This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is colorful and fun! Juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing make every bite tasty. Plus, who doesn’t love food on a stick?
I’m a big fan of adding grilled corn for a pop of sweetness. It’s like a summer party for your taste buds! Enjoy this salad anytime for a quick and yummy meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Chicken breast is the classic choice here for skewers. Feel free to use thighs for a juicier option or even turkey. Just ensure that the pieces are evenly cut for consistent cooking!
BBQ sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for the chicken; it adds flavor and moisture. If you want a healthier option, consider a low-sugar or homemade version. You can also try marinades like teriyaki for a twist.
Grilled corn: If corn isn’t in season, you can use canned or frozen corn; just make sure to heat it properly. Grilling adds a great smoky flavor, but any method will work!
Romaine lettuce: Romaine provides a nice crunch, but mixed greens, spinach, or kale are good alternatives. If you want something heartier, try using cabbage.
Feta cheese: Crumbled feta or shredded cheese can enhance the salad’s flavor. This is optional but definitely recommended for those who love a cheesy element.
How Do You Grill Chicken Perfectly on Skewers?
Grilling chicken skewers can be tricky, but the key is all in the preparation and heat control. Start with evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook at the same rate. Marinating the chicken before skewering helps infuse flavor and keep it moist.
- Make sure to preheat your grill. A hot grill prevents the chicken from sticking.
- Baste the skewers with BBQ sauce during cooking for extra flavor and moisture.
- Cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side. Check for doneness by cutting into a piece—there should be no pink inside.
Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps keep it juicy!
Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Ingredients:
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 4 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes)
For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup grilled corn kernels (about 1 ear of corn, charred and cut off cob)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad takes about 20 minutes of active preparation time, plus an additional 15 minutes for grilling the chicken and corn. So, you’re looking at roughly 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
Start by threading the chicken breast cubes evenly onto the soaked wooden skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. Brush each skewer generously with BBQ sauce. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and grill the skewers for about 4-6 minutes per side, basting with more BBQ sauce as they cook. Once fully cooked and golden brown, remove them from the grill and set aside.
2. Prepare the Grilled Corn:
While the chicken is grilling, place the corn directly on the grill. Turn it occasionally until it is charred all over, which should take about 8-10 minutes. After grilling, allow it to cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob.
3. Make the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, diced avocado, grilled corn kernels, and chopped cilantro. Toss everything gently to mix the ingredients.
4. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, mayonnaise, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture, then gently toss everything to ensure all ingredients are well coated. Divide the salad onto plates or bowls for serving.
6. Serve:
Top each salad with 2 BBQ chicken skewers. If you like, garnish with additional cilantro and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.
7. Enjoy!
Dig into your fresh, flavorful BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad! The combination of sweet BBQ chicken with the crisp veggies and creamy dressing is sure to be a hit.
This recipe combines the smoky sweetness of BBQ chicken with a vibrant, crunchy salad featuring grilled corn, black beans, and a creamy lime dressing for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Proteins for the Skewers?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are a great option, you can substitute them with chicken thighs for added juiciness. Alternatively, shrimp or cubed tofu work well too—just adjust cooking times accordingly. Shrimp typically cook much faster!
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream in the Dressing?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream. If you need a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based yogurt or silken tofu blended until smooth to maintain creaminess.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad and chicken skewers in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad will keep for about 2 days, but it’s best to eat it fresh. You can reheat the chicken skewers in the microwave or a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the salad ingredients a few hours in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy. Cook the chicken skewers ahead of time as well and simply reheat before serving!
