BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad (Print View)

Smoky grilled chicken skewers over crisp greens with fresh vegetables and zesty dressing

# Ingredient List:

→ BBQ Chicken Skewers

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

→ Salad Components

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

→ Lemon Dijon Dressing

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

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 375°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 pre-soaked wooden skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
04 - Place skewers on preheated grill. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and develops light char marks. Brush with barbecue sauce during final 2 minutes of cooking.
05 - While chicken grills, combine 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 - Toss salad with dressing immediately before serving. Arrange dressed salad on plates and top with hot BBQ chicken skewers.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between hot, charred chicken and cool crisp greens hits different every single time
  • It comes together fast but looks like something from a restaurant menu
02 -
  • Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes or they will burn before the chicken is done
  • Do not brush on barbecue sauce until the last two minutes or it will scorch and turn bitter
03 -
  • Let the cooked chicken rest for a couple minutes before serving so the juices redistribute
  • Warm your salad bowl slightly if serving in cold weather so the dish does not cool down too fast

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