BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad- Delicious & Easy Recipe

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is your ticket to a flavor-packed, easy-breezy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Imagin extracte succulent, grilled chicken skewers, kissed with smoky barbecue goodness, tossed with vibrant, crisp greens and all your favorite salad fixings. Who doesn’t love the irresistible combination of sweet, tangy BBQ and fresh, refreshing salad? It’s the ultimate summer staple, but honestly, I find myself craving this delightful BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad year-round. What makes it truly special is the perfect balance – the hearty, satisfying protein from the chicken skewers meets the light, playful textures and flavors of a well-crafted salad. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and invigorating, and best of all, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your heart’s content. Get ready to elevate your salad game with this fantastic recipe!

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Summer is here, and that means it’s time for grilling! This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fantastic way to enjoy those classic smoky flavors in a lighter, more refreshing format. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken skewers coated in a flavorful BBQ sauce, served over a bed of crisp greens with a creamy, homemade dressing. It’s the perfect meal for a backyard barbecue, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a delightful potluck contribution. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, and the results are incredibly satisfying.

This recipe is designed to be approachable for home cooks of all levels. We’ll be making our own creamy dill and lemon dressing from scratch, which truly elevates the salad from good to unforgettable. The homemade dressing is rich and tangy, with the fresh herbs cutting through the richness beautifully. Don’t be intimidated by making your own dressing; it’s much easier than you might think and the flavor difference is night and day compared to store-bought.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started on this delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad!

1. Prepare the Chicken Skewers:
First, we need to get our chicken ready for the grill. Take your 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 3 tablespoons of avocado oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. This helps to tenderize the chicken and gives it a nice base layer of seasoning. Once seasoned, thread the chicken cubes onto your pre-soaked wooden skewers. It’s important to soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill. You should be able to fit about 5-6 pieces of chicken per skewer, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

2. Make the Creamy Dill and Lemon Dressing:
While the chicken is resting, let’s whip up our incredible homemade dressing. This is where the magic happens! In a blender or a 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, 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 that burst of freshness, toss in the 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh dill fronds and 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. Blend all these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and emulsified, resembling a creamy salad dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – you might want a little more lemon juice for tang or salt for flavor. Set this aside.

3. Grill the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is crucial for achieving those lovely grill marks and ensuring the chicken cooks through without burning. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned chicken skewers on the hot grill. Grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has developed nice char marks on all sides. During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, generously brush the chicken skewers with about 1 cup of the BBQ sauce, allowing it to caramelize slightly on the chicken. This will give them that irresistible sticky, sweet, and smoky finish. Make sure to reserve the remaining BBQ sauce for serving.

4. Assemble Your Salad:
Now for the fun part: assembling your masterpiece! You can use your favorite salad greens as a base – think crisp romaine lettuce, peppery arugula, or a mix of spring greens. Arrange a generous bed of greens on your serving plates or in a large salad bowl. Once the chicken skewers are off the grill and have cooled slightly, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the skewers. Drizzle some of the reserved BBQ sauce over the chicken pieces for an extra punch of flavor. Then, scatter the saucy BBQ chicken pieces over the greens.

5. Dress and Serve:
Finally, it’s time to dress your salad. Drizzle a good amount of your homemade creamy dill and lemon dressing over the entire salad. You can also offer extra dressing on the side for those who like to load up! The creamy dressing will complement the smoky, sweet BBQ chicken perfectly, while the fresh herbs add a bright, herbaceous note. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is best served immediately while the chicken is still warm and the greens are crisp. You can also add other favorite salad toppings like cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, or even some crunchy croutons for added texture. Enjoy this delightful and satisfying summer meal!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your guide to creating a sensational BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying! This recipe is a winner because it masterfully combines the smoky char of grilled chicken skewers with the vibrant freshness of a crisp salad, all tied together with a delightful dressing. It’s the perfect meal for a warm evening, a casual get-together, or even a healthy and exciting lunch option. The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad lies in its adaptability; feel free to swap out vegetables for your favorites, experiment with different herbs, or even try a spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s simple to prepare, looks impressive, and most importantly, tastes absolutely amazing. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this fantastic dish!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the chicken skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate and skewer the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just remove them from the fridge about 30 minutes before grilling to bring them closer to room temperature for even cooking.

What are some good side dish suggestions for this salad?

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is quite substantial on its own, but if you’re looking for sides, consider some grilled corn on the cob, a simple potato salad, or some crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra dressing. A light and refreshing fruit salad also complements the flavors wonderfully.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I still make the chicken skewers?

Yes, you can! You can pan-sear the chicken skewers in a hot, oiled skillet until cooked through and nicely browned. Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at around 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Juicy BBQ chicken skewers served over a vibrant, herb-infused salad with a creamy avocado 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 grills, 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.
4. Step 4
   Blend until smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped dill and parsley.
5. Step 5
   Remove chicken skewers from grill and brush with the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce.
6. Step 6
   Serve BBQ chicken skewers over a bed of mixed greens, drizzled with the herb and avocado 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.