Description
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the ultimate meal combining juicy, grilled chicken skewers brushed with tangy BBQ sauce atop a fresh, vibrant salad of romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, cheese, and cilantro, finished with a drizzle of ranch or BBQ ranch dressing. It’s a satisfying and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Skewers
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for brushing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
Salad
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels, cooked or grilled
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Ranch or BBQ ranch dressing, for serving
Instructions
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper ensuring even coating.
- Thread Chicken: Evenly thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, preparing them for grilling.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to achieve perfect cooking temperature.
- Grill Chicken: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. During the last few minutes, brush generously with BBQ sauce until chicken is fully cooked and lightly charred.
- Rest Chicken: Remove skewers from the grill and let the chicken rest briefly to retain juices.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, layer chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, thinly sliced red onion, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro.
- Combine and Serve: Remove chicken pieces from skewers if desired, place atop the salad, drizzle with ranch or BBQ ranch dressing, and serve immediately.
Notes
- This salad is delicious with the addition of grilled bell peppers or diced avocado for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftover chicken skewers can be stored separately and repurposed for wraps or sandwiches the next day.
- Adjust the quantity of BBQ sauce to match your sweetness and tang preference.
