This Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fun and tasty dish! Just think of juicy chicken pieces grilled to perfection, served alongside fresh veggies and a zesty dressing.
I love how easy it is to put together! You can mix and match veggies based on what you have. Perfect for a sunny day or when you want a yummy meal without much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using chicken breasts keeps the skewers lean and juicy. For variety, you can try thighs for extra juiciness or even tofu for a plant-based version.
BBQ Sauce: The sauce is essential for flavor. If you’re watching sugar intake, opt for a low-sugar BBQ sauce or make your own with tomato paste, vinegar, and spices. Honey mustard can be a fun alternative!
Vegetables: Romaine is crunchy and refreshing, but you can swap it for spinach or mixed greens. Feel free to add bell peppers, cucumbers, or whatever you have on hand!
Dressing: Greek yogurt gives a nice creaminess. For a dairy-free version, substitute with cashew cream or silken tofu blended until smooth.
How Do You Grill Chicken Skewers Perfectly?
Grilling chicken skewers can be simple, but a few tips help make them amazing! Here’s how to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy:
- Cut chicken into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Soaking skewers is key; it prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Preheat the grill for at least 10 minutes before adding the skewers.
- Turn them every few minutes and baste with BBQ sauce to keep them moist.
- To check if they’re done, cut the thickest piece; the meat should be white, not pink.
Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 4 wooden skewers (soaked in water to prevent burning)
For the Salad:
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup grilled corn kernels (about 1 ear of corn)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad will take about 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10-12 minutes grilling the chicken skewers and about 10 minutes preparing the salad and dressing. Then, it’s all about assembling and enjoying your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
First, thread the chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers. Make sure you don’t overcrowd them! Brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, then grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally and baste with extra BBQ sauce for extra flavor, cooking until they are fully done and nicely charred.
2. Prepare the Grilled Corn:
While the chicken is grilling, you can prepare the corn. On the same grill or grill pan, cook the corn (either on the cob or cut into smaller sections) until you see grill marks and the corn is slightly charred, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If using corn on the cob, cut the kernels off once it’s done.
3. Make the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, grilled corn kernels, and black beans. Toss everything together gently to mix the ingredients.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble the Salad Plates:
Next, toss the salad with the dressing until everything is nicely coated. Serve portions of the salad onto individual plates and top each serving with two BBQ chicken skewers. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a crack of black pepper for extra taste!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is ready! This dish is perfect warm or at room temperature. Feel free to add more BBQ sauce or a splash of hot sauce if you want an extra kick. Enjoy your colorful and tasty meal!
FAQ: Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different proteins may require different grilling durations.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt in the Dressing?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use sour cream, mayonnaise, or a dairy-free yogurt alternative for a creamy dressing. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they will all work well!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the salad and dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness. Reheat the chicken skewers before serving again for the best taste.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in any of your favorite veggies such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots. Just make sure they complement the BBQ flavors and adjust the dressing quantities if needed!
