Name: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 3 tbsp avocado oil; 1 tsp kosher salt; 2 cups BBQ sauce (such as Primal Kitchen brand), divided; 8 (6-inch) wooden skewers, pre-soaked; 1 cup light tasting oil (avocado oil or ‘light’ olive oil; or sub 1 cup store-bought mayo); 1 egg (omit if using store-bought mayo); ½ cup unsweetened full fat coconut milk; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp onion powder; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds; ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 4 ears corn (omit for Whole30); 2 tbsp avocado oil; 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads); 6 green onions, thinly sliced (green part only); 2 cups quartered grape tomatoes (or 16 ounces); 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed (omit for Whole30); ¼ cup loosely packed freshly chopped cilantro leaves; 2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves; 1 avocado, peeled, seed removed, and diced medium

If you’re craving something vibrant, bold, and packed with flavor, look no further than this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. Imagine juicy chicken morsels glazed in smoky barbecue sauce, perched atop crisp romaine, sweet corn, and a riot of colorful veggies, all drizzled with zesty herby ranch. It’s the kind of salad that draws a crowd—fresh, satisfying, and anything but boring. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard gathering or just want to brighten up a weeknight dinner, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is sure to delight every appetite.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish celebrates simplicity, letting a handful of powerhouse ingredients shine in each bite. Every component brings something special, whether it’s a burst of sweetness, a hint of smokiness, or a crispy crunch. Here’s what you’ll need to build an unforgettable BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad at home.

Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up all that barbecue flavor after a quick marinade.
Avocado Oil: Lends a subtle, buttery richness and helps achieve a gorgeous sear on the grill.
Kosher Salt: Simple but essential for seasoning the chicken and the dressing.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite, but a smoky, tangy sauce (like Primal Kitchen) brings out the best in these skewers.
Wooden Skewers: Be sure to pre-soak them to prevent burning on the grill.
Light Tasting Oil (for dressing): Avocado oil or light olive oil makes a creamy, neutral base for homemade ranch.
Egg: Helps emulsify the ranch dressing into velvety goodness. You can skip this if using store-bought mayo.
Full Fat Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess to the ranch while keeping it dairy-free.
Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, tangy lift to the herby ranch.
Red Wine Vinegar: Offers gentle acidity and extra zest in the dressing.
Onion Powder & Garlic: These aromatics round out the flavor of the homemade ranch.
Fresh Dill & Parsley: These fresh herbs make the dressing and salad pop with garden-fresh flavor.
Black Pepper: A few twists of freshly cracked pepper enhance the entire dish.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brings charred sweetness and a toasty crunch to your salad.
Romaine Lettuce: The ultimate salad green—crisp, sturdy, and satisfying as a base.
Green Onions: For subtle sharpness and a pop of color.
Grape Tomatoes: Little bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.
Black Beans: They add hearty texture and extra protein (skip for Whole30!).
Cilantro & Basil: These fresh herbs give your salad fragrance and a punch of earthy flavor.
Avocado: Creamy, dreamy cubes of avocado make every forkful luscious.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Kick things off by pounding your chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness—this ensures they cook up tender and evenly. Cube the chicken into hearty 2-inch pieces, then toss them in a bowl with avocado oil, kosher salt, and a generous helping of your favorite BBQ sauce. Let them mingle and marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or go the distance and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor.

Step 2: Make the Herby Ranch

A good salad dressing can turn a great dish into an unforgettable one. Start by pouring oil into a wide-mouth jar, then add the egg (if using). Blend with an immersion blender, keeping it still until you see a creamy mayo form—then move it up and down to fully emulsify. Add coconut milk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, onion powder, and minced garlic, then blend once more. Stir in dill, parsley, and black pepper, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. It’ll keep for up to a week, making it a meal-prep hero.

Step 3: Skewer and Grill the Chicken & Corn

Time to hit the grill! Thread your marinated chicken onto soaked wooden skewers. Drizzle the ears of corn with avocado oil and rub them until thoroughly coated. Preheat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the corn, turning every few minutes until it’s beautifully charred and tender, about 10–12 minutes. While the corn cooks, grill the chicken skewers until they develop char marks, about 3–4 minutes per side. Brush with additional BBQ sauce for that irresistible sticky finish. Let both the chicken skewers and corn cool slightly before handling.

Step 4: Build the Salad

In a large bowl, toss together crisp romaine, thinly sliced green onions, juicy grape tomatoes, black beans, fresh cilantro and basil. Pour in as much of that dreamy herby ranch as your heart desires and toss until every leaf is coated. Use a sharp knife to slice the kernels off the cooled corn, then add to the salad with diced avocado. Give everything a gentle toss. Top each plate or serving platter with a generous pile of BBQ chicken skewers.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Plate up your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad while everything’s still fresh. Pass extra herby ranch and BBQ sauce at the table for drizzle-happy friends. The sweet crunch of the corn, creamy avocado, tangy ranch, and smoky chicken make each bite a celebration. Serve immediately and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Garnishes

This salad loves a sprinkle of extras! Try a shower of extra chopped herbs, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or even a handful of finely sliced radishes for a hint of peppery crunch. Set out lime wedges for guests who crave a citrusy finish. It’s amazing how these little touches can wake up all the flavors in your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad.

Side Dishes

Pair your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with a few well-chosen sides to turn it into a complete feast. It pairs beautifully with warm grilled pita, crispy sweet potato fries, or a simple watermelon-feta salad. For lighter meals, a tangy cucumber slaw or roasted baby potatoes work wonderfully, complementing the smoky notes of the skewers.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes the meal! For a summer party, serve the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad layered in individual mason jars—or arrange everything deconstructed on a giant platter for a wow-worthy centerpiece. You can even thread additional veggies onto the skewers, or serve the ingredients taco-bar style so everyone can customize their perfect plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, don’t fret! Store the grilled chicken and salad components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad will stay fresh for 1–2 days (minus the avocado, which is best added just before serving), and the chicken will keep for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While the salad greens and veggies aren’t freeze-friendly, the barbecue chicken itself freezes like a dream. Simply remove the chicken from the skewers, let it cool, and then pack in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep for up to two months—so you can recreate a quick version of BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad any time.

Reheating

To reheat your chicken, pop it in a warm skillet or a low oven (around 325°F) until heated through—this keeps it moist and flavorful. Try not to microwave, as it can dry out the chicken quickly. Always add freshly diced avocado and herbs when assembling your leftover salad to keep things vibrant and bright.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and less likely to overcook. Simply follow the same steps—just cube them and marinate as directed. You’ll get an even richer BBQ flavor in your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad.

Is the herby ranch dressing Whole30 compliant?

Yes, thanks to coconut milk and avocado oil, this dressing is naturally Whole30-friendly—just omit the black beans and corn from your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad if you want it completely compliant.

What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?

Go for any BBQ sauce you truly love! Whether you prefer something sweet, smoky, or spicy, it will work here. If you want to keep things healthier or Whole30, look for a sauce without added sugar or preservatives to make your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad shine.

Can I make this salad indoors without a grill?

You sure can! Use a grill pan or a broiler to get a similar char on your chicken and veggies. It works beautifully and means you can enjoy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad year-round, no matter the weather.

How far ahead can I prep the components?

You can marinate the chicken up to 8 hours in advance, make the herby ranch up to a week ahead, and prep the salad greens a day before. Just grill and assemble right before serving for the freshest BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad experience!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to take salads to a whole new level of delicious, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the answer. Every forkful is packed with smoky flavor, vibrant veggies, and tangy ranch—perfect for any season. Give it a try for your next dinner or picnic, and watch it become a fast favorite!