BBQ chicken skewer salad is my ultimate summer go-to, and I’m so excited to share my favorite way to make it with you! There’s something undeniably satisfying about those smoky, caramelized bites of chicken, hot off the grill and nestled amongst a vibrant medley of fresh greens and crunchy veggies. It’s the perfect marriage of bold, barbecue flavors and refreshing salad goodness, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to backyard barbecues. What makes this BBQ chicken skewer salad truly special is its incredible versatility. You can customize the veggies and dressing to your heart’s content, ensuring every bite is a flavor explosion. Get ready to elevate your salad game with this absolute gem!

Delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a perfect weeknight meal that’s bursting with flavor and is surprisingly simple to make. Tender, grilled chicken skewers coated in your favorite BBQ sauce are nestled on a bed of crisp greens, all brought together with a creamy, homemade avocado-herb dressing. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the smoky sweetness of BBQ without the heaviness of traditional barbecue dishes. The combination of juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and that luscious dressing is truly a match made in culinary heaven.

Ingredients:

Preparing the Chicken Skewers

The first step to creating this delightful salad is preparing our star ingredient: the chicken. We want to ensure it’s perfectly seasoned and ready for the grill.

Trim any excess fat from the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size. This uniformity is key for even cooking. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 3 tablespoons of avocado oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. This light coating of oil helps prevent sticking on the grill and the salt enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.

Thread the seasoned chicken cubes onto the 8 pre-soaked wooden skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each piece of chicken to allow for even cooking and better caramelization. If you find the chicken is a bit slippery, you can dampen your fingers slightly to help get a better grip. Remember to soak your skewers for at least 30 minutes in water to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Now, it’s time to get that delicious BBQ flavor onto our chicken. Take 1 cup of the BBQ sauce and brush it generously over all sides of the chicken skewers. Make sure each piece is well coated. Reserve the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce for glazing later and for serving. This initial coating will create a wonderful base for the smoky, sweet flavors.

Grilling the Chicken

Grilling the chicken is where the magic truly happens, infusing it with that signature smoky char.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, carefully place the prepared chicken skewers onto the grates. Grill for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a nice char. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with the reserved 1 cup of BBQ sauce. This second layer of sauce will caramelize beautifully, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze. Watch closely to prevent burning, as the sugars in the BBQ sauce can char quickly. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before carefully removing the chicken from the skewers.

Crafting the Creamy Avocado-Herb Dressing

While the chicken rests, we can whip up our incredibly flavorful and healthy dressing. This dressing is a game-changer!

In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup of avocado oil, 1 large egg (ensure it’s at room temperature for better emulsification), 1/2 cup of unsweetened full fat coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of red grape juice vinegar. Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 2 minced garlic cloves. For a burst of freshness, stir in the 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh dill fronds and 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. Blend until the dressing is smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick for your liking, you can add a tablespoon of water or a little more lemon juice to thin it out. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – perhaps a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon. This dressing is so versatile and delicious, you’ll want to put it on everything!

Assembling the Salad

With all the components ready, it’s time to bring it all together for a visually stunning and delicious salad.

In a large bowl, gently toss your favorite salad greens. Add any optional toppings you desire, such as cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, or cucumber slices. Arrange the greens on serving plates or in a large salad bowl. Top generously with the delicious BBQ chicken pieces. Drizzle the homemade avocado-herb dressing liberally over the entire salad. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible symphony of flavors! This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to elevate your salad game.

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make this delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad! This recipe is a fantastic way to combine smoky, grilled chicken with vibrant, fresh ingredients for a truly satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering. The combination of tender BBQ chicken skewers, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy dressing is simply irresistible.

For serving, I love to plate the skewers alongside a generous mound of the salad, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You can also chop the chicken and toss it directly into the salad for an even more integrated experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! Feel free to add corn kernels for sweetness, black beans for extra protein, or different types of bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor. Perhaps some sliced red onion for a little bite, or even some avocado for extra creaminess. I 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:

Q: Can I make the BBQ chicken skewers ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can marinate and grill the chicken skewers a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently before adding to your salad for the best texture and flavor.

Q: What kind of lettuce works best for this salad?

A: A sturdy lettuce like romaine or mixed greens holds up well to the other ingredients and dressing. Iceberg lettuce also provides a satisfying crunch. Feel free to use your favorite!

Q: Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

A: Yes, you can definitely use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce! If you want to make your own, that’s a fun option too, but a good quality store-bought sauce will work perfectly for this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

A flavorful and refreshing salad featuring grilled BBQ chicken skewers with a creamy dill and parsley dressing.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
30 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. In a bowl, toss chicken with 3 tablespoons avocado oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Thread chicken onto pre-soaked skewers.
2. Step 2
   Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly charred.
3. Step 3
   While chicken is grilling, prepare the dressing. In a blender, combine 1 cup avocado oil, large egg, coconut milk, lemon juice, red grape juice vinegar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, onion powder, and minced garlic.
4. Step 4
   Blend until smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped dill and parsley.
5. Step 5
   Once chicken is cooked, brush with the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of grilling.
6. Step 6
   Serve the BBQ chicken skewers over a bed of fresh greens (not included in ingredients) and drizzle with the prepared dill and parsley dressing. You can also chop the chicken off the skewers and toss with the dressing.

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.