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BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

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A BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a perfect blend of smoky, grilled flavors with fresh, crisp vegetables. This dish is great for summer gatherings, quick weeknight meals, or even meal prep. The combination of juicy marinated chicken, colorful vegetables, and a tangy dressing makes it a must-try!

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the smoky flavors of BBQ with fresh, crunchy salad ingredients
  • A great way to enjoy a high-protein, low-carb meal
  • Versatile and customizable with different vegetables and dressings
  • Perfect for outdoor grilling or indoor grilling during colder months
  • Easy to prepare ahead of time for meal prep

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt and pepper
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Red onion
  • Bell peppers (any color)
  • Mixed greens (such as romaine, spinach, or arugula)
  • Cucumber
  • Feta cheese (optional)
  • Avocado (optional)
  • Ranch dressing, balsamic vinaigrette, or another preferred dressing
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Directions

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad this Recipe
  1. Prepare the Chicken:ย Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Add BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
  2. Assemble the Skewers:ย Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion.
  3. Grill the Skewers:ย Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
  4. Prepare the Salad:ย In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced cucumber, and any additional vegetables you prefer.
  5. Assemble the Dish:ย Remove the chicken and vegetables from the skewers and place them over the salad. Top with feta cheese and avocado if using.
  6. Dress and Serve:ย Drizzle with your favorite dressing and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings:ย 4
  • Prep Time:ย 15 minutes
  • Marinating Time:ย 30 minutes (or overnight)
  • Cook Time:ย 12 minutes
  • Total Time:ย About 1 hour (including marinating)

Variations

  • Spicy BBQ Twist:ย Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ marinade.
  • Mediterranean Style:ย Use lemon, oregano, and tzatziki instead of BBQ sauce.
  • Sweet and Tangy:ย Mix honey or pineapple juice into the BBQ sauce for a sweeter taste.
  • Vegan Option:ย Substitute grilled tofu or mushrooms for the chicken.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating:ย Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds before serving over fresh salad greens.
  • Meal Prep Tip:ย Store the chicken separately from the greens to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

How do I keep my chicken skewers from sticking to the grill?

Brush the grill grates with oil before cooking, or use non-stick grilling spray.

Can I bake the skewers instead of grilling?

Yes, bake at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.

What is the best BBQ sauce to use?

Any BBQ sauce you love works, whether smoky, spicy, or sweet.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but grilling the chicken fresh adds the best flavor.

What other vegetables can I use?

Zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus work great on skewers.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but store the dressing separately to prevent the greens from wilting.

Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?

Yes, but if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

Yes, as long as the BBQ sauce is low in sugar.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Skip the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

What dressing pairs best with this salad?

Ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, or a honey mustard dressing complement the flavors well.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that brings together the best of grilled flavors and fresh vegetables. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ, prepping meals for the week, or simply craving a protein-packed salad, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

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BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad, Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a delicious mix of smoky, juicy grilled chicken skewers served over a crisp, refreshing salad. The combination of tangy BBQ sauce, grilled vegetables, and a zesty dressing makes this dish a perfect light meal or side for any cookout.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken Skewers:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 small red onion, cut into chunks
  • 8 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes)

For the Salad:

  • 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, or spinach)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup corn (grilled or canned, drained)
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup sliced cucumber
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken Skewers:

    • In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
    • Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
    • Thread the chicken, bell pepper, and red onion onto the skewers.

  • Grill the Skewers:

    • Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat.
    • Cook the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165ยฐF).

  • Make the Dressing:

    • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

  • Assemble the Salad:

    • In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado, cucumber, and cheese.
    • Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat.

  • Serve:

    • Place the grilled chicken skewers on top of the salad. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
  • Swap feta for blue cheese or cheddar for a different flavor.
  • Use a store-bought dressing if you’re short on time.
  • Add cooked quinoa or couscous for a heartier salad.

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