BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad – Easy Grilled Dinner

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is more than just a meal; it’s a summer celebration on a plate! We all adore that smoky, sweet char of grilled chicken, and when it’s transformed into tender, bite-sized skewers, the fun factor skyrockets. But why stop at just the skewers? My BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad takes everything you love about those classic grilled delights and elevates them into a vibrant, satisfying salad that’s perfect for picnics, backyard BBQs, or even a light weeknight dinner. What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover BBQ chicken, but equally brilliant when you’re starting from scratch. The combination of juicy, marinated chicken with crisp greens, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Get Ready to Grill!

Let’s Make Something Delicious.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this absolutely delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad! It’s the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, tangy, and fresh, making it a truly satisfying meal. We’ll start by marinating tender chicken breasts in a flavorful BBQ sauce and then grill them to juicy perfection on skewers. These succulent chicken skewers will then be piled high on a bed of crisp greens, drizzled with a creamy, homemade avocado dressing. This recipe is surprisingly easy to put together, and the results are restaurant-worthy. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of barbecue in a lighter, more refreshing format.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions:

Let’s get started on creating this vibrant and flavorful salad. The key to tender, juicy chicken is in the marinade and the cooking method. We’ll also be whipping up a luscious, homemade avocado dressing that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Preparing the Chicken Skewers

1. First, prepare your chicken. Trim any excess fat from the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch to 1.5-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly on the skewers. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 3 tablespoons of avocado oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. This initial step helps to lightly season the chicken and provide a base for the BBQ sauce to adhere to.

2. Next, it’s time to get the chicken coated in our delicious BBQ sauce. Add 1.5 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce to the bowl with the seasoned chicken. Gently toss the chicken until each piece is thoroughly coated in the sauce. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or for up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavor the chicken will absorb. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will make a noticeable difference. While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water. This is a crucial step to prevent them from burning on the grill. Submerge them completely in water for at least 30 minutes.

Grilling the BBQ Chicken

3. Once the chicken has marinated and your skewers are soaked, it’s time to thread them. Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each piece of chicken to allow for even cooking. You should be able to fit about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grill grates well and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.

4. Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning them every 2-3 minutes. Baste the chicken with the remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. You want the chicken to be cooked through, with a beautiful char and caramelized BBQ sauce. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. The grill marks will indicate that they are nicely cooked.

Making the Creamy Avocado Dressing

5. While the chicken is grilling, let’s whip up our vibrant and creamy avocado dressing. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup of avocado oil, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup of unsweetened full fat coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of red grape juice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Blend until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. This will create a thick, creamy dressing.

6. Finally, stir in the finely chopped fresh dill fronds and fresh parsley into the avocado dressing. This adds a wonderful herbaceous freshness that complements the richness of the avocado. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed. You might want a little more salt or a touch more lemon juice depending on your preference. This dressing is incredibly versatile and can be used on other salads as well.

Assembling the Salad

Once the chicken skewers are grilled to perfection and slightly cooled, you’re ready to assemble your masterpiece. Arrange your favorite salad greens – a mix of romaine lettuce, spinach, or spring mix works beautifully – on large plates or in a big salad bowl. Top the greens generously with the warm BBQ chicken skewers. Drizzle the creamy avocado dressing liberally over the entire salad. For an extra touch, you can add some sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, or even some crum extractbled blue cheese if you like. Enjoy this incredibly satisfying and flavorful BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a delicious and vibrant BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad that’s perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution! The smoky char of the chicken skewers beautifully complements the crisp greens and fresh vegetables, making this a recipe that truly sings with flavor. It’s wonderfully adaptable, making it a go-to for busy weeknights and relaxed weekends alike. I really encourage you to give this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad a try; you won’t be disappointed by its simplicity and incredible taste!

For serving, this salad is fantastic on its own, but you can also pair it with some crusty bread or a side of corn on the cob for an even more complete meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! Swap out the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, red onion, and even some grilled pineapple chunks add fantastic dimensions. You could also try different BBQ sauces to change up the flavor profile – a spicy chipotle or a sweet honey BBQ would be divine.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! You can marinate and grill the chicken skewers a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and simply add them to your salad just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! You can easily cook the chicken skewers in a hot skillet on the stovetop or bake them in the oven at around 400°F (200°C) until cooked through and nicely browned.

Q: Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, you can! Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, marinated tofu cubes, or even large chunks of grilled portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian alternative to this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Juicy BBQ chicken skewers served atop a vibrant salad with a creamy homemade 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. Toss with 3 tablespoons avocado oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Thread onto pre-soaked skewers.
2. Step 2
   Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
3. Step 3
   While skewers are grilling, prepare the dressing. In a blender, combine 1 cup avocado oil, egg, coconut milk, lemon juice, red grape juice vinegar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, onion powder, and minced garlic. Blend until smooth and emulsified.
4. Step 4
   Stir in the finely chopped fresh dill and parsley into the dressing.
5. Step 5
   Once chicken is cooked, brush with the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. Let rest for a few minutes.
6. Step 6
   Serve the BBQ chicken skewers over a bed of mixed greens (not included in ingredient list) and drizzle generously with the dill and parsley 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.