Grilled Chicken Skewers with Summer Salad Mix

Make the Ultimate BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe! Simple yet satisfying and bursting with flavor, this is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of a backyard barbecue while still having a well-rounded dinner. Loaded with BBQ chicken kabobs, fresh crunchy salad, and creamy ranch dressing, this has everything you love from all those regular recipes but transformed into the easiest weeknight dinner or summer party meal yet. Perfect to use for bbq salad ideas, a salad with grilled chicken, or as a base to make your own barbecue chicken salad recipe from scratch, this takes something ho-hum and turns it into something show-stopping.

This vibrant collection showcases all the fresh, quality ingredients needed to create the ultimate BBQ chicken skewer salad. From the perfectly cubed chicken breast to the colorful array of vegetables and seasonings, every component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor. The combination of protein, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices promises a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Hey, there, fellow foodie. It’s been a while, huh? Welcome back to the kitchen. I know you’ve been cooking up a storm over here. It’s time we cleared this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. It’s a game-changer.

For starters, BBQ chicken kabobs with salad are much better than those old, crusty packets of seasoning hidden at the back of your cupboard. They’re fresher, less dry and dusty, and more versatile. Plus, chicken skewers take so long to cook, while BBQ chicken kabobs cook in a flash!

It’s true, summer salads have been around for years. But have you ever had them with BBQ chicken kabobs? It’s like the chicken is on fire! BBQ kabobs aren’t just for chicken anymore. Grill ’em up with beef or pork and see what happens!

It’s one of my favorite summer recipes. I love how simple yet satisfying it is. Plus, I’m always looking for ways to make my meals more healthy and delicious at the same time, so this recipe hits the spot.

BBQ chicken kabobs are so simple, but they’re also so satisfying. I’ve tried making them before, but they always end up too dry or too bland. I think the secret is to use a good marinade. This one uses simple ingredients, but it’s loaded with flavor.

Ok, I know. This isn’t exactly what you’d call the pinnacle of the summer barbecue experience. But it’s got some serious potential! Think about it: smoked and charred, juicy, and moist. It’s got everything that makes chicken on the grill so good.

First things first, though. Let’s talk about the salad. This recipe calls for romaine lettuce and black beans, which may seem like a strange combination. But, trust me, it’s a perfect match. The beans add a bit of heft and protein to the salad, while the lettuce provides some freshness and crunch.

Now, let’s move on to the chicken. This is where things get interesting! I love the smokiness of the BBQ chicken kabobs in this recipe. But it’s not just about the smokiness. The chicken is also really juicy and flavorful.

BBQ sauce is one of my favorite ingredients to use on chicken. It’s smoky and sweet, and it goes great with just about any flavor. I usually use a basic barbecue sauce for my recipes, but you can also use a store-bought one if you prefer.

Finally, let’s talk about the marinade. This recipe calls for a simple mixture of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and BBQ sauce. I love how easy it is to whip up this marinade, and how it really brings out the flavor of the chicken.

The magic happens during preparation as marinated chicken transforms on the grill into perfectly charred, smoky skewers. Each step from threading the seasoned chicken to achieving those coveted grill marks creates anticipation for the final dish. Meanwhile, fresh vegetables are carefully prepared and tossed with creamy dressing, setting the stage for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

But enough talk! Let’s get cooking!

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Prepare to be wowed by the best bbq salad ideas: The Ultimate BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad! A fresh, crunchy salad piled high with smoky grilled kabobs and topped with creamy dressing, this recipe has everything you love from a regular barbecue kabobs recipe, but made even more exciting. This is also a great starting point for a salad with grilled chicken or a tasty barbecue chicken salad recipe.

Author: Jason Horton

Prep Time 25
Cook Time 12
Total Time 1 10

Servings: 4

Ingredients

BBQ Chicken Skewers

• 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup of your favorite thick BBQ sauce, divided
• 8 wooden or metal skewers (if using wood, soak in water for 30 minutes)

Salad

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped (about 8 cups)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Creamy BBQ Ranch Dressing

• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives or cilantro
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of the same BBQ sauce used for the chicken

Garnish (Optional)

• Crushed tortilla chips
• Fresh cilantro

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

Prep the Grill & Skewers

• While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water to prevent them from burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Clean the grates and lightly oil them with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil.

Assemble the Skewers

• Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Discard any leftover marinade.

Grill the Chicken

• Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-14 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the skewers generously on all sides with about 3/4 cup of the BBQ sauce. The sauce will caramelize and get slightly smoky. Once the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.

Make the Dressing

• While the chicken is grilling, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together the buttermilk, mayonnaise, chives (or cilantro), white vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once smooth, stir in the 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Assemble the Salad

• In a very large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and shredded cheese. Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Serve

• Divide the salad mixture among four large bowls. Top each salad with a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips. Place two rested chicken skewers on top of each salad, or remove the chicken from the skewers and scatter the pieces over the top. Drizzle with any remaining BBQ sauce from the resting plate and serve immediately with extra dressing on the side.

Notes

Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the chicken and individual grill characteristics.

Nutrition Information

• Serving Size: 1 salad
• Calories: ~650 kcal
• Protein: ~45g
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Fat: ~30g
• Fiber: ~12g

Disclaimer: This nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific products used.

Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bbq salad ideas, BBQ Chicken Salad recipes, Salad with Grilled Chicken

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Summer Salad Mix

Recipe by fxtadeusz@gmail.comCourse: Chicken

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  2 tablespoons olive oil
  1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  1 teaspoon garlic powder
  1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  1/4 teaspoon salt
  1 cup of your favorite thick BBQ sauce, divided
  8 wooden or metal skewers (if using wood, soak in water for 30 minutes)

Directions

• Marinate the Chicken
  In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  Prep the Grill & Skewers
  While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water to prevent them from burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Clean the grates and lightly oil them with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil.
  Assemble the Skewers
  Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Discard any leftover marinade.
  Grill the Chicken
  Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-14 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the skewers generously on all sides with about 3/4 cup of the BBQ sauce. The sauce will caramelize and get slightly smoky. Once the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.

The finished masterpiece brings together smoky, perfectly grilled chicken skewers atop a vibrant rainbow of fresh salad ingredients. Each bowl represents a complete, balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and satisfying textures from the crunchy tortilla chips and creamy avocado. The glossy BBQ glaze and fresh herbs create an irresistible presentation that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Reader Questions & Answers

Question 1: I don’t have an outdoor grill. Can I still make this recipe?

Answer: Absolutely! You have two great options. First, you can use an indoor cast-iron grill pan. Heat it over medium-high heat and cook the skewers just as you would on an outdoor grill, turning them to get char marks on all sides. Alternatively, you can use your oven’s broiler. Arrange the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and place them about 6-8 inches from the broiler element. Broil for 5-7 minutes per side, brushing with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes, until cooked through. Keep a close eye on them, as broilers work very quickly!

Question 2: This sounds delicious, but I prefer chicken thighs. Would that work as well?

Answer: Yes, chicken thighs are an excellent choice for this recipe! In fact, many grill masters prefer them because their higher fat content makes them more forgiving and less likely to dry out. They are incredibly juicy and flavorful. Simply cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces just like the breast. The cooking time will be very similar, but always use a meat thermometer to confirm they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. The flavor will be slightly richer, which pairs wonderfully with the smoky BBQ sauce.