Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

Category: Salads & Side dishes

This Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fun and tasty meal! Juicy chicken pieces are grilled with a sweet BBQ sauce and served atop fresh greens for a colorful dish.

You’ll love how quick it comes together—just grill, toss, and enjoy! I like to add some extra sauces on top. Yes, I may go a little overboard, but who doesn’t love more flavor? 😄

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep things simple. For a substitute, consider chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian option—just make sure to marinate it in BBQ sauce!

BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce, or try making your own with ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a mix of mustard and honey works well too.

Lettuce: Romaine adds great crunch, but feel free to mix in other greens like spinach, kale, or arugula for variety. They each bring a different flavor profile to the salad.

Corn: Grilled corn adds a nice sweetness. If you don’t have fresh corn, canned or frozen corn (thawed) can work too. Roasting canned corn in a pan with a little olive oil can enhance the flavor!

Dressing: Greek yogurt is creamy but while keeping it lighter. You can substitute it with sour cream or even a homemade vinaigrette if you prefer oil-based dressings.

How Do You Grill Chicken Perfectly for Skewers?

Grilling chicken skewers can be tricky, but these tips can help you achieve juicy, flavorful pieces:

  • Marinate: Let your chicken sit in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
  • Preheat: Make sure your grill is hot—medium-high heat works best. This helps sear the chicken and lock in juices.
  • Baste as you go: Brush more BBQ sauce on the skewers while grilling to enhance the flavor and keep them moist.
  • Use a meat thermometer: Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure chicken is cooked through.
  • Allow resting: After grilling, let chicken skewers rest for a few minutes. This helps juices redistribute, making each bite tender.

Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Ingredients You Will Need:

For the Chicken Skewers:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For the Salad:

  • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup grilled corn kernels (about 1 ear of corn, grilled and sliced off cob)
  • 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

  • ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious and easy salad takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare, including grilling the chicken and corn. You’ll spend a little time assembling the salad and mixing the dressing—ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Skewers:

Start by threading the chicken cubes evenly onto the soaked wooden skewers. Once they are all threaded, brush generously with BBQ sauce all around to make them flavorful.

2. Grill the Chicken:

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Once hot, place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Make sure to baste them with a bit more BBQ sauce while cooking and turn them occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has some nice char marks.

3. Grill the Corn:

While the chicken is grilling, you can prepare the corn. Place the ears of corn (husk removed) alongside the skewers on the grill. Turn them every few minutes for about 8-10 minutes, until they are charred in spots. Once done, take them off the grill and let them cool before slicing off the kernels.

4. Make the Dressing:

In a small mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well-mixed. This will be your creamy dressing!

5. Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, the grilled corn kernels, halved tomatoes, diced avocado, and black beans. Drizzle the dressing on top and toss gently to coat everything evenly in that creamy goodness.

6. Serve:

Divide the salad between plates and on each plate, place 2 BBQ chicken skewers. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper for an extra touch of flavor.

7. Enjoy!

Dig in and enjoy your fresh, flavorful BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad—it’s perfect for warm, sunny days or any time you’re craving something light and delicious!

This recipe is a great mix of smoky, tangy grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing that all come together for a delightful meal!

Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

FAQ about Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative; they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt in the Dressing?

If you prefer not to use Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with sour cream or mayonnaise for a creamy texture. You could also use a vinaigrette or a dairy-free yogurt for a lighter option.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover salad and chicken skewers in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3 days. When reheating the chicken skewers, do so gently in the microwave or on a stove to maintain moisture.

Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?

You can prep some components ahead of time! Grill the chicken and corn a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Prepare the dressing ahead and keep it separate. Just assemble the salad right before serving to keep the greens fresh and crunchy!

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment