BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad – Easy Summer Meal

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the ultimate summer sensation, and I’m so excited to share my favorite way to enjoy it with you! Picture this: tender, juicy chicken skewers, kissed by the smoky sweetness of your favorite barbecue sauce, then piled high atop a vibrant, refreshing salad. It’s the perfect marriage of smoky and fresh, familiar and exciting, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for any backyard gathering or a delightful light lunch any day of the week. What makes this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad so special? It’s that irresistible combination of grilled perfection and crisp, cool greens, bursting with flavor and texture. We’re talking tender chicken marinated to perfection, grilled until slightly charred and caramelized, then artfully arranged over a bed of mixed greens, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing that ties it all together. Get ready to elevate your salad game!

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Summer’s calling, and what better way to answer than with a vibrant, flavorful BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad? This dish is a delightful balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy, perfect for a light lunch, a stunning appetizer, or a satisfying weeknight dinner. The star of the show is undoubtedly the tender, juicy chicken skewers, glazed with our favorite BBQ sauce and grilled to perfection. But the magic doesn’t stop there. We’ll surround these flavorful skewers with a refreshing, creamy dressing and a medley of fresh greens for a complete and utterly delicious meal. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this with you!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Chicken Skewers

Let’s kick things off by getting our chicken ready for its smoky adventure. You’ll want to trim any excess fat from your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Then, cut each breast into roughly 1-inch cubes. This uniform size is crucial for even cooking on the skewers. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 3 tablespoons of avocado oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Make sure each piece is lightly coated. This oil helps prevent sticking and promotes a beautiful sear, while the salt enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.

Now, it’s time to thread those chicken pieces onto your pre-soaked wooden skewers. Soaking the skewers is a vital step to prevent them from burning to a crisp on the grill or in the oven. Aim to thread about 3-4 chicken cubes per skewer, leaving a little space between each piece to allow heat to circulate and cook the chicken evenly. Don’t overcrowd them!

In a separate small bowl, combine 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce with the chicken. Toss gently to coat all the chicken cubes. We’re going to use some of this sauced chicken for grilling, and the remaining BBQ sauce will be reserved for brushing on during cooking for that irresistible caramelized glaze.

Grilling the BBQ Chicken Skewers

For the best flavor and texture, grilling is the way to go. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a gas grill, this is typically around 400-450°F (200-230°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, you’ll want a good bed of hot coals. Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking – a quick wipe with an oiled paper towel works wonders.

Carefully place the skewered chicken onto the hot grill. You’ll want to grill them for about 8-12 minutes, turning them every 2-3 minutes. During the grilling process, generously brush the chicken skewers with the reserved BBQ sauce every time you turn them. This repeated glazing creates a sticky, sweet, and smoky crust that is absolutely divine. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as the sugars in the BBQ sauce can caramelize quickly. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the juices run clear. If you don’t have a grill, you can achieve similar results by baking them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through, brushing with BBQ sauce halfway through.

Whipping Up the Creamy Dill Dressing

While our chicken skewers are doing their thing on the grill, let’s whip up a dreamy, creamy dressing that will perfectly complement the smoky chicken. This dressing is incredibly simple to make and adds a wonderful freshness. In a medium bowl or the cup of an immersion blender, combine the 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 the minced garlic cloves to the mixture. Now, it’s time to emulsify! Slowly drizzle in the 1 cup of avocado oil while whisking vigorously (if using a bowl) or blending (if using an immersion blender). Continue to blend or whisk until the dressing is thick and creamy, resembling a mayonnaise-like consistency. This emulsification process binds the oil and liquid ingredients together.

Once you have that beautiful, thick dressing, stir in the finely chopped fresh dill fronds and the finely chopped fresh parsley. These herbs bring a burst of freshness and beautiful color that really elevates the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – you might want a little more salt, lemon juice, or even a pinch of black pepper.

Assembling Your Masterpiece

Once your BBQ chicken skewers are grilled to perfection and have had a moment to rest for a couple of minutes, it’s time to bring it all together. You can serve the skewers whole, or for an easier salad experience, you can carefully slide the cooked chicken off the skewers and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Arrange a generous bed of your favorite salad greens on individual plates or a large platter. Think mixed greens, romaine lettuce, or even a blend of spinach and arugula for a peppery kick. Artfully arrange the BBQ chicken skewers (or the chopped chicken) over the greens. Drizzle the creamy dill dressing liberally over the chicken and salad. You can add other favorite salad toppings like sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, or even some toasted nuts for extra crunch. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a celebration of fresh flavors and satisfying textures, sure to become a go-to in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited to try this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad as I am! This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the smoky, sweet flavors of BBQ chicken in a fresh and vibrant salad. It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a potluck showstopper. The combination of tender, grilled chicken skewers with crisp greens, sweet corn, ripe tomatoes, and a zesty dressing is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your additions – this salad is your canvas!

For serving, I love to present it family-style, letting everyone build their own perfect bite. It’s also wonderful served individually in large bowls. If you’re looking for ways to switch things up, consider adding some creamy avocado, sharp red onion, crunchy bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of crum extractbled feta or blue cheese. A drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce on top before serving is always a winner. I truly encourage you to gather your ingredients and give this delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad a go. I’m confident it will become a staple in your summer cooking repertoire!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the BBQ chicken skewers ahead of time?

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

What other vegetables would work well in this salad?

The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is its adaptability. Some other fantastic additions include grilled zucchini, black beans, sliced cucumbers, jicama for crunch, or even some spicy jalapeños for a kick. Feel free to experiment with whatever fresh produce you have on hand!

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

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

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
25 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups BBQ sauce, (divided, such as Primal Kitchen)
• 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. Brush with remaining BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
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.
4. Step 4
   Blend dressing until smooth and emulsified. Stir in finely chopped dill and parsley.
5. Step 5
   Remove chicken skewers from grill. Let rest for a few minutes, then remove chicken from skewers.
6. Step 6
   Serve the BBQ chicken over a bed of greens, drizzled 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.