This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fresh and flavorful meal featuring juicy, grilled BBQ chicken skewers served over a crisp, colorful salad. Perfect for summer cookouts, meal prep, or a light yet satisfying dinner, this salad combines smoky, tangy barbecue flavors with crunchy greens and a delicious dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold & Smoky Flavors – BBQ chicken adds a sweet, smoky kick.
- Healthy & Protein-Packed – A balanced meal with lean protein and fresh veggies.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Customizable – Use your favorite greens, toppings, and dressing.
- Great for Meal Prep – Prep ingredients ahead for easy lunches.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or arugula)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or grilled)
- ½ cup avocado, diced
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar or feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup ranch dressing (or a light vinaigrette)
- 1 tbsp BBQ sauce (for extra smoky flavor)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss chicken pieces in the marinade and let sit for 10-15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for more flavor).
2. Grill the Chicken Skewers
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Brush with extra BBQ sauce in the last few minutes for a sticky glaze.
3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine greens, cherry tomatoes, onion, cucumber, corn, avocado, and cheese.
4. Make the Dressing
- Whisk together ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, lime juice, and honey.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Place grilled BBQ chicken skewers on top of the salad.
- Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add sriracha or cayenne to the BBQ sauce.
- Low-Carb Option – Skip corn and use extra avocado.
- Dairy-Free – Use dairy-free cheese or skip cheese.
- Extra Crunch – Add toasted nuts or tortilla strips.
- Vegetarian Alternative – Swap chicken for grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store salad and chicken separately for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm chicken skewers in a pan or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Meal Prep: Store dressing separately to keep greens fresh.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Any sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ sauce works great!
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Toss shredded rotisserie chicken in BBQ sauce for a quick version.
How do I prevent chicken from sticking to the grill?
Brush the grill with oil before cooking to prevent sticking.
What’s a good side dish for this salad?
Serve with cornbread, garlic bread, or roasted sweet potatoes.
Can I use a different dressing?
Yes! Honey mustard, balsamic vinaigrette, or chipotle ranch work well.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the salad and store dressing separately until serving.
What’s the best way to keep chicken juicy?
Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C for doneness).
Can I add fruit?
Yes! Mango, pineapple, or strawberries add a sweet contrast.
Can I use wooden skewers?
Yes, but soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Conclusion
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing dish, or a great meal-prep option, this salad is a must-try. Fire up the grill and enjoy this deliciously satisfying salad today!
Print
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 people 1x
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Grilling or Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, BBQ
Description
This fresh and flavorful salad is topped with juicy BBQ chicken skewers, crisp greens, and a tangy homemade dressing. A perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and crunchy, it’s a light yet satisfying meal for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 15 minutes
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, arugula, or your choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or grilled)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup crispy tortilla strips or croutons (optional, for crunch)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Marinate & Cook the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes, tossing to coat. Let marinate for 30 minutes (optional).
- Thread chicken onto soaked skewers.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through. (Or cook in a stovetop pan or oven at 400°F/200°C for 15 minutes.)
2. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, and cheese.
- Drizzle with dressing, tossing gently.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Place BBQ chicken skewers on top of the salad.
- Add avocado slices and tortilla strips/croutons for crunch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it spicy: Add 1 tsp hot sauce to the BBQ marinade.
- Swap the protein: Use shrimp, tofu, or steak instead of chicken.
- Meal prep: Keep ingredients separate and assemble before serving.