The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fresh, colorful meal that combines tender, smoky chicken skewers with crisp greens and vibrant veggies. The grilled chicken brings that lovely barbecue flavor, while the salad adds a cool, crunchy contrast. It’s a perfect mix of hearty and refreshing all in one bowl.
I love making this salad when I want something satisfying but light at the same time. The chicken skewers are so easy to prepare, and the smoky aroma fills the kitchen with such a cozy feeling. Plus, I usually toss the salad with a simple vinaigrette that brings everything together without overpowering the natural flavors.
My favorite way to serve this salad is with a little extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping the skewers. It makes every bite feel special, like a summer cookout anytime of the year. Whenever I make this dish for friends, it always gets compliments and disappears fast, so I know it’s a winner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Chicken Breasts: Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly. You can swap for chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat—they stay tender and flavorful on the grill.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, smoky or sweet. If you want a lighter option, try a vinegar-based sauce or make your own with ketchup and spices.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a smoky depth without needing a smoker. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or chili powder can work, though without the smoky note.
Mixed Leafy Greens: I like a mix of romaine, spinach, and kale for texture and nutrients. If you want a milder salad, just use romaine or butter lettuce.
Corn Kernels: Grilling corn adds a nice char flavor. If fresh corn isn’t available, you can use canned or frozen corn—just give it a quick sauté for some extra flavor.
How Do You Grill Chicken Skewers So They Stay Juicy and Flavorful?
Grilling chicken on skewers can dry out if not done right. Here’s how I keep it juicy:
- Cut chicken into even bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Preheat your grill or pan well to medium-high—the heat sears the chicken and locks in moisture.
- Brush chicken with oil and season well before threading onto skewers.
- Turn the skewers regularly to cook evenly and avoid burning.
- Brush BBQ sauce only in the last 5 minutes to keep it from burning but still add that rich flavor.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after grilling to keep the juices inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan – perfect for getting those nice char marks and smoky flavor on the chicken.
- Mixing bowls – handy for marinating the chicken and tossing together the salad ingredients.
- Wooden skewers – soaked in water to stop them from burning while grilling.
- Tongs – make flipping the skewers easy and safe on the grill.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping chicken, veggies, and slicing avocado cleanly.
- Large salad bowl – great for mixing the greens, corn, and tomatoes evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp skewers – cooks quickly and adds a tasty seafood twist.
- Add crumbled feta or shredded cheddar cheese – adds creaminess and a salty punch to the salad.
- Include sliced bell peppers or grilled zucchini – for extra crunch and color.
- Spice it up by adding a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the chicken marinade for heat.
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- ½ cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed leafy greens (romaine, spinach, kale)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup corn kernels, grilled or charred
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp ranch or creamy dressing (or your preferred salad dressing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 25 minutes total. You’ll spend 10 minutes prepping and marinating the chicken, about 15 minutes grilling the skewers, and just a few minutes putting the salad together. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Skewers:
First, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In a bowl, mix the chicken cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together so the chicken is evenly coated. Then thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, making sure they’re not too crowded.
2. Grill the Chicken:
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally so they cook evenly. During the last 5 minutes, brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce for that tasty glaze. Once cooked through and nicely charred, remove the skewers from heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
3. Assemble the Salad:
While the chicken cooks, prepare your salad by combining the mixed leafy greens, halved cherry tomatoes, grilled or charred corn kernels, and finely chopped red onion in a large bowl. Arrange the salad on your serving plate or bowl, then place the grilled chicken skewers on top. Add the sliced avocado on the side. Finally, drizzle your favorite dressing over the salad and add a little extra BBQ sauce on the chicken for extra flavor.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad right away for the best flavor and freshness. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for the Skewers?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before cutting and marinating. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy on the grill.
Can I Prepare the Salad Ahead of Time?
You can chop and mix the salad ingredients a few hours ahead, but wait to add the dressing and avocado until serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken skewers and salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently on the grill or in a pan before serving again.
What Can I Use Instead of Wooden Skewers?
If you don’t have wooden skewers, metal grilling skewers are a great reusable alternative. Just remember they’ll get hot, so use tongs or gloves when handling them.