There’s just something irresistible about combining the bold, smoky flavors of backyard barbecue with the crisp freshness of a hearty salad, and this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the perfect way to do exactly that. Picture juicy, tender chicken that’s been caramelized on the grill, snuggled on a vibrant bed of greens with pops of color from sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumber. The finishing touches of shredded cheddar and your favorite dressing invite you to dig in fork-first to a dish that’s loaded with taste, protein, and summertime spirit—all in under 30 minutes. If you crave meals that feel both fun and filling, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is bound to become a staple at your table!

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how such everyday staples come together to create pure magic in this dish! Each ingredient isn’t just there to fill up the bowl—they all bring a burst of flavor, texture, or color that takes this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad from “just another salad” to one you’ll remember. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you’ll love every bit of them:

Chicken breast: Lean, juicy, and the perfect blank canvas for soaking up that barbecue marinade flavor.
Barbecue sauce: Lends smoky sweetness and a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Olive oil: Adds richness and ensures the chicken stays moist during grilling.
Smoked paprika: Boosts the barbecue flavor with a subtle, smoky undertone.
Garlic powder: Brings mellow, savory depth to the marinade.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and tying the flavors together.
Mixed salad greens: The fresh, crisp bed that makes salad feel satisfying and light at the same time.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness and a pop of summery red.
Cucumber: Cool, crunchy, and refreshing, a must in any hefty salad.
Red onion: Sliced thin, it adds a mild zing and color contrast.
Corn kernels: Sweet, golden, and perfect whether fresh, canned, or grilled for extra charred flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Creamy, tangy richness that melts slightly when tossed with the warm chicken.
Ranch dressing or vinaigrette: The final drizzle that pulls everything together—choose your craving!

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Marinade

Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breast into hearty 1 1/2-inch cubes. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with barbecue sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a really good mix so every bite will be infused with those barbecue flavors. For an extra punch, let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes—it’s optional, but totally transforms the flavor!

Step 2: Skewer and Grill the Chicken

Thread those beautifully coated chicken cubes onto skewers. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, arrange the skewers and grill for 4–5 minutes per side. Don’t forget to brush extra barbecue sauce on during the last couple of minutes for that gorgeous, sticky glaze that’s downright irresistible. Grill until the chicken is cooked through and reads 165°F (74°C) on a thermometer.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base

While the chicken’s sizzling, grab a big salad bowl and layer in the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, thinly sliced red onion, sweet corn kernels, and a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese. The colors alone will have you snapping a pic!

Step 4: Add Grilled Chicken to Your Salad

Once the skewered chicken is cooked to golden, juicy perfection, remove it from the skewers and artfully scatter it over your prepared salad base. The warmth of the chicken invites the cheese to melt ever so slightly, infusing even more flavor into every forkful.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Just before serving, drizzle with your choice of ranch dressing or zesty vinaigrette. Toss gently if you like everything evenly coated, or serve as-is for an effortless, rustic look. Your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Garnishes

Personalizing your salad with the right garnishes makes a world of difference! Sprinkle on extra sliced green onions, a twist of cracked black pepper, or a scatter of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A handful of crispy tortilla strips or toasted pepitas adds crunch that keeps every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

Pair your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with a slice of buttered cornbread, some grilled vegetables, or a cool watermelon salad. These sides complement the smoky, savory flavors without stealing the spotlight, making your meal feel like a well-rounded summer feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad in individual mason jars for grab-and-go style, or plate it on a large platter for sharing at gatherings. For a fun twist, keep the chicken on the skewers and let everyone build their own salads at the table—picnic vibes, guaranteed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing on the side if possible to maintain the freshest, crispest greens.

Freezing

While the salad greens and veggies don’t freeze well, you can certainly freeze the grilled BBQ chicken. Place cooked chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container and enjoy within 2 months for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you’ve saved some grilled chicken, reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet until warmed through, then add to fresh salad greens and toppings. That way, every serving of BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad feels (almost!) as incredible as day one.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra-juicy and flavorful on the grill, and they pair beautifully with barbecue sauce. Just adjust grilling time so they’re cooked through.

What’s the best way to grill indoors if I don’t have an outdoor grill?

A grill pan or even a regular cast iron skillet on your stovetop works wonders. Make sure it’s nice and hot, and use a bit of oil to prevent sticking and get those beautiful grill marks.

What gluten-free barbecue sauces do you recommend?

Look for varieties labeled gluten-free at the store—Sweet Baby Ray’s and Stubbs are two popular options. Always double-check the label to make sure they fit your dietary needs!

Can I make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad dairy-free?

Definitely! Just leave out the cheddar cheese or swap it for your favorite dairy-free cheese shreds. The salad is just as tasty and satisfying.

How can I add more veggies to this salad?

Load it up with whatever’s in your fridge—grilled bell peppers, avocado slices, radishes, or even roasted sweet potatoes all work beautifully in BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. Variety keeps every bite interesting!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dinner that balances smoky richness with fresh, crisp bites, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is sure to delight your taste buds and brighten up your table. Grab your skewers, prep those veggies, and treat yourself to a meal that’s both fun to make and irresistible to eat. Give it a try, and let it become your new go-to!

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines juicy grilled chicken with a fresh salad mix, perfect for a light and flavorful dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Skewers:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for brushing
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad:

8 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, sliced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or grilled)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Ranch dressing or vinaigrette for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Prepare Chicken Skewers: Toss chicken cubes with barbecue sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Thread chicken onto skewers.
Grill the Chicken: Grill skewers for 4–5 minutes per side, basting with extra barbecue sauce during the last 2 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, arrange salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, corn, and cheddar cheese. Remove chicken from skewers and place on top of salad.
Serve: Serve with ranch dressing or vinaigrette.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate chicken in barbecue sauce mixture for 30 minutes before grilling.
You can also swap cheddar for feta or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American