Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast keeps this dish lean and easy to work with. You can substitute with thigh meat for a juicier flavor, or even use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.

BBQ Sauce: A store-bought BBQ sauce is convenient, but you can easily make your own. For a healthier twist, try a sugar-free version or a homemade sauce using tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices.

Romaine Lettuce: Romaine adds a nice crunch, but you could use spinach, kale, or mixed greens if that’s what you have. Just be mindful that softer greens like spinach will wilt faster.

Corn: Fresh grilled corn adds sweetness. If fresh isn’t available, canned or frozen corn works perfectly. Just make sure to season it well when grilling or heating up.

How Do You Get the Chicken Skewers Perfectly Grilled?

Grilling chicken skewers might seem tricky, but it’s simple with the right steps. Ensure the grill is hot enough to create a good sear. Here’s how:

• Start with cubed chicken marinated in olive oil and seasoning for flavor.
• Skewer the chicken cubes, leaving a small gap between them for even cooking.
• Grill on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side. Keep brushing with BBQ sauce for extra flavor and moisture.
• Look for those beautiful grill marks and ensure the chicken is no longer pink inside.

Let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes after grilling. This helps keep them juicy!

Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers

For the Salad:

• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup corn kernels, grilled (can use fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup ranch or creamy dressing (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15–20 minutes to cook. Overall, you’re looking at about 35–40 minutes from start to finish, including grilling your delicious chicken skewers!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Skewers:

In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure every cube is coated well for maximum flavor! Then, thread the chicken pieces evenly onto the wooden or metal skewers. Finally, brush each skewer generously with your BBQ sauce—this will add so much delicious flavor.

2. Grill the Chicken:

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, place the chicken skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, brushing them with extra BBQ sauce as they cook. You want them to be fully cooked and nicely charred! The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

3. Grill the Corn:

If you’re using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob after grilling. Grill those kernels in a grill pan or on the grill until they’re lightly charred—this should take about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

4. Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine your chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, grilled corn, black beans, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro. If you like, drizzle with ranch or your favorite creamy dressing, and gently toss everything together. Don’t forget to season with freshly ground black pepper to taste!

5. Serve:

Divide the salad into bowls or plates. Place 2 BBQ chicken skewers on top of each salad for a beautiful presentation. If you wish, garnish with extra cilantro leaves for that fresh touch.

6. Enjoy!

Serve immediately while the chicken is warm. This vibrant, flavorful, and filling BBQ chicken skewer salad is perfect for lunch or dinner. Enjoy every bite!

FAQ for Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Ensure that it is fully thawed before cutting it into cubes and marinating. Thaw chicken in the fridge overnight or quickly in cold water while still sealed in a plastic bag for best results.

What Other Vegetables Can I Add to the Salad?

You can customize your salad with a variety of vegetables! Consider adding bell peppers, cucumbers, or red onion for crunch and flavor. Grilled zucchini or asparagus also makes a delicious addition!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover salad and chicken skewers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with cubed firm tofu or tempeh marinated in BBQ sauce. You can also add additional veggies or even some grilled halloumi for extra flavor!