BBQ chicken skewer salad

You know those nights, right? The ones where the clock is ticking, the hunger pangs are starting to rumble, and the thought of a complicated meal feels utterly impossible. That’s exactly when this BBQ chicken skewer salad swoops in like a culinary superhero. It’s one of those recipes that just *works*. I remember the first time I tossed this together, a little skeptical, honestly. I was looking for something that felt like a treat, something with that smoky, sweet BBQ goodness, but also packed with fresh, crisp veggies to make it feel lighter. My husband, who’s usually pretty discerning, took one bite and declared it a “keeper.” Now, my kids, who are notoriously picky, actually ask for this. Seriously! It’s become our weeknight savior, a lifesaver on those super busy evenings when cooking feels like a chore. Forget complicated marinades or hours over a hot grill; this is all about maximum flavor with minimum fuss. It’s got all the deliciousness of grilled BBQ chicken, but deconstructed into a vibrant, satisfying salad that’s perfect for pretty much any occasion. It’s a far cry from your average grilled chicken salad, leaning more into that irresistible sweet and savory profile that just makes your taste buds sing.

What is a good BBQ chicken skewer salad?

So, what exactly *is* this BBQ chicken skewer salad I’m raving about? Think of it as a playful, deconstructed version of your favorite barbecue. Instead of just chunking up chicken, we’re making it a little more fun by skewering it, giving it that beautiful char and caramelization you get from grilling. Then, we chop that smoky, Juicy Chicken and toss it with a medley of crisp, fresh vegetables and a creamy, tangy dressing that just sings with BBQ flavor. It’s not a traditional leafy green salad, though you can certainly add those if you like! I tend to lean more towards hearty veggies that stand up well to the chicken and dressing. It’s essentially a celebration of BBQ flavors in a cool, refreshing format. The name itself, “BBQ chicken skewer salad,” just tells you what you’re getting: delicious chicken, grilled to perfection, in a salad that’s anything but boring. It’s comfort food meets fresh and healthy, all in one bowl. It’s the kind of dish that feels both familiar and exciting at the same time.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to make this chicken skewer salad?flavor. Oh. My. Goodness. The chicken gets this incredible smoky-sweet crust from the BBQ sauce, and when it’s combined with the fresh, bright veggies and that creamy dressing, it’s just pure magic. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures – sweet, savory, tangy, crunchy, and tender, all playing together. Then there’s the simplicity. I’ve already mentioned it, but it bears repeating. This recipe is surprisingly easy to whip up, especially on a busy weeknight. You don’t need a fancy culinary degree or hours of prep time. It’s straightforward and forgiving, which is exactly what I need after a long day. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. You’re using everyday ingredients that are usually pretty pretty budget-friendly, and you get a meal that feels gourmet without the heftyversatility! This is where it really shines. You can customize it so easily. Add corn, bell peppers, red onion, avocado – the possibilities are endless! It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a potluck side dish. What I love most about this is that it doesn’t *feel* like you’re eating a salad, but you totally are! It’s hearty and satisfying, making it a complete meal. It’s one of those rare recipes that truly ticks all the boxes: delicious, easy, affordable, and adaptable. It’s become my go-to when I want something impressive without the stress.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Quick Overview

The beauty of this BBQ chicken skewer salad lies in its streamlined process. We start by marinating and grilling chicken skewers for that irresistible smoky flavor. While the chicken grills, you’ll chop your favorite fresh veggies. Then, we’ll toss the chopped Grilled Chicken with the crisp veggies and a homemade, tangy BBQ-inspired dressing. It’s all about bringing together simple, delicious components to create a vibrant and satisfying meal. This method ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked and infused with flavor, and the vegetables stay wonderfully crisp, giving you a fantastic contrast in every bite. It’s designed to be straightforward, so you can get a delicious, homemade meal on the table with minimal stress.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce, plus more for brushing
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)

For the Salad:
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, but highly recommended!)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, but adds a nice pop)

For the Creamy BBQ Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate and Skewer the Chicken

In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or longer in the refrigerator if you have the time. While the chicken marinates, thread the marinated chicken onto your prepared skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd them!

Step 2: Grill the Chicken Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has lovely char marks. Brush with a little extra BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for an extra layer of flavor and caramelization. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Vegetables

While the chicken is grilling and resting, prepare your salad components. If you’re using fresh corn, you can grill or boil it first, then cut the kernels off the cob. Dice the red bell pepper and thinly slice or dice the red onion. Chop your fresh cilantro if you’re using it. If you’re adding cherry tomatoes, halve them. Ensure all your vegetables are prepped and ready to go.

Step 4: Make the Creamy BBQ Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess as needed. You want a creamy, well-balanced dressing that complements the BBQ chicken.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Once the chicken skewers have rested slightly, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the skewers. Place the chopped chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared corn, diced red bell pepper, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro (if using). Add the halved cherry tomatoes if you’re including them. Pour about half of the creamy BBQ dressing over the mixture.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Gently toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are well coated with the dressing. You want to coat everything evenly without mushing the ingredients. Add more dressing if needed, but be careful not to make it too soggy. Taste and adjust seasoning one last time. Serve the BBQ chicken skewer salad immediately, or chill it for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

