A vibrant, flavor-packed meal that combines juicy grilled chicken skewers with fresh, crisp vegetables and a smoky homemade BBQ sauce. Perfect for summer gatherings or a nutritious weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
There’s something irresistible about the combination of smoky, charred BBQ chicken and cool, crisp salad greens that just screams “perfect summer meal.” This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad brings together the best of both worlds – the satisfying protein of perfectly grilled chicken with the refreshing crunch of seasonal vegetables, all tied together with a tangy homemade BBQ sauce that doubles as both marinade and dressing.
This classic summer recipe has roots in backyard barbecues across America, where the need to create something both substantial and light for hot weather gatherings inspired cooks to combine grilling traditions with fresh produce. What makes this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad particularly special is the balance of textures and flavors – smoky, sweet, tangy, and fresh elements all on one plate.
THIS RECIPE:
- Combines convenience with homemade quality for a restaurant-worthy meal
- Features a versatile BBQ sauce that serves as both marinade and dressing
- Can be prepped ahead for quick assembly on busy weeknights
- Easily adjusts to feed a crowd or intimate family dinner
| Recipe Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Marinating Time | 30 minutes to overnight |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes (with minimum marinating) |
| Servings | 4 main dish servings |
| Yield | 4 chicken skewers with 8 cups of dressed salad |
What I love about this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is how easily it comes together while still delivering impressive flavor. Even kitchen novices can achieve perfect results, and the recipe offers endless opportunities for customization based on what’s fresh at the market. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies heartier appetites while still feeling light and nutritious – truly the best of both worlds.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
The success of any great BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad begins with quality ingredients. Fresh, in-season produce makes a remarkable difference in the final flavor profile, as does choosing high-quality protein. For the chicken, I recommend boneless, skinless thighs which stay juicier on the grill than breast meat, but either option works beautifully.
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup homemade BBQ sauce (from recipe below)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
For the Homemade BBQ Sauce:
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Salad Base:
- 8 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, butter lettuce, arugula, or spinach)
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
For the Salad Dressing:
- ¼ cup homemade BBQ sauce (from above)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Pinch of salt
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Quality | Selection Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Free-range, organic if possible | Choose chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture retention |
| BBQ Sauce Base | Low-sugar ketchup | Look for brands without high fructose corn syrup |
| Spices | Fresh, not expired | Replace spices every 6-12 months for maximum flavor |
| Salad Greens | Local, seasonal mix | Look for crisp leaves without brown edges |
| Vegetables | Fresh, firm, and brightly colored | Shop at farmers markets when possible for peak freshness |
| Avocado | Slightly firm but yielding | Should give slightly when pressed but not be mushy |
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Creating the perfect BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad involves a few simple processes: preparing a flavorful marinade that doubles as sauce, properly skewering and grilling the chicken to juicy perfection, and assembling a vibrant salad with complementary textures and flavors. The key to success lies in the timing – allowing the chicken to marinate long enough to absorb flavors while prepping other components for quick final assembly.
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all BBQ sauce ingredients until smooth and well combined.
- Divide the sauce – set aside ¼ cup for marinating the chicken, ¼ cup for the salad dressing, and reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Place cubed chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow container.
- Add olive oil, ¼ cup of the BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper to the chicken. Toss to coat thoroughly.
- Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor).
Step 3: Prepare the Salad Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup BBQ sauce, olive oil, honey, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until emulsified.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken Skewers
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces for even cooking.
- Oil the grill grates or pan lightly.
- Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has nice grill marks.
- During the last minute of cooking, brush with additional BBQ sauce for a glossy finish.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd chicken pieces on the skewers. Leave small gaps between pieces to ensure even cooking and proper charring on all sides.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
- In a large serving bowl, combine all salad ingredients except avocado, feta, cilantro, and green onions.
- Toss greens and vegetables with enough dressing to lightly coat (about half of the prepared dressing).
- Add diced avocado, feta cheese, cilantro, and green onions over the top.
- Drizzle with a bit more dressing.
- Arrange grilled chicken skewers on top or alongside the salad.
- Serve immediately with remaining BBQ sauce on the side.
Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
The difference between a good BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad and a great one often comes down to a few key techniques and ingredient choices. Follow these professional tips to elevate your salad game to restaurant quality.
- Don’t rush the marinade: Even 30 minutes makes a difference, but 2+ hours allows the chicken to develop deeper flavor and tenderness.
- Cut chicken pieces uniformly: Equal-sized chicken pieces ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from drying out while others remain undercooked.
- Double the BBQ sauce: Make a larger batch of the homemade sauce to keep on hand for other meals throughout the week.
- Pre-heat your grill properly: A properly heated grill prevents sticking and creates those coveted grill marks.
| Technique | Recommendation | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Preparation | Cut against the grain | Results in more tender chicken pieces after grilling |
| Skewer Loading | Don’t pack too tightly | Allows heat to circulate properly for even cooking |
| Grill Management | Create direct and indirect heat zones | Provides flexibility to move skewers if they’re browning too quickly |
| Salad Assembly | Dress greens just before serving | Prevents wilting and maintains the crisp texture |
When preparing your chicken, take the time to trim excess fat but don’t remove all of it – a little fat helps keep the meat juicy during grilling. For maximum flavor penetration, consider poking the chicken pieces with a fork before marinating. This creates small channels for the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat.
