Sizzling BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe for Summer Fun

Summer sizzles with this mouthwatering BBQ chicken skewer salad recipe that promises to dazzle your taste buds.

Tender, smoky chicken pieces dance atop a bed of crisp greens, creating a vibrant meal packed with flavor.

Marinated chunks of chicken, grilled to perfection, bring a robust char that complements the fresh vegetables.

Zesty herbs and a tangy dressing weave through the ingredients, adding depth and excitement to every bite.

The combination of grilled protein and cool salad elements makes this dish a perfect balance of textures and temperatures.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of smoky, fresh, and bright notes that will have you returning for seconds.

Unleash your inner grill master and savor this irresistible culinary creation that turns an ordinary meal into a delightful summer feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that absorbs BBQ flavors beautifully; choose fresh, high-quality cuts for best texture and taste.
• Egg: Helps create creamy homemade mayo with rich, smooth consistency; use fresh, room-temperature egg for perfect emulsification.

• BBQ Sauce: Adds tangy, sweet marinade character; select a robust sauce with balanced smoky-sweet profile.
• Avocado Oil: Provides clean, neutral cooking fat with high heat tolerance; opt for cold-pressed varieties for optimal nutrition.
• Kosher Salt: Elevates and balances overall dish seasoning; use coarse-grain for better control and distribution.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and aromatic depth; freshly ground offers more intense flavor.

• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, refreshing base with excellent crunch; select vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Corn: Sweet, charred summer vegetable adding smoky-sweet dimension; choose fresh, plump ears.
• Green Onions: Provides sharp, mild onion accent; use both white and green parts for complexity.
• Grape Tomatoes: Bursts of juicy sweetness; pick firm, glossy specimens.
• Avocado: Creamy, rich element adding luxurious texture; select slightly soft fruit with no dark blemishes.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed, earthy legume; rinse canned beans thoroughly.
• Cilantro, Basil: Fresh herbs delivering bright, aromatic notes; choose vibrant, fragrant bunches.

• Coconut Milk: Adds creamy, tropical undertone; use full-fat version for richness.
• Lemon Juice: Introduces bright, tangy freshness; choose ripe, juicy lemons.
• Onion Powder: Concentrated savory flavor; ensure it's fresh and fragrant.
• Garlic: Pungent, aromatic ingredient; mince finely for even distribution.
• Fresh Dill, Parsley: Herbaceous, zesty components; chop just before adding.

Equipment to Build BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Grill: Essential for cooking chicken skewers and corn with perfect char marks.
• Skewers: Metal or wooden sticks to thread and grill chicken pieces evenly.
• Meat Mallet or Heavy Skillet: Helps pound chicken to consistent thickness.
• Immersion Blender: Perfect for creating homemade mayo and mixing dressing.
• Wide-Mouth Jar: Ideal container for blending mayo ingredients.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Needed for marinating chicken and tossing salad.
• Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing lettuce, tomatoes, and cutting corn off cob.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping skewers and handling food on the grill.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Instructions for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Assembly

Flavor Explosion BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Chicken Preparation

Flatten chicken breasts evenly using a heavy skillet. Cube into bite-sized pieces and coat generously with tangy BBQ sauce and avocado oil. Let the flavors mingle and dance for at least 20 minutes.

• Creamy Ranch Magic

Whip up a zesty homemade dressing blending fresh herbs, creamy mayo, bright lemon juice, and aromatic spices. The secret weapon that transforms an ordinary salad into a taste adventure.

• Grill Master Moment

Fire up the grill to sizzling hot temperatures. Char corn until golden and kiss the chicken skewers with smoky goodness. Watch for perfect grill marks and juicy texture.

• Salad Symphony

Toss crisp romaine with vibrant vegetables like sweet tomatoes, hearty black beans, and fresh herbs. Drizzle with the dreamy ranch dressing that pulls all flavors together.

