This Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fun way to enjoy a meal! Juicy chicken pieces are grilled to perfection, then served on skewers over a bed of crisp greens and colorful veggies.
The best part? You can customize it to your taste. I love tossing on extra avocado or a sprinkle of cheese. Perfect for summer nights or any day you want a tasty salad!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for skewers. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor or even tofu or tempeh as a vegetarian option.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for a hint of sweetness and smokiness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider making a homemade version or use a sugar-free sauce.
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is delicious when grilled. You can swap it out with canned or frozen corn if fresh isn’t available, just be sure to drain and thaw them before grilling.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine adds crunch but feel free to mix it up with spinach, kale, or any leafy greens you love.
Black Beans: They add protein and fiber. You can substitute them with chickpeas if you want a different flavor or use any preferred beans you like.
How Do You Get the Chicken Skewers Just Right?
Getting your chicken skewers cooked perfectly can be a bit tricky, but here are some tips:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan before adding the skewers. This helps achieve a good sear.
- Don’t crowd the skewers! Leave space between the chicken pieces so they can cook evenly.
- Seal in moisture by brushing on extra BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking—this adds flavor without drying out the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer! Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety and best texture.
Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- Wooden skewers (if using wooden ones, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
For the Salad:
- 2 ears corn, husked and cut into small rounds
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing or creamy herb dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 15-20 minutes for grilling. In total, you’re looking at about 35 minutes for a delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad that’s perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
First, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This ensures that your chicken gets a nice sear and cooks evenly.
2. Make the Skewers:
Take the chicken cubes and thread them onto the wooden skewers. Brush them generously with BBQ sauce, but save some for later to baste while grilling.
3. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them and brush on more BBQ sauce during the last few minutes for extra flavor. You’re looking for nice char marks and fully cooked chicken, which should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Grill the Corn:
While the chicken is grilling, brush the corn rounds lightly with olive oil and grill them for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re nicely charred. Once done, remove them from the grill and let them cool slightly.
5. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, mix together the chopped romaine, halved tomatoes, black beans, diced avocado, grilled corn, and cilantro leaves. Everything should be fresh and vibrant!
6. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the salad with ranch dressing and toss everything gently to coat. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste—this enhances all the flavors!
7. Serve:
Divide the colorful salad onto plates and place two BBQ chicken skewers on top of each. It not only looks great but tastes fantastic, too!
8. Finish Up:
Garnish each plate with extra cilantro leaves and a fresh grind of black pepper before serving. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!
This Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a delightful combination of smoky grilled chicken and fresh veggies, making it a perfect meal choice any day!
FAQ for Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cutting and skewering. A quick way to thaw chicken is by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 1-2 hours. Always pat it dry before seasoning and grilling!
What Can I Substitute for BBQ Sauce?
If you’re looking for a different flavor, consider using teriyaki sauce, honey mustard, or a spicy buffalo sauce instead. Just keep in mind that each sauce will give a unique taste to the dish!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
To store leftovers, keep the dressing separate from the salad. Place any uneaten salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the chicken skewers, you can wrap them in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the same fridge container. They should be eaten within 3 days for best quality.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can grill the chicken and corn ahead of time and refrigerate them. Prepare the salad (without dressing) and store it separately. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and corn, toss everything together with dressing, and enjoy your fresh salad!
