BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad became a summer cookout staple in my house after one grilling weekend when I had leftover skewers and a fridge full of salad fixings so I decided to lay the skewers right on top of a fresh veggie base and drizzle everything with ranch and barbecue sauce. What started as a quick way to use leftovers turned into a full-on crowd-pleaser that now gets requested almost every time we fire up the grill.

I love how the charred edges of the chicken blend with the sweet barbecue glaze and how the crunchy veggies cool it all down so it’s colorful filling and incredibly simple to put together and that combo of grilled skewers over greens makes the whole dish feel extra special with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Chicken breast – Cut into chunks and grilled for juicy flavorful bites.
• Bell peppers – Sweet and vibrant they add crunch and color to the skewers.
• BBQ sauce – Adds smoky sweetness and that signature grilled glaze.
• Romaine or mixed greens – The fresh base that balances the richness of the skewers.
• Cherry tomatoes – Juicy and sweet they burst with freshness in every bite.
• Corn – Adds a pop of natural sweetness and color.
• Black beans – Hearty and earthy they make the salad more satisfying.
• Shredded cheddar – A creamy salty contrast to the sweet BBQ flavors.
• Ranch dressing – Cool and creamy it finishes the salad with richness.
• Olive oil – For brushing on the chicken before grilling.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and vegetables.

Tools You’ll Need

• Cutting board – For prepping the chicken and veggies for skewering.
• Chef’s knife – Helps cut clean even pieces for even cooking.
• Skewers – Wooden or metal skewers for grilling the chicken and peppers.
• Grill or grill pan – Where all the flavor happens with that perfect char.
• Tongs – Ideal for flipping skewers while grilling.
• Large bowl or serving plate – To assemble the base of the salad.
• Small brush – For basting BBQ sauce onto the skewers.

Instructions

Step 1:

I begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and tossing them with a little olive oil salt and pepper.

Step 2:

Next I slice the bell peppers into chunks and alternate them with the chicken pieces on skewers.

Step 3:

I preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the skewers for about 10–12 minutes turning every few minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.

Step 4:

During the last few minutes of grilling I brush the BBQ sauce generously over the skewers so it caramelizes and adds that sticky smoky flavor.

Step 5:

While the skewers rest I prepare the salad base by layering greens cherry tomatoes corn black beans and shredded cheddar onto a large plate or bowl.

Step 6:

I lay the hot skewers right on top of the salad and drizzle with ranch dressing and a little extra BBQ sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips

If you’re using wooden skewers don’t forget to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling so they don’t burn. I sometimes add red onion or pineapple chunks to the skewers for more variety. You can also grill everything ahead of time and serve it cold for a picnic-friendly version. And for extra crunch I love topping the salad with crushed tortilla chips!

Ways to Serve

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a full meal on its own but it’s also great as part of a summer party spread. You can build individual bowls for guests or serve it platter-style for sharing. I’ve even served the skewers separately with the salad as a side—it works either way and always impresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Grill the skewers ahead and store separately then assemble the salad just before serving.

What kind of BBQ sauce is best for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?

Use your favorite! I prefer a smoky-sweet version but spicy or tangy ones work great too.

Can I cook the skewers in a pan instead of grilling?

Absolutely a grill pan or even oven-broiling works well if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.

Is BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad gluten-free?

It can be! Just check your BBQ sauce and ranch dressing labels to ensure they’re gluten-free.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad a try soon! It’s colorful bold and full of fresh flavor that’s perfect for sunny meals and outdoor gatherings. Let me know what you think or how you made it your own—I’d love to hear all about it.

Happy Cooking!

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