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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Whisk together tangy BBQ sauce, fragrant garlic powder, robust smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and black pepper in a generous mixing vessel.
- 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.
- Prepare wooden skewers by submerging them in water to prevent charring during cooking.
- Carefully thread marinated chicken pieces onto pre-soaked skewers, maintaining even spacing for consistent cooking.
- Heat grill to medium-high temperature, creating optimal searing conditions for the chicken.
- Position skewers on the grill, rotating periodically to achieve uniform caramelization and prevent burning.
- Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C for safe consumption.
- If outdoor grilling is unavailable, alternate cooking methods include stovetop pan searing or oven roasting at 400°F/200°C for equivalent duration.
- 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