BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad (Print Version)

Grilled BBQ chicken skewers served over fresh crisp greens with vegetables

# What You Need:

→ BBQ Chicken Skewers

01 - 1.1 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1/3 cup barbecue sauce, gluten-free if needed
08 - 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

→ Salad Base

09 - 4.2 ounces mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, spinach)
10 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
11 - 3.5 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1 small cucumber, sliced
13 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
14 - 1 avocado, sliced

→ Lemon Dressing

15 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
17 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
18 - 1/2 teaspoon honey
19 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, approximately 400°F.
02 - Combine chicken cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
03 - Thread seasoned chicken pieces onto presoaked wooden skewers, distributing pieces evenly.
04 - Grill skewers for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through and lightly charred. Brush with barbecue sauce during the final 2 minutes of cooking.
05 - Arrange salad greens, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado in a large serving bowl.
06 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
07 - Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
08 - Divide salad among serving bowls and top with hot BBQ chicken skewers. Serve immediately while chicken is warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between hot charred chicken and cool crisp greens hits every satisfaction point
  • Everything comes together in under 40 minutes with minimal cleanup
  • The homemade dressing balances the sweet BBQ sauce perfectly
02 -
  • Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from turning to ash on the grill
  • Let the chicken rest for two minutes after grilling so the juices redistribute
  • The dressing tastes best at room temperature so make it while the chicken cooks
03 -
  • Extra spice rub on the chicken before grilling creates a flavorful crust
  • Room temperature chicken grills more evenly than cold straight from the fridge

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