Name: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 tablespoons avocado oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups BBQ sauce; 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

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is my absolute favorite way to usher in warmer weather and backyard gatherings. There’s something so incredibly satisfying about tender, smoky chicken pieces, marinated in my go-to BBQ sauce and grilled to perfection on skewers. Then, transforming these flavorful delights into a vibrant salad? Pure genius! This isn’t just any salad; it’s a celebration of summer flavors. People adore this dish because it’s a fantastic blend of hearty protein, fresh vegetables, and that irresistible sweet and tangy BBQ chicken. It’s the perfect balance of satisfying and light, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or even a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion. What makes this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad truly special is its versatility and the sheer joy it brings to the table. Every bite is a burst of sunshine and deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Ultimate Summer Salad!

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

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is an absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners and backyard barbecues alike. It’s bursting with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, and the creamy homemade dressing is truly something special. I love how versatile this recipe is; you can serve it over a bed of crisp lettuce, alongside your favorite grilled vegetables, or just enjoy the skewers on their own. The key to this recipe’s success is the balance of flavors and textures, and by making a simple, fresh dressing from scratch, we elevate it from good to absolutely unforgettable. Let’s get started!

Marinating and Skewering the Chicken

The first step to achieving perfectly flavorful chicken skewers is a quick marinade. In a medium bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of avocado oil, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. I’m a big fan of Primal Kitchen for its clean ingredients and fantastic flavor, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Cut the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch cubes. This uniform size ensures even cooking. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will impart some delicious flavor.

Once the chicken has had a chance to marinate, it’s time to get them onto the skewers. Remember to soak your 8 (6-inch) wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill or in the oven. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. This allows the heat to circulate and cook the chicken evenly. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; about 4-5 pieces per skewer is usually a good amount.

Crafting the Creamy Herb Dressing

While the chicken is marinating or as you’re prepping the skewers, let’s whip up the incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple creamy herb dressing. This dressing is what truly sets this salad apart. 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. To this, add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 2 minced garlic cloves. For a burst of fresh flavor, we’ll add 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh dill fronds and 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. The dill brings a lovely herbaceousness, while the parsley adds a subtle freshness.

Blend all the dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. This emulsification process creates a thick, luscious dressing that’s perfect for drizzling over your salad. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – you might want a pinch more salt or a squeeze more lemon juice depending on your preference. The coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness and richness without dairy, making it a great option for many diets. Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Grilling or Baking the Chicken Skewers

Now for the cooking! You have a couple of excellent options here.

Grilling Method:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers directly on the hot grill. Cook for about 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. You want to see an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when you check with a meat thermometer. Baste the skewers with the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to caramelize slightly on the chicken. This extra layer of BBQ sauce adds incredible depth of flavor.

Oven Method:

If grilling isn’t an option, don’t worry! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the chicken skewers on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the skewers generously with the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce and return them to the oven to allow the sauce to bubble and caramelize.

Assembling Your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Once your chicken skewers are perfectly cooked and glistening with BBQ sauce, it’s time to assemble the salad. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability. I love to serve this over a generous bed of mixed greens or romaine lettuce. You can also add other salad components like corn kernels, diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, or even some crum extractbled feta or blue cheese if you like. Arrange the cooked chicken skewers artfully over your chosen salad base. Drizzle generously with the creamy herb dressing you made earlier. The bright, herbaceous notes of the dressing are a fantastic counterpoint to the sweet and smoky BBQ chicken. Garnish with a few extra fresh dill and parsley sprigs if desired. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a complete meal, full of flavor, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a truly fantastic BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly versatile, and surprisingly simple to prepare! This recipe is a winner because it combines the smoky, sweet goodness of grilled chicken skewers with the fresh, vibrant crunch of a perfectly balanced salad. It’s ideal for those weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying yet healthy, or for your next backyard gathering where it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. I love how easily you can customize it to suit your taste buds. Serve it as a light lunch on its own, or pair it with some crusty bread for a more substantial meal. For variations, consider adding corn kernels for a touch of sweetness, black beans for extra protein, or swapping out the greens for a mix of romaine and spinach. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors too – a spicy chipotle or a tangy Carolina gold can add a whole new dimension! I really hope you give this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad a try; it’s become a personal favorite in my kitchen, and I’m sure it will be in yours too.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the chicken skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate and even grill the chicken skewers a day in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently before adding them to your salad, or serve them chilled for a refreshing twist.

What other vegetables would work well in this salad?

The possibilities are endless! Red onion, bell peppers (any color), cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and even grilled corn on the cob all make fantastic additions. Feel free to add your favorite seasonal produce to make this salad uniquely yours.

Is there a way to make this salad vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe! For a vegetarian option, use halloumi cheese or firm tofu instead of chicken, marinating and grilling them similarly. For a vegan version, opt for marinated tofu or tempeh, ensuring your BBQ sauce is also vegan-friendly.