BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe- Easy Grilled Dinner

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is one of those dishes that just screams summer fun and effortless entertaining. We all love the smoky, sweet char of barbecue chicken, and when you transform those irresistible morsels into perfectly grilled skewers, you’ve already won half the battle. But what elevates this simple concept into something truly spectacular is when we toss those tender chicken skewers with a vibrant, fresh salad. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a complete meal that offers the best of both worlds: the satisfying heartiness of grilled chicken and the crisp, refreshing crunch of a beautifully balanced salad. It’s the perfect antidote to a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering, offering a delightful explosion of flavors and textures in every single bite of your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone lucky enough to share this delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with you!

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a flavor explosion waiting to happen! It’s the perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy, with tender, perfectly grilled chicken skewers nestled atop a vibrant, fresh salad. The homemade creamy dill dressing ties it all together, making it a dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a flavorful dinner, this salad is sure to become a go-to. Plus, making your own dressing ensures you control the ingredients and flavor profile, resulting in something truly special.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken Skewers

1. Begin extract by preparing the chicken. Cut the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. This size is ideal for even cooking on the skewers and ensures they’re easy to eat in a salad. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 3 tablespoons of avocado oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. This initial coating of oil helps to prevent sticking and promotes browning, while the salt enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.

2. Now it’s time to get saucy! Set aside about 1/2 cup of the BBQ sauce for brushing the skewers during grilling. Take the remaining 1 1/2 cups of BBQ sauce and add the seasoned chicken pieces to it. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring each piece of chicken is generously coated in the delicious BBQ sauce. This marinating step infuses the chicken with that signature smoky-sweet flavor. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or for an even deeper flavor, up to 2 hours. The longer it marinates, the more the sauce will penetrate the chicken.

3. While the chicken is marinating, thread the pieces onto your pre-soaked wooden skewers. Soaking the skewers prevents them from burning on the grill. Aim for about 4-6 pieces of chicken per skewer, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Discard any excess marinade from the bowl.

Grilling the Chicken Skewers

4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grill grates thoroughly to prevent any sticking. Carefully place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Grill for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has developed nice char marks. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with the reserved 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. This extra layer of sauce caramelizes beautifully on the grill, adding an extra punch of flavor and that irresistible glossy finish. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning, as the sugars in the BBQ sauce can char quickly.

Making the Creamy Dill Dressing

5. While the chicken is grilling, let’s whip up the incredible creamy dill dressing. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup of avocado oil, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup of unsweetened full-fat coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of red grape juice vinegar. Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and the 2 minced garlic cloves. Blend until smooth and emulsified. This creates a wonderfully creamy base.

6. With the blender running on low, slowly drizzle in another 1/2 cup of avocado oil. This step is crucial for creating a stable and thick emulsion for your dressing. Continue blending until the dressing is thick and creamy, resembling a mayonnaise-like consistency. Once the dressing is emulsified, stir in 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh dill fronds and 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. The fresh herbs add a burst of freshness and vibrant color that perfectly complements the rich dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to suit your preference. This dressing can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Assembling the Salad

7. Once the chicken skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken. While the skewers rest, prepare your favorite salad greens. A mix of romaine lettuce, spinach, or a spring green blend works wonderfully. You can also add other favorite salad ingredients like cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red onion, or corn. Arrange your chosen salad greens and any other vegetables on a large platter or individual plates.

8. Once the chicken skewers have rested, arrange them attractively over the bed of salad greens. Drizzle a generous amount of the homemade creamy dill dressing over the entire salad. You can also serve extra dressing on the side for those who love a little more! This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a complete meal on its own, bursting with flavor and texture. Enjoy the smoky, sweet chicken paired with the cool, tangy, herb-infused dressing for a truly satisfying culinary experience.

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make this delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad! This recipe is a real winner because it strikes the perfect balance between smoky, grilled chicken and a vibrant, fresh salad. It’s incredibly versatile, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even as a healthy lunch option. The sweet and tangy BBQ chicken skewers are the star, complemented beautifully by the crisp greens, colorful vegetables, and a zesty dressing. I truly encourage you to give this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad a try – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and so satisfying to create.

For serving suggestions, consider pairing it with some corn on the cob, a side of potato salad, or even some crusty garlic bread for a more substantial meal. If you’re looking for variations, feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, red onion, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes are all fantastic additions. You could also experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors, like a spicy chipotle or a sweet honey BBQ, to give it a unique twist. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make the BBQ chicken skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate and grill the chicken skewers a day in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, you can either enjoy them cold on the salad or gently reheat them in the oven or on the grill for a few minutes. This is a great time-saver!

Q: What are some good vegetarian or vegan alternatives for the chicken?

For a vegetarian option, consider using firm tofu or halloumi cheese. Marinate them in the BBQ sauce just like the chicken. For a vegan version, extra-firm tofu is your best bet. Press it well to remove excess water, cut it into cubes, and marinate. Grilled pineapple chunks also make a wonderfully sweet and slightly smoky vegetarian addition to the skewers.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

A refreshing salad featuring grilled BBQ chicken skewers with a creamy, herb-infused dressing.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
25 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups BBQ sauce, (divided, such as Primal Kitchen)
• 8 (6-inch) wooden skewers, (pre-soaked)
• 1 cup avocado oil
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsweetened full fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red grape juice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 garlic cloves, (minced)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, toss chicken with 3 tablespoons avocado oil and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
2. Step 2
   Thread chicken onto pre-soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 pieces per skewer. Brush generously with 1 cup of BBQ sauce.
3. Step 3
   Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, basting with remaining BBQ sauce during the last few minutes.
4. Step 4
   While skewers are grilling, prepare the dressing. In a blender, combine 1 cup avocado oil, large egg, coconut milk, lemon juice, red grape juice vinegar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, onion powder, and minced garlic. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5
   Chop the grilled chicken from the skewers into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, chopped dill, and chopped parsley.
6. Step 6
   Drizzle the prepared dressing over the chicken and herb mixture. Toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.