This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fun and tasty way to enjoy a meal! Juicy chicken pieces are grilled and served on skewers, mixed with fresh greens, and drizzled with a zesty dressing.
You can’t go wrong with this salad! It’s perfect for summer dinners or a picnic in the park. I love how easy it is to whip up, and it’s great for sharing with friends too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook quickly and evenly. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken works too!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make your own; honey BBQ adds a sweet touch. If you need a low-sugar version, look for sugar-free BBQ options.
Romaine Lettuce: This gives a nice crunch. You can substitute it with mixed greens or spinach if you prefer a softer texture.
Corn: Fresh corn is sweet, but frozen or canned corn is convenient. If you’re avoiding corn, beans can be added for texture.
Black Beans: They provide protein and fiber. You can swap them with chickpeas or pinto beans for a different flavor.
Avocado: Optional but adds creaminess. If not in season or you’re avoiding fat, you can skip it or use diced cucumber instead.
How Do You Properly Marinate Chicken for the Best Flavor?
Marinating chicken is essential for infusing it with flavor. Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then mix your BBQ sauce, olive oil, and spices in a bowl. Allowing it to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps absorb those yummy flavors.
- Ensure the chicken is well-coated in the marinade.
- Use a zip-top bag for even marinating; it seals better and allows you to shake and coat effortlessly.
- Marinate longer if possible (up to 2 hours) for more flavor, but avoid overly long times to keep the chicken tender.
Delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons ranch or creamy dressing (optional for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to grill the chicken. Don’t forget to add at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken in the fridge. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour of time to get everything ready and enjoy this fresh salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and placing them in a bowl. Add in the BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good toss to coat the chicken pieces evenly. It’s best to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to lock in all those yummy flavors.
2. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill. Once everything is hot, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to make sure they cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks.
3. Prepare the Salad Mix:
While the chicken is grilling, it’s time to prepare the salad! In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red onion, and cilantro. Mix it all together until it’s well combined.
4. Assemble and Serve:
Once the chicken is done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slide the pieces off the skewers and add them to your salad mix. Squeeze lime juice over everything and toss gently to combine. If you like, you can drizzle some ranch or creamy dressing on top.
5. Garnish and Enjoy:
Your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is almost ready! Serve it immediately, garnished with extra cilantro and diced avocado if you’re using it. Enjoy this fresh and tasty dish with friends or family—you’ll love it!
Can I Use Thawed Frozen Chicken Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Thawed frozen chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or by placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water before marinating. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure it absorbs the marinade well.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add to the Salad?
Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, cucumbers, or even grated carrots make great additions. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other salad ingredients for added crunch and flavor!
How to Store Leftover Salad?
If you have leftovers, it’s best to store the chicken and salad components separately. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The chicken can be stored in a separate container for about the same time. To revitalize leftover salad, add fresh lime juice just before serving!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken a few hours in advance. Assemble the salad ingredients (without dressing) and refrigerate them separately. Grill the chicken right before serving and combine everything together for a fresh taste!
