BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: the name alone conjures images of summer cookouts, vibrant colors, and the irresistible aroma of smoky barbecue. But what if I told you that you could enjoy all those flavors in a healthy, refreshing, and surprisingly easy-to-make salad? Forget the heavy sides and embrace this lighter, brighter take on a classic favorite!

The concept of skewered meats dates back centuries, with various cultures around the world developing their own unique versions. From the Middle Eastern kebab to the Japanese yakitori, the simple act of grilling meat on a stick has always been a communal and celebratory way to enjoy a meal. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad takes that tradition and elevates it, combining the fun of skewers with the freshness of a crisp salad.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. First, the taste is simply incredible – the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce perfectly complements the juicy chicken, while the crisp vegetables provide a delightful textural contrast. Second, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the salad with your favorite greens, vegetables, and dressings. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings. So, ditch the guilt and dive into a bowl of deliciousness that’s both satisfying and good for you!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (I prefer a smoky-sweet variety!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning
• For the Salad:
• 8 cups mixed greens (Romaine, spinach, or your preferred blend)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• For the Creamy Ranch Dressing:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)

Preparing the BBQ Chicken Skewers:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be! I usually aim for at least an hour.
2. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. This will help the chicken cook evenly. Aim for about 5-6 pieces of chicken per skewer, depending on the size of the cubes and the length of your skewers. Make sure the chicken is secure on the skewer so it doesn’t fall off during grilling.

Cooking the Chicken Skewers:

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the skewers in a grill pan on the stovetop or bake them in the oven. For oven baking, preheat to 400°F.
2. Grill the Skewers: Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill grates. Grill for about 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Be careful not to overcrowd the grill; cook in batches if necessary. If using a grill pan, cook for a similar amount of time, turning to ensure even cooking.
3. Bake the Skewers (Alternative): If baking, place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, flipping halfway through.
4. Brush with BBQ Sauce (Optional): During the last few minutes of grilling or baking, brush the chicken skewers with extra BBQ sauce for a glossy finish and added flavor. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it! Just be careful not to burn the sauce.
5. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skewers from the grill or oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Preparing the Creamy Ranch Dressing:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, chives, parsley, dill weed, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using).
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
3. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The dressing will thicken slightly as it chills. You can make the dressing a day or two in advance for even better flavor.

Assembling the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad:

1. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl or individual serving bowls, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, black beans, red onion, avocado, cheddar cheese, and cilantro.
2. Add the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skewers and add it to the salad. You can either slice the chicken or leave it in chunks, depending on your preference.
3. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the creamy ranch dressing over the salad. You can either toss the salad with the dressing or serve the dressing on the side. I prefer to serve it on the side so everyone can add as much or as little as they like.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad immediately and enjoy! This salad is best served fresh, as the greens can wilt if left to sit for too long.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it Up: For a spicier salad, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce or use a spicy BBQ sauce. You can also add some chopped jalapeños to the salad.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots.
• Use Different Cheese: Instead of cheddar cheese, try using Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or crumbled blue cheese.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add Some Crunch: Top the salad with some crispy tortilla strips or croutons for added crunch.
• Make it a Wrap: Instead of serving the salad in a bowl, wrap it in a large tortilla for a BBQ chicken wrap.
• Meal Prep Friendly: You can prepare the chicken skewers, dressing, and salad components ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving. Store the dressing separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
• Grilling Safety: Always supervise the grill while it’s in use and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Use long-handled grilling tools to avoid burns.
• Soaking Skewers: Don’t skip soaking the wooden skewers! This prevents them from catching fire on the grill. I usually soak them for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad isn’t just another salad; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The smoky char of the chicken, the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, and the crisp freshness of the vegetables all come together in perfect harmony. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just looking for a satisfying weeknight meal. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it elevates the humble salad to something truly special. It’s a complete meal in itself, packed with protein and vibrant nutrients, and it’s so much more exciting than your average leafy greens.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to play around with the ingredients to suit your own tastes. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your BBQ sauce or include some sliced jalapeños in the salad. If you’re not a fan of romaine lettuce, try using mixed greens or even spinach. And for a vegetarian option, you can easily substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* For a heartier meal: Serve the salad with a side of cornbread or garlic bread.
* For a lighter option: Omit the cheese or use a low-fat dressing.
* For a potluck: Prepare the chicken skewers and salad ingredients separately and let your guests assemble their own salads.
* Dressing variations: While I love the creamy ranch dressing, you could also try a honey mustard dressing, a balsamic vinaigrette, or even a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette.
* Add some crunch: Top the salad with some crispy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips.
* Make it a wrap: Instead of serving it as a salad, wrap the ingredients in a large tortilla for a delicious and portable lunch.

I’ve made this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad countless times, and it’s always a hit. I’ve even adapted it for different dietary needs and preferences, and it always turns out amazing. It’s one of those recipes that you can truly make your own.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skewers, fire up the grill (or oven!), and get ready to experience a salad like never before. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and it’s so easy to customize to your liking.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how you made it your own. Don’t forget to rate the recipe too! Your feedback is invaluable and helps other readers discover this delicious and easy salad. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see your culinary creations!