- BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Variations
- Tips for Perfectly Grilling Chicken Skewers
- Nutritional Information for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
- Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
- Pairing Drinks with BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
- Common Questions
- Give this Salad a Try Tonight!
Ever come home after a long, hot day and crave something fresh, but filling? BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad has saved my bacon more times than I can count. Flavorful grilled chicken and a crisp salad—it’s got that “wow, I made this myself” feel, but with zero stress. If you’re in the mood for more summertime winners, you should sneak a peek at this amazing Greek-marinated chicken or brighten things up with a punchy lemon arugula pasta salad. Your dinner table will thank you.
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Variations
So, let’s get a bit wild. This dish is a chameleon, promise. You can swap chicken thighs for breast if you’re in a juicy mood (honestly, thighs do pack more flavor, let’s not pretend). Try a honey BBQ sauce, or throw in a bit of coconut chicken rice bowl inspired shredded coconut.
Sometimes, I’ll just toss some grilled corn and black beans on top, too. Makes it a little “Tex-Mex vibe”—yeah, I said what I said. Want a Mediterranean spin? Add olives, pepperoncini, and big chunks of feta. If you’re vegetarian for the week (bless your heart), grilled tofu with the same seasoning totally works. Folks have even crumbled a little blue cheese on top, and—oh man—game changer.
Picky eaters at your table? Let them pick toppings themselves. Works every time at my house. Salad night: rescued.
Tips for Perfectly Grilling Chicken Skewers
Alright, grilling the chicken is where you go from sad takeout to five-star restaurant at home—no joke. First, don’t skip marinating (I know you’re tempted). Even just 20 minutes makes chicken taste a million bucks. If you’re short on time, use bottled dressing. Won’t judge.
Space the chicken pieces out on the skewers a bit. Crowding them means weird half-raw spots. Oh, and oil your grill. Trust me… otherwise you’ll end up picking little pieces off the grates like some kind of chicken archaeologist (been there).
Turn the skewers every few minutes. Watch for a nice caramelized char—once you see those golden-brown edges, you’re golden too. If grilling outside is a pain, use a grill pan on your stove. Not as fun, but works on a rainy Tuesday. My neighbor swears by air frying. I’m a skeptic, but hey, it seems to work for some.
“I took your grill tips and made these skewers last Sunday—nothing dry, just juicy, flavorful chicken! My husband usually avoids salad night, but he ate two plates!” – Jamie from Austin
Nutritional Information for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Salads get a bad rap, but this is no wimpy rabbit food. You’re getting lean protein from the chicken, which helps keep you full (like, surprisingly full). If you load up your salad base with good stuff—think spinach, kale, crunchy peppers—you’re packing in vitamins and fiber.
Using a homemade BBQ sauce can keep the sugar down a bit. Bonus points if you go light on dressing, but honestly, if drizzling on ranch means your kids eat their greens—go for it, life’s short.
On average, a hearty serving comes in under 400 calories, with a punch of calcium, iron, and hardly any carbs if you skip the croutons. Keto people rejoice. Want it even lighter? Try grilling veggies as your “skewers” and pile ‘em high.
Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
- Toss in some sliced avocado for creaminess, or a hard-boiled egg if you’re extra hungry.
- Crumble tortilla chips or pita crisps for a little salty crunch (kids flip for this!).
- A squeeze of lime over the salad gives a fresh pop; game-changer, scouts honor.
- Serve it on a big platter party-style, so everyone builds their own. It’s way less work for you.
Pairing Drinks with BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
I always say: “You can’t have salad night without a little celebration.” For this BBQ chicken skewer salad, light and fizzy is the name of the game. Citrus sparkling water, a cold craft beer, or a classic lemonade all play nice with smoky chicken flavors.
Sometimes—when I’m feeling kinda fancy—a crisp Sauvignon Blanc knocks it out of the park. Or go sweet tea for full southern backyard vibes. Can I just say, nobody leaves thirsty.
Common Questions
How do I keep my chicken from drying out?
Marinate first and don’t overcook. Chicken should be just cooked through—juicy, not rubbery.
Can I make the skewers ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them in the morning and grill right before serving. The marinade works its magic while you do you.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?
Honestly? Whatever you like best. Sweet, smoky, spicy—it all goes.
Can I use store-bought salad kits?
Absolutely, especially on busy nights. Just jazz it up with your grilled chicken and favorite toppings.
Any dairy-free options?
Skip the cheese or swap it for a dairy-free option. The flavor’s still awesome without it.
Give this Salad a Try Tonight!
Alright, you made it this far—so you’re probably hungry. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a go-to meal when you want real food, real fast, and no leftovers. Don’t forget, salads like the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad recipe on The Defined Dish, the bold Chopped Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad on Half Baked Harvest, and even this Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad at Prevention RD have their fans too.
Let me know how yours turns out—leave a comment, toss a star rating, or share your salad masterpiece. If you’re like me, you’ll want this in your summer meal rotation forever. Let’s call tonight dinner solved.
Print
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A refreshing and filling BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad featuring flavorful grilled chicken and crisp salad greens – perfect for a quick summer meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, kale, lettuce)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Tortilla chips or pita crisps for topping
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in BBQ sauce for at least 20 minutes.
- Preheat the grill and oil the grates.
- Thread chicken onto skewers, spacing pieces out for even cooking.
- Grill skewers over medium heat, turning every few minutes until cooked through and charred, about 10-15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the salad by combining mixed greens, bell peppers, tomatoes, and avocado in a bowl.
- Once the chicken is done, remove from skewers and add to the salad mix.
- Toss with additional BBQ sauce if desired and top with tortilla chips or pita crisps.
- Serve with lime wedges for added flavor.
Notes
Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings such as grilled corn, black beans, or olives. Great for meal prep; assemble skewers ahead of time and grill just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg