BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is more than just a meal; it’s a vibrant celebration on a plate, perfect for those long summer evenings or anytime you crave a taste of sunshine. Imagin extracte tender, perfectly grilled chicken, kissed with smoky barbecue flavor, skewered and then nestled amongst crisp, colorful vegetables. It’s the ultimate fusion of hearty barbecue and refreshing salad, a combination that’s hard to resist.

Why do we all adore this dish?

It’s the satisfying chew of the chicken, the delightful crunch of fresh greens, and the bright, zesty dressing that brings it all together. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite produce. What truly makes our BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad special is the effortless way it transforms simple ingredients into something truly spectacular. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both incredibly healthy and delightfully indulgent.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: A Smoky, Tangy Delight

Name: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 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

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is my go-to for a light yet satisfying meal that bursts with flavor. The smoky sweetness of the grilled chicken skewers, tossed in a vibrant, creamy dressing, makes for an unforgettable combination. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a backyard BBQ, or even a healthy lunch prep. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! Let’s get started.

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

Preparing the BBQ Chicken Skewers

The foundation of this delicious salad is perfectly grilled chicken skewers. We’ll start by prepping our chicken and getting it ready for the grill.

1. Chicken Prep and Marination: Begin extract by trimming any excess fat from your 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut each chicken breast into roughly 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and are the perfect size for skewering. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 3 tablespoons of avocado oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. This initial seasoning helps to tenderize the chicken and provide a subtle base flavor. Now, it’s time for the star of the show: the BBQ sauce! Reserve about 1/2 cup of the BBQ sauce for serving later. Add the remaining 1.5 cups of BBQ sauce to the bowl with the chicken. Gently toss everything together until each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the rich, tangy sauce. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor infusion. The longer it marinates, the more the BBQ sauce will penetrate the chicken.

2. Skewering the Chicken: While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to get our skewers ready. If you’re using wooden skewers, as we are with these 8 (6-inch) ones, it’s crucial to pre-soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This step prevents the wooden skewers from burning on the grill, ensuring your chicken is cooked to perfection without any charred wood bits. Once the skewers are soaked and the chicken has marinated, thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. This spacing allows for even cooking and browning on all sides of the chicken. Aim to put about 3-4 chicken pieces on each skewer, depending on the size of your cubes and the length of the skewer.

Crafting the Creamy Herb Dressing

While the chicken is on the grill, we can whip up a delightful, homemade creamy herb dressing that will elevate this salad from good to absolutely amazing. This dressing is inspired by classic creamy dressings but with a fresh twist.

3. Making the Creamy Herb Dressing: For the dressing, we’ll create a flavorful emulsion. In a medium bowl or the carafe of an immersion blender, combine 1 large egg, 1/2 cup 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 the 2 minced garlic cloves. Whisk everything together vigorously or use an immersion blender to combine. Slowly drizzle in 1 cup of avocado oil while continuously whisking or blending. The key here is to add the oil gradually to allow the dressing to emulsify and thicken properly. You should end up with a creamy, well-combined dressing.

4. Adding Fresh Herbs to the Dressing: Once the dressing has reached a beautiful, creamy consistency, it’s time to incorporate the fresh herbs. Gently fold in 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh dill fronds and 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. The dill adds a bright, slightly anise-like note, while the parsley brings a fresh, herbaceous balance. Stir until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – you might want a pinch more salt or a splash more lemon juice. This dressing is packed with flavor and will beautifully complement the smoky BBQ chicken.

Grilling the Chicken and Assembling the Salad

Now for the final steps: grilling our beautifully marinated chicken skewers and then bringin extractg it all together into a stunning salad.

5. Grilling the BBQ Chicken Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, carefully place the chicken skewers onto the grill grates. Grill for approximately 8-10 minutes, turning them every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Watch them closely to prevent burning, as the BBQ sauce can caramelize and burn quickly. If the chicken seems to be browning too fast, you can move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.

6. Assembling Your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: While the chicken is resting, you can arrange your salad base. I love serving this salad on a bed of crisp mixed greens, but romaine lettuce or even spinach would work beautifully. Arrange the rested chicken skewers on top of your greens. Now, drizzle generously with the reserved 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce and then, with a flourish, spoon the creamy herb dressing over the skewers and greens. You can also serve the extra dressing on the side for those who like a bit more! The combination of the smoky, sweet BBQ chicken, the bright, tangy dressing, and the fresh greens is truly a winner. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a fantastic BBQ chicken skewer salad recipe that’s perfect for grilling season or any time you’re craving a burst of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors! This dish truly shines because it combines the irresistible char of grilled chicken skewers with the refreshing crunch of a vibrant salad. It’s a complete meal that’s both satisfying and healthy, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck addition. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your serving! While it’s wonderful on its own, I love serving it alongside some fluffy quinoa or a side of crusty bread. For variations, consider adding some grilled pineapple to your skewers for a tropical twist, or swap out the greens for a hearty knon-alcoholic ale or spinach base. You could also introduce other grilled vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the skewers for an extra layer of flavor and texture. I genuinely encourage you to give this BBQ chicken skewer salad a try – I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make the BBQ chicken skewers ahead of time?

Yes, 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, or enjoy them chilled for a refreshing twist.

Q: What are some good vegetarian or vegan alternatives?

For a vegetarian option, try marinating and grilling halloumi cheese or firm tofu cubes. For a vegan version, firm or extra-firm tofu marinated in your favorite BBQ sauce works wonderfully. You could also use grilled portobello mushrooms or thick slices of sweet potato.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! You can achieve delicious BBQ chicken skewers by baking them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and slightly browned.