Zesty BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Grilling magic happens when you craft a mouthwatering bbq chicken skewer salad that transforms weeknight dinners.

Crisp vegetables dance alongside smoky, charred chicken pieces bursting with flavor.

Summer’s bounty meets barbecue perfection in this simple yet stunning dish.

Fresh herbs and zesty dressing create a symphony of tastes that wake up your palate.

Marinating the chicken ensures each bite delivers incredible depth and juiciness.

Colorful ingredients promise a meal that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Let this recipe become your new favorite warm-weather culinary adventure.

What’s So Special About BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Whips up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving something tasty and satisfying.
• Easily adaptable to grill, stovetop, or oven, giving you flexibility based on kitchen equipment and weather conditions.
• Simple spice blend transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering dish with smoky, robust BBQ notes that everyone will love.
• Lean chicken skewers deliver high-quality protein while keeping the meal light and nutritious for health-conscious eaters.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: The Full Ingredient Lineup

• BBQ Sauce: Tangy and sweet base for flavoring the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasonings and prevent sticking.
• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic spice blend for depth of flavor and aromatic seasoning.

• Chicken Cubes: Lean protein that absorbs marinade well, best when using boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs.

• Wooden Skewers: Traditional grilling tool for easy handling and attractive presentation, always soak in water beforehand to prevent burning.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: Simple Steps to Assemble

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Marinade

• BBQ sauce
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend ingredients until well incorporated.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken Chunks

Toss chicken cubes in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Let sit for 30 minutes to absorb flavors (optional but recommended).

Step 3: Prepare Wooden Skewers

Soak wooden skewers in water for 15-20 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.

Step 4: Thread Chicken

Pierce chicken cubes onto pre-soaked skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces for even cooking.

Step 5: Fire Up The Grill

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Place chicken skewers on grates.

Step 6: Cook To Perfection

Grill skewers for 12-15 minutes, rotating every 4-5 minutes to ensure uniform browning. Chicken should reach internal temperature of 165°F.

• Stovetop pan: Cook over medium-high heat
• Oven: Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Remove skewers from heat, let rest for 3-5 minutes. Serve over fresh salad greens.

Game-Changing Tips for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken sit in the BBQ sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes to absorb deeper, more intense flavors that will make your skewers irresistibly tasty.
• Prevent Skewer Sticking: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken to prevent burning and ensure smooth grilling without sticking.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked chicken every time.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust smoked paprika and black pepper to match your personal heat preference, making the recipe adaptable to different taste buds.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare extra chicken skewers and store in the refrigerator for quick protein additions to salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week.

The Right Way to Store BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Leftovers

• Store leftover BBQ chicken skewers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate skewers and salad ingredients to maintain crispness.
• Warm gently in microwave for 30-45 seconds or in oven at 350F until heated through. Avoid overcooking to prevent drying out chicken.
• Keep salad greens and dressing separate from chicken. Mix just before serving to prevent wilting and maintain fresh texture.
• Wrap cooled chicken skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Delicious Pairings for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Choose a crisp, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the BBQ sauce's richness and complement the charred chicken flavors.
• Create a cool, crunchy side dish with shredded cucumber, red onion, and a light vinaigrette to balance the smoky skewers and provide textural contrast.
• Prepare a summer-style corn salad with grilled kernels, fresh herbs, and a light lime dressing that echoes the BBQ chicken's smoky profile and adds brightness to the meal.
• Select a hoppy American Pale Ale or a light wheat beer that can stand up to the bold BBQ sauce while refreshing the palate between bites.

Fun Ingredient Swaps for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Low-Carb Option: Replace lettuce base with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a carb-conscious version that maintains the BBQ chicken flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh cubes, marinating in same BBQ sauce blend for protein-rich alternative that keeps the grilling technique intact.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add chili flakes or sriracha to BBQ marinade for heat lovers, creating a more intense flavor without changing core recipe structure.
• Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, cucumber, and olives to transform salad with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients while keeping BBQ chicken as star component.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad FAQ Roundup

• What marinades work best with BBQ chicken skewers?

Sweet and tangy BBQ sauces like honey mustard, smoky chipotle, or classic Kansas City-style sauce complement the chicken perfectly. Experiment with store-bought or homemade marinades to find your favorite flavor profile.

• Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for these skewers?

Both chicken breasts and thighs work great for skewers. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier, while chicken breasts are leaner. Just ensure you cut them into uniform cubes for even cooking.

• How do I prevent my chicken from sticking to the grill?

Brush your grill grates with oil before cooking, and ensure the grill is preheated. This creates a non-stick surface and helps achieve those beautiful grill marks on your chicken skewers.

• Are wooden skewers safe to use on the grill?

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Alternatively, use metal skewers for a more durable grilling option.

Bbq Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling BBQ chicken skewers dance atop a crisp bed of greens, creating a mouthwatering summer feast. Zesty dressing and charred chicken mingle with fresh vegetables, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

Seasonings and Marinades:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Salad Ingredients:

• 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, arugula, or your choice)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or grilled)
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar or feta cheese
• ¼ cup crispy tortilla strips or croutons (optional, for crunch)

Dressing Ingredients:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 15 minutes

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Instructions

1. Whisk together tangy BBQ sauce, fragrant garlic powder, robust smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and black pepper in a generous mixing vessel.
2. Incorporate succulent chicken cubes into the marinade, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated. Allow flavors to meld for a minimum of 30 minutes in the refrigerator for enhanced taste complexity.
3. Prepare wooden skewers by submerging them in water to prevent charring during cooking.
4. Carefully thread marinated chicken pieces onto pre-soaked skewers, maintaining even spacing for consistent cooking.
5. Heat grill to medium-high temperature, creating optimal searing conditions for the chicken.
6. Position skewers on the grill, rotating periodically to achieve uniform caramelization and prevent burning.
7. Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C for safe consumption.
8. If outdoor grilling is unavailable, alternate cooking methods include stovetop pan searing or oven roasting at 400°F/200°C for equivalent duration.
9. Once cooked, allow skewers to rest momentarily, allowing juices to redistribute and enhance overall flavor profile.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken by pounding to even thickness before marinating, ensuring uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling, creating a more consistent cooking surface.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional BBQ sauce with a certified gluten-free option or homemade sauce using tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Transform this recipe into a low-carb meal by serving over cauliflower rice or mixed greens instead of traditional grains, boosting nutritional value and reducing carbohydrate intake.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg