This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad brings together juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a smoky dressing. It’s colorful, tasty, and feels like a party on your plate!
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? I like to spice it up with my favorite dips. Trust me, this salad is not just healthy; it’s a fun way to enjoy a meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Fresh chicken breast is best for this skewers recipe. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works well too; just skip the skewering part! For a leaner option, you can use turkey breast instead.
BBQ Sauce: The sauce is key for flavor! Choose a sauce that matches your taste—spicy, smoky, or sweet versions all work well. If you need a substitute, homemade BBQ sauce with ketchup and your favorite spices can do the trick!
Romaine Lettuce: Fresh romaine adds crunch. If you prefer, you can replace it with other greens like spinach or kale. Just remember that darker greens have a richer flavor.
Black Beans: They add protein and texture. If you’re not a bean fan, try using chickpeas instead. They taste great mixed into salads too!
Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing complements BBQ flavors beautifully. If you want a lighter option, use a yogurt-based dressing. You can also mix Greek yogurt with herbs for a homemade dressing!
How Do I Grill Chicken Skewers Perfectly?
Grilling chicken skewers can seem tricky, but it’s all about timing and technique. Here’s how to get juicy, well-cooked chicken every time:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. A hot grill gives you nice grill marks!
- Toss the chicken pieces in BBQ sauce and oil before skewering. This helps to keep them moist while grilling.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; lay the pieces closely but still allow a little space for cooking.
- Turn the skewers every few minutes. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- Grill for about 10-12 minutes or until the inside of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Always check with a meat thermometer if unsure!
- For extra flavor, brush on additional BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
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, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or creamy dressing of choice
- Lime wedges for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 12-15 minutes grilling the chicken. Quick and tasty, perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium heat. This getting the grill hot first will give the chicken nice grill marks and help it cook evenly.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, throw in the chicken pieces and mix them with BBQ sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until the chicken is well-coated in the sauce. This will add flavor as the chicken grills!
3. Assemble the Skewers:
Take your soaked skewers and thread the chicken pieces onto them. Make sure the chicken pieces are close but not squished together. This allows them to cook evenly.
4. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to get those nice grill marks and ensure they cook through. If you like, brush on a bit more BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavor!
5. Prepare the Salad:
While the chicken is grilling, grab a big bowl and combine your chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red onion, avocado, and cilantro. This colorful mix will make your salad delicious and fun!
6. Dress the Salad:
Pour the ranch dressing over your salad and gently toss all the ingredients together. Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing it in for flavor.
7. Serve It Up:
Now grab your plates! Serve the salad and top it with the grilled chicken skewers. Add a few lime wedges on the side and sprinkle some extra cilantro on top if you fancy.
8. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad! It’s fresh, flavorful, and sure to be a hit.
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless for easier grilling. If you want to use leftover cooked chicken, shred it and mix it with BBQ sauce before adding it to the salad!
What Can I Substitute for the BBQ Sauce?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try using a homemade BBQ sauce or a sugar-free version. You can also substitute it with teriyaki sauce or even a spicy marinade for a different flavor profile.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad and skewers separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken skewers will last about 3 days, while the salad will stay fresh for about 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the grill, and toss the salad fresh to maintain its crunch!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite veggies such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other ingredients.
