– **Title**: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
– 1 red onion, cut into chunks
– 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, or arugula)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes prior)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with BBQ sauce and olive oil. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
3. Thread the marinated chicken, red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating ingredients.
4. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
5. While the skewers are grilling, prepare the salad by tossing the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado in a large bowl.
6. Once the chicken skewers are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
7. Slice the skewers into bite-sized pieces (if desired) and place them on top of the salad.
8. Drizzle the salad with additional BBQ sauce, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor, but you can use chicken breasts if preferred. Tofu or tempeh makes a great veggie option too!
BBQ Sauce: Store-bought BBQ sauce is convenient, but homemade can be tailored to your taste. Try a tangy sauce for extra zest. If you’re avoiding sugar, look for low-sugar options or make your own from tomatoes and spices.
Corn: Canned corn is easy, but grilled fresh corn adds a delicious smoky flavor. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works well too; just thaw before using.
Avocado: Fresh is best, but if avocados aren’t ripe, consider using sliced olives for a different texture. You could also skip it if you’re not a fan.
How Do You Get Juicy and Flavorful Chicken on the Skewers?
Getting the chicken just right is crucial for this dish. The marinating step is essential to infuse it with flavors. You can marinate for as little as 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor. Use a mix of BBQ sauce and seasonings for extra taste.
- Make sure all chicken pieces are evenly coated for consistent flavor.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning. A quick soak in water for about 30 minutes does the trick.
- When cooking, keep an eye on the chicken as it grills or broils. Turning them occasionally promotes even cooking and a nice char.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned corn, drained (or fresh corn, grilled)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad will take about 30 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Cooking the skewers will take an additional 10-12 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour or so before you can dig into this tasty salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by making the marinade! In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them well so each piece is nicely coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or you can let it marinate overnight for extra flavor.
2. Prepare the Skewers:
Once your chicken is marinated and ready, preheat your grill or oven broiler to medium-high heat. Take the marinated chicken and thread the pieces onto your skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before using to prevent burning while cooking. If you’re grilling, give the grill grates a light coat of oil to keep the chicken from sticking.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook them for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally so they cook evenly and get a lovely char. If you’re using the oven, pop the skewers on a baking sheet and broil, turning until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
4. Make the Salad:
While the chicken is cooking, grab a large bowl and combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, drained corn, black beans, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything well!
5. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until all the ingredients are blended smoothly.
6. Assemble the Salad:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine everything evenly. You can serve the salad in bowls, placing the delicious BBQ chicken skewers either on top or on the side.
7. Serve:
Enjoy your refreshing BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad while the skewers are still warm! It’s a perfect meal for any day, bringing together great flavors and a healthy crunch.
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs for extra juiciness or chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Ensure whatever cut you choose is boneless and skinless for the best results.
What Can I Substitute for the Honey in the Dressing?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, maple syrup works great! You can also use agave nectar or coconut sugar as alternatives, adjusting to taste based on your preference for sweetness.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad and Skewers?
Store any leftover salad components in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the skewers separate to maintain freshness. You can reheat the chicken skewers on the grill or in the oven until warmed through before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp. If you’re marinating the chicken, feel free to do that ahead of time as well!
