BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad – Easy Delicious Meal

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of summer flavors and effortless entertaining. Who doesn’t love the smoky, sweet char of perfectly grilled chicken skewers? We certainly do! This dish takes that beloved barbecue staple and elevates it into a vibrant, satisfying salad that’s perfect for picnics, backyard gatherings, or even a healthy weeknight dinner. What truly makes our BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad special is the delightful contrast of textures and tastes: tender, juicy chicken meeting crisp, fresh greens, all brought together by a zesty dressing that sings of sunshine. It’s a dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat, promising a burst of flavor with every single bite.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy, all brought together with a creamy, herb-infused dressing. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress guests at a casual gathering. The grilled chicken skewers add a delightful char and irresistible flavor, while the fresh salad components provide a refreshing counterpoint. And the homemade dressing? It’s a game-changer!

Ingredients:

Preparing the BBQ Chicken Skewers

Let’s start by getting our chicken ready for the grill. First, trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Then, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This size is perfect for skewering and ensures they cook evenly. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 3 tablespoons of avocado oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Make sure each piece is lightly coated. This initial seasoning helps to tenderize the chicken and provides a base layer of flavor. Now, thread the chicken pieces onto your pre-soaked wooden skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking and better charring. If you have extra chicken pieces that don’t fit, don’t worry, you can cook them directly on the grill or pan-sear them.

Next, it’s time to introduce our BBQ sauce. In a separate bowl, pour 1.5 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce. Reserve the remaining 0.5 cup for later. Add the seasoned chicken skewers to the bowl with the BBQ sauce and toss gently to coat each piece. You want a good, even coating of that delicious smoky sweetness. For the best flavor, I like to let the chicken marinate in the BBQ sauce for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or even longer in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the marinating time, but it really does make a difference.

Grilling the Chicken Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean your grill grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to prevent sticking. Place the BBQ chicken skewers on the hot grill. Grill for about 8-12 minutes, turning them every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char on all sides. The exact cooking time will depend on the heat of your grill and the size of your chicken pieces. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). As the skewers cook, brush them with some of the reserved BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. This creates a lovely, glossy glaze and intensifies the BBQ flavor. Be careful not to burn the sauce; watch it closely. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and set them aside to rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Crafting the Creamy Herb Dressing

While the chicken is resting, let’s whip up the incredibly flavorful dressing. 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 these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. This is the base of our dressing. Now, for the fresh herbs that truly make this dressing sing! Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh dill fronds and 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley to the blender. Pulse a few times until the herbs are incorporated but still have a little texture. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more lemon juice for tang, or a pinch more salt. The coconut milk adds a subtle richness and creaminess without being overpowering, and the dill and parsley bring a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the smoky BBQ chicken.

Assembling Your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Now for the fun part: assembling the salad! In a large bowl, combine your favorite salad greens. I love a mix of crisp romaine lettuce and peppery arugula for a good balance of textures and flavors. You can also add other vegetables like chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, or corn. Once your greens and veggies are in the bowl, artfully arrange the grilled BBQ chicken skewers over the top. If you prefer, you can remove the chicken from the skewers and toss it with the salad. Drizzle a generous amount of the creamy herb dressing over the entire salad. Start with a little and add more to your liking. You can also serve the extra dressing on the side for those who want even more. Toss everything gently to coat the ingredients with the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures in every bite!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a fantastic recipe for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly versatile! This dish is a winner because it combines the smoky, sweet goodness of grilled chicken skewers with the refreshing crunch of a vibrant salad. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing option for your next backyard gathering. I’ve found it’s also a wonderful way to use up leftover BBQ chicken if you happen to have some!

For serving suggestions, I love to present it on a bed of crisp lettuce, but it’s equally delicious served in a large bowl for everyone to scoop from. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! Consider adding grilled pineapple for a tropical twist, or swap out the corn for black beans for a Southwestern flair. You could also experiment with different BBQ sauces to change the flavor profile entirely. I truly 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:

Can I make the chicken skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate and grill the chicken skewers a day in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can then reheat them gently or serve them chilled as part of your salad.

What other vegetables work well in this salad?

This salad is very forgiving! Bell peppers (any color), red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado are all fantastic additions. Feel free to incorporate your favorites or what you have on hand.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan alternative to the chicken?

Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe. For a vegetarian option, use halloumi cheese or firm tofu marinated in BBQ sauce and grilled on skewers. For a vegan version, extra-firm tofu or tempeh are excellent choices, marinated and grilled similarly.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

A flavorful salad featuring grilled BBQ chicken skewers and a creamy avocado-based dressing.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
35 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. Toss chicken with 3 tablespoons avocado oil and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
2. Step 2
   Thread chicken onto pre-soaked wooden skewers. Grill skewers over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through. During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush generously with 1 cup of BBQ sauce.
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 smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4
   Stir the finely chopped fresh dill fronds and 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley into the dressing.
5. Step 5
   In a large bowl, combine the grilled BBQ chicken skewers and the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Toss to coat. Arrange the sauced chicken skewers on a platter.
6. Step 6
   Serve the BBQ chicken skewers alongside the prepared avocado dressing for dipping or drizzling over the skewers.

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.