Name: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 3 tablespoons avocado oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups BBQ sauce divided; 8 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 wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 garlic cloves minced; 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 4 ears corn; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 8 cups romaine lettuce sliced; 6 green onions sliced; 16 ounces grape tomatoes quartered; 1 can black beans drained and rinsed; 1/4 cup cilantro chopped; 2 tablespoons basil chopped; 1 avocado diced

Jump to Recipe

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad brings together smoky grilled chicken, crisp romaine, sweet charred corn, and a creamy herby ranch dressing in one bold bowl. If you’re craving a satisfying, healthy summer dinner, this recipe delivers fresh flavor with every bite. Juicy chicken skewers glazed in barbecue sauce sit on top of vibrant greens and colorful vegetables, creating a balanced and hearty grilled chicken salad. Whether you’re hosting friends or planning a weeknight meal, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad transforms simple ingredients into a memorable BBQ salad that feels both wholesome and indulgent.

Story

I started making BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad during peak grilling season when I wanted something lighter than traditional barbecue plates. Instead of serving chicken alongside heavy sides, I decided to build everything into one generous salad bowl. The result was a layered, vibrant BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad that felt satisfying without weighing anyone down.

What makes this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad stand out is the balance of smoky, sweet, creamy, and fresh flavors. The grilled chicken gets basted with barbecue sauce for that sticky char, while the crisp romaine and fresh herbs brighten every bite. Over time, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad became my go-to defined dish recipe for gatherings because it looks impressive yet stays simple to prepare.

Now, whenever I need a dependable grilled chicken salad for warm evenings, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad always delivers.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons avocado oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups BBQ sauce, divided
8 (6-inch) wooden skewers, pre-soaked

For the Herby Ranch Dressing:

1 cup avocado oil
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine 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
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Salad:

4 ears corn
2 tablespoons avocado oil
8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce
6 green onions, thinly sliced (green parts only)
16 ounces grape tomatoes, quartered
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil
1 avocado, diced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy skillet. Cut into 2-inch pieces and place in a large bowl with avocado oil, salt, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes or refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours.

Pre-soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning. Thinly slice romaine and green onions. Quarter tomatoes, rinse beans, chop herbs, and dice the avocado. Drizzle corn with avocado oil and rub evenly to coat.

For the dressing, add avocado oil and egg to a wide-mouth jar. Blend with an immersion blender without moving it until thick and white. Slowly lift the blender to emulsify. Add coconut milk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, onion powder, and garlic. Blend again, then stir in dill, parsley, and black pepper. Chill until ready to use.

Cooking Instructions

Heat the grill to medium-high, about 350°F to 400°F, and oil the grates. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, placing 4 to 5 pieces on each.

Grill corn for 10 to 12 minutes, turning frequently until tender and lightly charred. Grill chicken skewers for 3 to 4 minutes until grill marks form. Flip and baste with reserved BBQ sauce. Continue grilling another 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through.

Remove corn and chicken from the grill and let cool slightly. Cut kernels from the cob.

In a large bowl, combine romaine, green onions, tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, and basil. Add dressing and toss until evenly coated. Gently fold in corn and avocado. Top the salad with warm grilled chicken skewers and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid skipping the step of pounding the chicken. Even thickness promotes even grilling and prevents dry edges. Also, never overcrowd skewers. Leave small gaps between pieces, so heat circulates evenly. Finally, watch the grill temperature closely because high sugar content in BBQ sauce can cause burning if the heat runs too high.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

Marinate the chicken longer if time allows, because a deeper flavor develops over several hours. Grill corn directly over the flame for subtle char. Additionally, toss the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp. Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference, so chop them right before mixing for peak aroma.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad immediately while the chicken remains warm against the cool greens. For entertaining, arrange skewers on top of the salad for presentation, then allow guests to remove pieces onto their plates. This dish pairs beautifully with chilled sparkling water or fresh lemonade for a balanced, healthy summer dinner.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover salad and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before serving. Keep dressing chilled and stir before using again.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad combines smoky grilled flavor with crisp vegetables and creamy dressing in one satisfying bowl. It feels hearty yet fresh, making it ideal for warm evenings and casual gatherings. Try this vibrant bbq salad for your next cookout and enjoy a colorful meal packed with texture and flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the skewers at 425°F for about 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with BBQ sauce for a similar flavor.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare all components in advance. Store dressing, grilled chicken, and chopped vegetables separately. Assemble and toss just before serving for the best texture.

Is this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check your BBQ sauce label to confirm it contains no added gluten.