romaine, spinach, or a combo.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy bursts of color and flavor; halve them for easy eating.
- Corn Kernels: Use fresh, grilled, or canned for bites of subtle sweetness and crunch.
- Avocado: Creamy slices make every forkful feel a little more decadent.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for gentle bite and beautiful color contrast.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and richness that play so well with the BBQ flavors.
- Ranch Dressing: Or your dressing of choice—creamy, tangy, and perfect for tying everything together.
- Wooden or Metal Skewers: Essential for grilling fun and easy serving; soak wooden ones if using to prevent burning.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Meal
Step 1: Prepare the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before you get started—this helps avoid any surprise burn marks while grilling. Metal skewers? Skip the soaking and you’re ready to roll.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Time to get messy (in the best way). In a medium bowl, toss your 1-inch chicken cubes with barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every single piece is coated and glossy with marinade. This step infuses all that smoky-sweet flavor directly into the chicken.
Step 3: Thread and Grill
Skewer the marinated chicken cubes snugly onto your skewers—no crowding, but no gaps either! Place the skewers on a preheated grill over medium heat. Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, juicy, and has those irresistible grill marks. If oven roasting, pop them in a 425°F oven for 18–20 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
While the chicken rests (this is key to keeping it extra juicy!), build your salad base. In a large bowl or on a platter, layer mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, kernels of corn, creamy avocado slices, thin red onion, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. You’re crafting a bed ready for BBQ glory.
Step 5: Top and Dress
Gently place the grilled BBQ chicken skewers on top of the salad. Give everything a mouthwatering drizzle: a little extra barbecue sauce for smoky-sweet punch, and your favorite creamy ranch dressing for tang and richness. Serve immediately—this salad waits for no one!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Meal
Garnishes
Garnish with extra fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and a pop of freshness. Crumbled tortilla chips or a sprinkle of chili flakes also add crunch and a gentle heat to complement your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Meal.
Side Dishes
Turn this salad into a well-rounded feast! Pair it with fluffy cornbread, sweet potato fries, or a cooling cucumber salad. These sides add fun flavors without stealing the spotlight from your main attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-worthy presentation, serve the skewers standing upright in a jar or glass alongside the salad platter, or de-skewer the chicken and toss everything together for family-style sharing. Layer the ingredients in jars for picnic-friendly salads, or tuck everything into pita pockets for a BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Meal on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Meal, store the components separately. Keep the grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and save the chopped salad (without dressing) in another container to maintain maximum crunch.
Freezing
Grilled chicken skewers freeze beautifully wrapped tightly and stored in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. The salad ingredients (and avocado in particular) don’t freeze well, so keep those fresh for when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat, remove the chicken from the skewers and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Don’t overdo it, or the chicken may dry out—just a minute or two and you’re back in BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Meal mode!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are rich, juicy, and stand up wonderfully to grilling. They’ll add a slightly deeper flavor and remain tender, so feel free to swap them in for this recipe.
What’s the best way to grill if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
A stove-top grill pan works beautifully! Preheat the pan over medium-high heat and cook the skewers just as you would outside, turning for even charring. You can also use the broiler or roast them in your oven.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes, simply leave out the cheddar cheese or sub in your favorite dairy-free cheese shreds. Choose a dairy-free dressing instead of ranch to keep everything perfectly allergy-friendly.
How can I make this salad extra hearty?
Add canned black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or a handful of crispy tortilla strips. These ingredients bulk up the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Meal and add fun flavors and textures.
What barbecue sauce works best?
Use a barbecue sauce you genuinely love since it defines the flavor profile. Sweet and smoky sauces are classics, but don’t be afraid to go bold with spicy or tangy varieties for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
With every bite, BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Meal proves just how lively and satisfying a salad can be—especially when it combines smoky-grilled chicken, crunchy greens, and all those delicious toppings. Don’t wait for a special occasion to treat yourself; grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and let this incredible ultimate meal bring a spark of cookout magic to your table!
Print
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Meal Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the ultimate summer meal, combining juicy grilled chicken skewers with a vibrant salad loaded with fresh veggies and a tangy barbecue dressing. It’s a perfect dish for a light and flavorful lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Salad:
- 8 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or grilled)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Ranch dressing or dressing of choice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss the chicken cubes with barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Thread onto skewers and grill for 10–12 minutes.
- Assemble the Salad: Combine greens, tomatoes, corn, avocado, red onion, and cheddar in a bowl or on a platter.
- Finish and Serve: Top the salad with grilled chicken skewers. Drizzle with more barbecue sauce and dressing. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can also roast the skewers in a 425°F oven for 18–20 minutes if grilling isn’t an option.
- Add black beans or tortilla strips for a heartier twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad with skewers
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
