Smoky BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad in Just 30 Minutes

Oh, do I have a summer favorite to share with you! This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is my go-to when I want something quick, packed with flavor, and perfect for those warm evenings when firing up the grill just feels right. After testing this recipe more times than I can count (our team may have fought over the last bite during taste tests), I can confidently say it’s foolproof. The smoky grilled chicken paired with crisp veggies and that tangy BBQ dressing? Absolute magic. Whether you need a speedy weeknight dinner or a showstopper for your next cookout, this salad delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Let me tell you why this salad has become a staple in my kitchen—and why it’ll be in yours too! First off, it’s ridiculously quick—ready in under 30 minutes, even if you’re moving at a relaxed pace. The flavors? Bold and smoky, thanks to that paprika-rubbed chicken and the caramelized BBQ glaze. Plus, it’s packed with fresh veggies, so it feels light but still satisfying. And hey, anything that lets me fire up the grill is a win in my book. Perfect for busy nights or impressing guests without the stress!

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavor-packed salad – and trust me, each ingredient plays a special role! The star is 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch cubes – perfect for skewering). For that signature smoky-sweet flavor, you’ll want 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling – I’m partial to hickory-smoked varieties) and 1 tbsp olive oil to keep everything juicy. The spice blend is simple but mighty: 1 tsp smoked paprika (don’t skip this – it’s the secret weapon!), 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

For the fresh crunch, grab 1 red bell pepper (chopped), 1 cucumber (sliced), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved – the sweet ones are best), 4 cups mixed greens (I love a spring mix), and 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced for just the right bite). Oh, and don’t forget wooden skewers – though if you’re in a pinch, you can always grill the chicken pieces loose!

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Alright, let’s get cooking! This salad comes together in three simple stages – prep, grill, assemble. I promise it’s easier than it looks, and the results are so worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal in no time.

Preparing the Chicken

First things first – if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes (I set mine in a baking dish filled with water). While those soak, toss your chicken cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Get in there with your hands – massaging the spices in makes all the difference! Thread the chicken onto skewers (about 4-5 pieces per skewer), then brush generously with BBQ sauce. Pro tip: leave a little space between pieces so they cook evenly.

Grilling the Skewers

Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). When it’s nice and hot, lay the skewers down – you should hear that satisfying sizzle! Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing with more BBQ sauce when you flip. The chicken’s done when it reaches 165°F internally (no pink inside!). Resist the urge to move them around too much – letting them sit develops those gorgeous grill marks. Once done, transfer to a plate and let rest for 2 minutes (this keeps them juicy!).

Assembling the Salad

While the chicken rests, toss your mixed greens, bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl. Slide the chicken off the skewers right onto the salad (careful, it’s hot!). Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce – I like to zigzag it over the top for pretty presentation. That’s it! Serve immediately while the chicken’s still warm and the greens are crisp. Watch how fast it disappears!

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Want to take your salad from good to “can I have seconds?” good? Here are my tried-and-true tricks! First, don’t skip soaking those skewers – 30 minutes in water prevents them from turning into charcoal. If you’ve got time, whip up a quick homemade BBQ sauce (just ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar does wonders). For extra creaminess, toss in some avocado right before serving – it melts slightly on the warm chicken. And here’s my secret: let the chicken sit with the spices for 10 minutes before grilling. The flavor penetration is unreal!

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

This salad is seriously flexible – make it your own with these easy swaps! Not a chicken fan? Try turkey breast or even shrimp (just reduce grill time). Out of BBQ sauce? Honey mustard or balsamic glaze makes a delicious alternative. Veggie options are endless too – swap bell peppers for zucchini, add corn kernels, or toss in some avocado for creaminess. My neighbor even uses mango instead of tomatoes for a sweet twist! The key is keeping that balance of smoky, fresh, and tangy flavors.

Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This salad shines all on its own, but oh boy – wait till you see what it pairs with! My absolute must-have? A warm slice of honey butter cornbread for dipping in that extra BBQ sauce. For drinks, nothing beats an iced sweet tea or crisp lemonade on hot days. If you’re feeling fancy, throw some grilled asparagus or zucchini on the side – they’ll soak up those smoky flavors beautifully. Simple, satisfying, and summer on a plate!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftovers? No problem! Store the salad (without extra dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I always go stovetop – just toss the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. The greens stay crisp if you add them fresh when serving. Pro tip: Keep the BBQ sauce separate until you’re ready to eat – nobody likes soggy salad!

Nutritional Information

Nutrition varies based on ingredients, but here’s the scoop per serving: about 280 calories, 30g protein to keep you full, and just 8g fat. It’s that perfect balance of hearty and light – exactly what I love about this salad!

FAQs About BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Now it’s your turn – try this recipe and tell me how it turned out! Did you add any fun twists? I want to hear all about your BBQ chicken adventures.

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