BBQ chicken skewer salad is a fresh and tasty meal that brings together juicy, smoky grilled chicken with crisp greens and colorful veggies. The chicken, brushed with a flavorful barbecue sauce, cooks up tender and full of that great grilled char. Tossed on a bed of crunchy lettuce, tomatoes, and maybe some sweet corn or avocado, this salad is a bright and satisfying way to enjoy BBQ without all the heaviness of a sandwich or plate.
I love making this salad when I want something light but still packed with protein and flavor. The skewers are fun to grill on a warm day, and the smoky barbecue sauce always gets compliments. A simple dressing of lemon juice or a tangy vinaigrette balances the sweet sauce perfectly. I sometimes add some crunchy nuts or seeds on top for a little extra texture, which I highly recommend!
Serving this salad is easy and fresh—just place the skewers on top of the salad and let everyone dig in. It’s a great dish for casual lunches or backyard picnics. I always find that BBQ chicken skewer salad feels like a little celebration of summer in every bite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly on skewers. If you prefer, chicken thighs work well too and stay juicy. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
BBQ Sauce: This adds the main flavor. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade. For a healthier option, look for low-sugar or low-sodium varieties.
Smoked Paprika & Garlic Powder: These spices boost the BBQ flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder can work. Fresh garlic cloves are fine too if you prefer a stronger garlic taste.
Romaine Lettuce: It provides a nice crunch and holds up well under the warm chicken. You can swap for mixed greens or baby spinach for a different texture.
Avocado & Fresh Cilantro: Avocado adds creaminess and cilantro brightens the flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try fresh parsley or omit it altogether.
How Do You Prevent Wooden Skewers from Burning on the Grill?
Wooden skewers can easily burn on a hot grill unless you prep them right. Here’s an easy way to keep them from catching fire and make grilling simpler:
- Before threading the chicken, soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 10-15 minutes.
- This soaking helps the skewers absorb water, so they burn slower on the grill.
- Use metal skewers if you have them—they won’t burn and are reusable.
- When grilling, keep the heat medium to medium-high, avoiding flame flare-ups.
- Turn the skewers gently to cook all sides evenly and baste with BBQ sauce for flavor and moisture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan – perfect for cooking chicken evenly and adding those tasty char marks.
- Mixing bowl – great for marinating the chicken and mixing the spice blend easily.
- Wooden or metal skewers – hold the chicken pieces for grilling; soak wooden ones to prevent burning.
- Sharp knife – for cutting chicken, avocado, and veggies cleanly and safely.
- Cutting board – keeps your workspace organized and safe when prepping ingredients.
- Serving plates or bowls – to layer the salad and showcase the colorful ingredients.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu skewers for a different protein that grills well.
- Add black beans or cooked quinoa to the salad for extra fiber and protein.
- Use a spicy chipotle BBQ sauce to give the dish a smoky heat kick.
- Top with crumbled feta or shredded cheddar for a creamy, tangy boost.
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for basting)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered (or chopped regular tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Optional: 2 tbsp ranch or creamy dressing of choice
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan for about 10 minutes of prep time to cut and marinate your chicken and prepare veggies. Then, allow at least 30 minutes for marinating to let flavors soak in (up to 2 hours if you have time). Grilling the skewers will take about 8-10 minutes. Altogether, this recipe takes roughly 50 minutes, including marinating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by mixing olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and toss well to coat. Pour in 1/2 cup BBQ sauce and mix so every piece is covered. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, chilling it for up to 2 hours amps up the flavor.
2. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10-15 minutes before using to prevent burning on the grill. Then thread the marinated chicken pieces carefully and evenly onto the skewers.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. While grilling, brush on extra BBQ sauce for a sticky, flavorful glaze. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside and has those lovely grill marks.
4. Prepare the Salad Base:
While the chicken cooks, spread the chopped romaine lettuce evenly on your serving plates.
5. Assemble the Salad:
Top the lettuce with diced avocado, corn kernels, sliced red onion, and cherry tomatoes. These colorful veggies add crunch and brightness.
6. Top and Garnish:
Place two grilled BBQ chicken skewers on top of each salad. Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves all over for a fresh, herbal touch.
7. Serve:
If you like, drizzle ranch or your favorite creamy dressing over the salad or serve it on the side for dipping. Then dig in and enjoy your tasty, healthy BBQ chicken skewer salad!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for the Skewers?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before marinating. This ensures even cooking and better texture.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken and salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently on the grill or stove, then assemble a fresh salad to keep it crisp.
Can I Make the Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the veggies and marinate the chicken in advance. Grill the skewers right before serving to keep the chicken juicy and the salad fresh.
What If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the skewers in a grill pan or under the broiler in your oven. Just watch closely so the chicken doesn’t burn and baste with BBQ sauce for moisture.
