This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fun twist on your regular salad! It has juicy grilled chicken pieces on skewers, tasty veggies, and a zesty dressing that brings everything together.
I love how colorful it looks on the plate—it’s like a party in my mouth! Plus, it’s a perfect meal for a sunny day or a picnic. Just grab a skewer and dig in! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for skewers. If you’re looking to cut calories, consider using chicken thighs, which also add more flavor. Alternatively, tofu or tempeh can be used for a vegetarian option.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for a flavor you love! If you’re in a pinch, homemade sauce is quick to whip up with ketchup, vinegar, and spices. You could also use a marinade like teriyaki or a spicy sauce for variety.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine gives a nice crunch, but any leafy green works. Spinach, kale, or mixed greens can also be delicious options! Just adjust the amount since some greens are denser than others.
Cheese: I’m a fan of cheddar for its sharp taste, but feel free to substitute with feta or a dairy-free cheese if you prefer. You can also leave it out entirely for a lighter salad.
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken is Juicy and Tender?
Marinating the chicken is key for tenderness and flavor. A 30-minute marinade works, but overnight is even better for maximum taste. Always make sure to clean your grill before cooking. Keeping the heat at medium-high allows the chicken to cook through without drying out.
- Cut the chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave some space to allow even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – 165°F is your target!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or any dressing of choice)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Additionally, you’ll spend around 10-12 minutes grilling the skewers. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour, including all steps. It’s a fun and delicious dish to serve any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cutting the two chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Place these pieces into a bowl. Pour in the olive oil, BBQ sauce, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until the chicken is well coated. For the best flavor, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator if you have the time!
2. Soak Skewers (if using wooden skewers):
If you chose wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This step is important to prevent them from burning while grilling the chicken.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. It should be nice and hot when you’re ready to cook!
4. Assemble Skewers:
Now, take your marinated chicken and thread the pieces onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the assembled skewers on the grill and cook them for about 10-12 minutes. Be sure to turn them occasionally to get those lovely grill marks all over. If you like, brush on some additional BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavor!
6. Prepare the Salad:
While your chicken is grilling, grab a large bowl and combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheese (if you’re using it). Toss everything together to mix well.
7. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This will add a tasty zing to your salad!
8. Combine:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together to make sure each bite is deliciously coated.
9. Serve:
To serve your salad, plate the mixed salad and top it with the BBQ chicken skewers. If you’d like, add a bit more cilantro on top for a fresh finishing touch. Enjoy your colorful and tasty BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad!
Can I Use Different Proteins for the Skewers?
Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for other proteins like shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly: shrimp cooks quickly (about 3-5 minutes per side), while beef may take a bit longer depending on the cut.
How to Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from getting soggy. Just toss it together before serving!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! You can omit the chicken and cheese and substitute the ranch dressing with a vegan dressing. For added protein, include chickpeas or avocado to keep the dish hearty and filling.
What Type of BBQ Sauce Works Best?
Choose a BBQ sauce that fits your taste! Sweet, tangy, smoky, or spicy varieties all work well. If you’re making your own, consider adding some honey or hot sauce for extra flavor, depending on your preference.