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What to Serve It With

This BBQ chicken skewer salad is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways! For breakfast, I know it sounds a bit unconventional, but a small scoop alongside some scrambled eggs can be surprisingly delicious, especially if you’ve got leftover chicken. The smoky flavor really wakes up your palate! For brunch, it’s fantastic served in individual small bowls or even lettuce cups, making it a bit more elegant. I love pairing it with a light, crisp white wine or even a sparkling rosé. When we want something a little more decadent, it works beautifully as dessert… wait, not dessert! I mean, it’s a hearty meal, but it’s so satisfying, it feels like a treat. Okay, for a lighter meal, it’s perfect. For cozy snacks or lighter meals, I often serve it with some crunchy tortilla chips for scooping, or nestled into some soft slider buns. It’s also fantastic alongside a classic potato salad or a simple coleslaw if you’re going for a full-on BBQ vibe. My family absolutely loves it when I serve it with some grilled corn on the cob. It feels like a complete summer meal, even if it’s the middle of winter and we’re just dreaming of warmer days. It’s truly a dish that adapts to your mood and the occasion.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

I’ve made this BBQ chicken skewer salad more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make a difference. For the chicken, don’t skimp on the marinade time. Even 30 minutes makes a noticeable difference in flavor penetration. If you’re using wooden skewers, make absolutely sure they’re soaked – nobody wants burning skewers on their grill! When grilling, get your grill nice and hot; that’s key for getting those lovely char marks and that slightly crispy exterior on the chicken. And speaking of char marks, brush on that extra BBQ sauce in the final minutes – it’s the secret to that beautiful, sticky glaze. For the salad itself, freshness is paramount. Use crisp, vibrant vegetables. If your bell pepper is a little sad, it won’t have that satisfying crunch. I’ve learned that slicing the red onion thinly is better than dicing it for this salad, as it gives you those delicate little rings of flavor rather than big chunks. And for the dressing, my personal favorite trick is using full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest result. However, I’ve tested this with good quality Greek yogurt when I want to lighten it up, and it still turns out wonderfully creamy and tangy, just with a slightly different note. Just make sure your yogurt isn’t too watery. When it comes to ingredient swaps, don’t be afraid to experiment! If you don’t have red bell pepper, yellow or orange work just as well. I’ve even thrown in some chopped celery for extra crunch. If cilantro isn’t your thing, fresh parsley or chives can offer a nice herby note. My kids, bless their hearts, sometimes pick out the onion, so I’ve learned to finely mince it for them, or sometimes just leave it out when I know it’s going to be a “kid-focused” meal. The key is to taste and adjust the dressing to your preference – more honey if you like it sweeter, more vinegar if you want it tangier. This recipe is so forgiving, which is why I adore it.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This BBQ chicken skewer salad is fantastic for meal prep because it holds up so well! For room temperature storage, it’s best to keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve. If you have leftovers that have been sitting out for a couple of hours, it’s usually best to discard them to be safe. For refrigerator storage, I always keep it in an airtight container. It stays perfectly fresh for about 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen the next day, which is a nice bonus! I usually store the dressing separate if I’m not serving it all at once, but if it’s already tossed, it’s fine. Just give it a good stir before serving again. If you plan on freezing, I’d recommend freezing the grilled chicken separately, and then assembling the salad fresh when you want to eat it. If you do freeze the assembled salad (though I don’t personally recommend it for the best texture), make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container and it should last about 1-2 months. Thawing should be done slowly in the refrigerator. For glaze timing advice, if you’re making a big batch and planning to store some, I find it’s best to add the dressing just before serving each time, or when you’re ready to eat the portion you’re about to consume. This helps keep the veggies crisp and prevents the salad from getting too watery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your BBQ sauce and any other bottled ingredients you use are certified gluten-free. The chicken, vegetables, and the homemade dressing are all typically gluten-free. Just double-check those labels for any hidden gluten ingredients. The texture will remain the same, so no worries there!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

This recipe doesn’t actually use zucchini! It’s a BBQ chicken salad. If you were thinking of a different recipe, I’d be happy to clarify. For this salad, we focus on crisp vegetables like bell peppers and onions.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

This is a salad recipe, so it’s not really suited for making into muffins. Muffins typically involve a batter and baking. If you’re looking for a baked chicken dish with BBQ flavor, that would be a different recipe entirely!

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

You can easily adjust the sweetness! For the dressing, add a little more honey or maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter. If you want it less sweet, simply reduce the amount of sweetener or add a touch more apple cider vinegar for tang. The BBQ sauce you use will also impact sweetness, so adjust accordingly.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

This recipe calls for a creamy BBQ dressing, not a glaze. If you meant the dressing, you can use a lighter vinaigrette or even a simple lemon-herb dressing if you want something different. If you were thinking of a glaze *for* the chicken, you could use a simple marinade with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, or a teriyaki sauce before grilling, but the BBQ sauce is what gives this salad its signature flavor.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my absolute favorite BBQ chicken skewer salad! I truly hope you give this one a try. It’s more than just a recipe to me; it’s a little bit of weeknight magic, a way to bring delicious, satisfying flavors to the table without all the fuss. It’s proof that you can have that amazing BBQ taste in a dish that’s also fresh and vibrant. It’s fantastic for a casual family dinner, a potluck where you want to bring something everyone will love, or even just a delicious packed lunch. If you’re a fan of this recipe, you might also enjoy my Smoky Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe or my Quick & Easy Black Bean Burgers. They share that same focus on bold flavors and straightforward preparation. I’d be absolutely thrilled if you try this BBQ chicken skewer salad and let me know what you think! Please leave a comment below with your own tips or variations, and don’t forget to share your creations with me! Happy cooking!

BBQ chicken skewer salad

What is a good BBQ chicken skewer salad?

Why you’ll love this recipe?