This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a perfect blend of smoky, grilled goodness and fresh, crisp vegetables.
It’s a versatile dish that’s easy to customize, and perfect for summer gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any occasion that calls for something delicious and nutritious.
Plus it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavors that will please any palate.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to create a delicious, healthy, and satisfying dish that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad:
Side Dishes:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crispy garlic bread or a baguette to add a comforting touch to your meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: A side of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus complements the flavors of the BBQ chicken.
- Cornbread: Add a Southern twist with a side of sweet, crumbly cornbread.
Beverages:
- Iced Tea: A classic iced tea, whether sweetened or unsweetened, pairs well with the smoky flavors of the BBQ chicken.
- Lemonade: Freshly squeezed lemonade offers a refreshing, tangy contrast.
- Beer: A cold beer, especially a light lager or a hoppy IPA, complements the BBQ flavors perfectly.
- White Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is a great choice to balance the smoky and tangy elements.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus cleanses the palate.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or a fruit-flavored ice cream provides a cool and sweet finish to the meal.
- Cookies or Brownies: Simple desserts like chocolate chip cookies or brownies satisfy sweet cravings without being too heavy.
Presentation:
- Family-Style: Serve the salad and skewers on large platters so everyone can help themselves. This makes for a casual and communal dining experience.
- Individual Plates: For a more formal presentation, arrange the salad on individual plates with a skewer or two on top of each salad.
- Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with additional ingredients like extra BBQ sauce, crumbled feta or goat cheese, sliced jalapeños, and various dressings, allowing guests to customize their salads.
These serving suggestions will help you create a well-rounded and enjoyable meal featuring your delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad.
Enjoy the versatility and freshness of this dish in various dining settings!
Cooking Tips
Here are some cooking tips to ensure your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad turns out perfectly:
Marinate Thoroughly: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat. If you have more time, marinate it for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator for even more flavor.
Use Even-Sized Pieces: Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. This helps all pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the skewers. This ensures a good sear and prevents sticking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Leave some space between the skewers on the grill to ensure even cooking and proper charring.
Turn Skewers Frequently: Turn the skewers every few minutes to ensure even cooking and to develop a nice char on all sides of the chicken.
Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Let Chicken Rest: After grilling, let the chicken skewers rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
Customize the Salad: Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables and toppings. Add ingredients like bell peppers, radishes, or croutons for added texture and flavor.
Dress Lightly: Dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp. If serving later, keep the dressing on the side and let everyone dress their own salad.
Make Extra: Consider making extra chicken skewers to use for meal prep. They can be added to other salads, wraps, or enjoyed as a snack throughout the week.
By following these cooking tips, you’ll achieve perfectly grilled BBQ chicken skewers and a fresh, vibrant salad that will impress your family and friends.
Enjoy the flavorful combination of smoky chicken and crisp vegetables!
Recipe FAQ’s
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best eaten within 2 days, while the chicken can last up to 3-4 days.
Can I Make it Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad components ahead of time and store them separately. Grill the chicken just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
How Can I Add More Flavor?
Experiment with different herbs, spices, and dressings. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice can also brighten up the dish.
You could also try adding different nuts or seeds for an extra crunch or incorporating dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
What if I Don’t Have a Grill?
You can cook the chicken skewers in a grill pan or under a broiler in your oven. Just make sure to monitor the cooking time closely.
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens e.g., romaine, arugula, spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber sliced
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup corn kernels fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed
- ½ cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Skewers:In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
- Cook the Chicken Skewers:Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.Grill the chicken skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char.Remove from the grill and set aside.
- Assemble the Salad:In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, shredded carrots, corn, and black beans.Arrange the avocado slices on top of the salad.
- Make the Dressing:In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Serve:In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.Place the grilled chicken skewers on top of the salad or serve them on the side.Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Marinate Longer: For even more flavorful chicken, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Customize the Salad: Feel free to add other salad ingredients like bell peppers, radishes, or croutons to suit your taste.
- Homemade BBQ Sauce: If you have the time, consider making your own BBQ sauce for an extra special touch.