For the salad components, consider chilling your serving bowl in the refrigerator before assembly. This simple step helps keep your greens crisp longer, especially important when serving this dish at summer gatherings where food might sit out for a period of time.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is how many components can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights when time is limited.
The BBQ sauce can be made up to one week ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors will continue to develop and meld, making the sauce even more delicious. This same sauce can be used for the chicken marinade, salad dressing, and as a condiment.
Chicken can be cubed and marinated up to 24 hours before cooking. For the best results, don’t exceed 24 hours as the acidity in the marinade can start to break down the protein too much, affecting the final texture.
All vegetables for the salad base can be prepped up to 48 hours in advance. Store prepared vegetables in separate containers lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Combine them just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and texture.
The salad dressing can be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Store in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator, and shake well or whisk before using.
For day-of preparation, you can grill the chicken skewers up to 2 hours before serving. Keep them loosely covered at room temperature for up to 1 hour, or refrigerate and bring back to room temperature 30 minutes before serving.
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad components, proper storage is key to maintaining quality and food safety. For best results, store the chicken and salad components separately.
Grilled chicken skewers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For optimal texture, remove the chicken from the skewers for storage, as this allows for better reheating.
The undressed salad ingredients should be stored separately from any dressed portions. Undressed salad components will keep for 2-3 days in airtight containers lined with paper towels. Once dressed, the salad is best consumed within 24 hours, as the dressing will cause the greens to wilt.
Store any unused BBQ sauce or dressing in airtight containers for up to one week in the refrigerator. If the oil and other ingredients separate during storage, simply whisk or shake to recombine.
When reheating the chicken, avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken tough. Instead, warm pieces gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 300°F oven until just heated through, about 8-10 minutes.
Freezing BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
While the complete BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad isn’t suitable for freezing, certain components can be frozen to get a head start on future meals.
The BBQ sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Pour it into ice cube trays for easy portioning, freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Each cube will thaw quickly when needed for smaller recipes.
Marinated raw chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place the chicken with marinade in a freezer-safe zip-top bag, press out excess air, and freeze flat. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before threading onto skewers and grilling. This “freeze in the marinade” technique actually allows the flavors to penetrate more deeply as the chicken thaws.
Cooked chicken skewers can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Remove the chicken from the skewers, cool completely, and store in airtight containers or freezer bags. To prevent freezer burn, wrap tightly in plastic wrap first, then in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container.
To thaw frozen cooked chicken, transfer to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out, or in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
The fresh salad components are not suitable for freezing, as they will become limp and watery when thawed.
Serving Suggestions
A BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad can stand alone as a complete meal, but a few thoughtful accompaniments can transform it into an impressive spread for guests or a more substantial family dinner.
For a light summer meal, serve the salad with warm grilled flatbread or pita bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with za’atar or other herbs. The bread provides a perfect vehicle for scooping up any salad and sauce that might escape your fork.
To create a more substantial feast, consider these complementary sides:
- Grilled corn on the cob with chili-lime butter
- Classic creamy coleslaw
- Quinoa or farro salad with herbs and lemon
- Roasted sweet potato wedges with smoked paprika
For beverage pairings, the smoky-sweet notes of the BBQ sauce work beautifully with:
- Crisp rosé wine or light Pinot Noir
- Craft IPA or wheat beer
- Sparkling lemonade with fresh mint
- Unsweetened iced tea with peach slices
For presentation, consider serving the salad on a large wooden board or platter with the chicken skewers arranged across the top. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, lime wedges, and small bowls of extra BBQ sauce for dipping. This family-style presentation encourages sharing and makes for a beautiful centerpiece.
Serve the salad at room temperature for the best flavor experience – cold chicken straight from the refrigerator can mute the flavors. If preparing components ahead, allow about 20-30 minutes for the chicken to come to room temperature before serving.
FAQ
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad recipe works beautifully with shrimp (cook for just 1-2 minutes per side), firm tofu, or beef sirloin. For vegetarians, try marinating and grilling portobello mushroom caps, then slicing them to top the salad.
How can I make this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad gluten-free?
Check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (some brands contain malt vinegar), and verify that any store-bought ketchup you use is gluten-free. With these modifications, the entire recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook these chicken skewers under a broiler set to high, placing them on a foil-lined baking sheet about 4 inches from the heat. Broil for 3-4 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning. Alternatively, a grill pan on the stovetop works well too.
Can I make this recipe less spicy for kids?
Easily! Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the BBQ sauce. You can also set aside a portion of the sauce before adding any heat, then customize the spice level for different family members.
My chicken always sticks to the grill. How can I prevent this?
Three key steps prevent sticking: First, ensure your grill is properly preheated before adding the chicken. Second, clean the grates thoroughly and oil them just before cooking. Third, allow the chicken to develop a good sear before attempting to turn it – when it’s ready to flip, it will release more easily from the grates.