This Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fun and tasty dish! It features juicy chicken pieces grilled to perfection and fresh veggies all mixed together. Perfect for a sunny day!
You can have this salad ready in no time. Just grill the skewers, toss everything in a bowl, and enjoy a colorful meal. Plus, it’s great for leftovers—if there are any! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are lean and great for skewers. You can substitute with thighs for juicier meat. If you’re vegetarian, use skewered veggies like mushrooms or tofu marinated in BBQ sauce.
BBQ Sauce: This adds flavor to the chicken. Choose your favorite brand, or make your own for a healthier option. If you want a different kick, try teriyaki sauce instead!
Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing. If you don’t have it, switch to spinach or kale for a different texture and flavor. You can even mix it up with spring greens.
Black Beans: They add protein and fiber to your salad. Kidney beans or chickpeas work well as substitutes if you prefer something different or want a color change.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for the Best Flavor?
Marinating is key to infusing your chicken with flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cut the chicken into even-sized cubes for consistent cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper, then add your BBQ sauce. Mix it well.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 1 hour in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Marinating helps to tenderize the chicken and allows the flavors to penetrate, making a huge difference in your skewers!
Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Ingredients:
For the BBQ chicken skewers:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 4 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
For the salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes approximately 15-20 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 10-15 minutes cooking time for the skewers. After grilling, you may want to let everything cool for a minute before serving. Overall, you’ll have a tasty meal ready in about 30 to 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Pour in the BBQ sauce and toss until all chicken pieces are well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 1 hour for stronger flavors.
2. Prepare the Skewers:
Take your soaked wooden skewers and carefully thread the marinated chicken cubes onto them evenly. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer.
3. Cook the Chicken Skewers:
Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and shows nice grill marks. Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside.
4. Grill the Corn (Optional):
If you are using fresh corn on the cob, place the corn on the grill for a few minutes until charred slightly. This step adds a lovely smoky flavor! After grilling, carefully cut the kernels off the cob.
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), lime juice, honey (or agave syrup), minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, grilled corn kernels, black beans, and sliced green onions. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients.
7. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure every ingredient is coated with the creamy dressing.
8. Serve:
Divide the salad into plates and top each serving with 2 BBQ chicken skewers. Sprinkle some fresh cilantro leaves for garnish.
9. Enjoy!
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. This Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad makes for a delightful meal that combines smoky chicken with crisp, refreshing veggies!
FAQ for Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before marinating. The best way to do this is by placing the chicken in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the cold water method—just seal the chicken in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. When ready to eat, simply toss everything together and enjoy!
Can I Customize the Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, cucumbers, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese can add delicious flavors. You can also switch the protein—try shrimp or tofu for a different twist!
How Can I Make This Salad Low-Carb?
To make this salad low-carb, simply omit the corn and black beans, and increase the amount of leafy greens and veggies. You can also add additional proteins like grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs to keep it filling!