• Final Flourish

Top the colorful salad with those mouthwatering BBQ chicken skewers. Garnish with creamy avocado chunks and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Tips & Swaps

• Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors like spicy chipotle, honey mustard, or tangy Carolina-style to transform the chicken's taste profile instantly.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or lean beef skewers for a delightful protein variation that keeps the recipe exciting and adaptable to various dietary preferences.
• Transform the salad by grilling portobello mushrooms, halloumi cheese, or plant-based protein skewers as a delicious meat-free option that maintains the dish's robust flavors.
• Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds, crispy tortilla strips, or crumbled corn chips on top to add unexpected texture and a satisfying crunch to the final dish.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing overcooking while guaranteeing juicy, perfectly grilled skewers every single time.

Serving BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad in Style

• Summer Picnic Centerpiece: Transform this BBQ chicken skewer salad into a stunning outdoor dining focal point by arranging the colorful ingredients in a rustic wooden serving platter.
• Extra Protein Boost: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese or add grilled shrimp alongside the chicken skewers for additional protein and a gourmet touch to the salad.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Separate ingredients in individual containers to keep everything crisp and fresh, allowing easy assembly of the salad for quick lunches throughout the week.
• Beverage Pairing: Complement the zesty ranch dressing and smoky BBQ flavors with a chilled Mexican-style beer or a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc for a perfect summer meal combination.

Storing BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Correctly

• Fridge-Fresh Strategy: Store leftover chicken skewers and salad components separately in airtight containers. Keep the herby ranch dressing in a sealed jar to maintain maximum freshness for up to 5 days.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and dressing 1-2 days before serving. Chop vegetables just before assembling to prevent soggy salad textures. Grill chicken and corn when ready to eat for optimal flavor and crispness.
• Smart Portioning: Divide salad ingredients into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches. Place dressing in small sealed containers to keep ingredients crisp and prevent early wilting.
• Temperature Wisdom: Allow grilled chicken to cool completely before refrigerating. Never leave the salad or chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Reheat chicken skewers gently to maintain moisture and avoid drying out.

Smoky BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mediterranean grilled bbq chicken skewer salad combines zesty flavors with fresh ingredients. Crisp vegetables and tender marinated chicken create a delightful meal you’ll savor with each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups (480 ml) BBQ sauce
• 8 (6-inch) wooden skewers (pre-soaked)
• 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce
• 4 ears of corn
• 2 cups (300 g) quartered grape tomatoes
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced (green part only)
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) avocado oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) light-tasting oil
• ½ cup (120 ml) unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice
• ¼ cup (15 g) finely chopped fresh dill
• ¼ cup (15 g) finely chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup (15 g) freshly chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsps (8 g) freshly chopped basil
• 2 teaspoons (10 g) kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg

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Instructions

1. Prep Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness, then cube into consistent pieces for even cooking and marinating.
2. Marinate Protein: Submerge chicken cubes in a zesty blend of avocado oil, kosher salt, and BBQ sauce. Allow flavors to permeate at room temperature or refrigerate for deeper taste development.
3. Craft Ranch Dressing: Create a silky mayonnaise emulsion using oil and egg, stabilizing with an immersion blender. Integrate coconut milk, lemon juice, seasonings, and aromatic herbs. Refrigerate to marry flavors.
4. Grill Preparation: Heat grill to medium-high, lightly oiling grates to prevent adherence. Coat corn with avocado oil for optimal grilling performance.
5. Grilling Process: Char corn, rotating every two minutes until tender with caramelized marks. Simultaneously grill chicken skewers 3-4 minutes per side, basting with reserved BBQ sauce to develop rich, complex flavors.
6. Salad Assembly: Combine romaine, green onions, tomatoes, black beans, and fresh herbs in a large bowl. Drizzle with herby ranch dressing, tossing to ensure even coating.
7. Final Touches: Slice corn kernels directly into salad, fold in creamy diced avocado. Crown with perfectly grilled BBQ chicken skewers and serve immediately to capture peak flavor and texture.

Notes

• Pound Evenly: Creating uniform chicken thickness ensures consistent cooking and prevents dry or undercooked sections.
• Marinate Strategically: Allow chicken to absorb flavors at room temperature or refrigerate for deeper taste penetration and more tender meat.
• Blend Methodically: Use an immersion blender for smooth, stable ranch dressing to prevent separation and achieve creamy consistency.
• Grill with Precision: Medium-high heat and periodic rotation guarantee perfectly charred corn and chicken without burning, maintaining juicy interior texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg