This vibrant BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad brings together succulent chargrilled chicken skewers glazed with a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce alongside a colorful, fresh salad bursting with texture and flavor. The juicy, caramelized chicken pieces, threaded onto wooden skewers, provide a protein-rich centerpiece that contrasts beautifully with the crisp lettuce, sweet corn, and juicy tomatoes in the accompanying salad. A creamy, herb-flecked dressing ties the components together, creating a perfect balance of richness and freshness. Garnished with bright cilantro leaves, this dish offers a satisfying, complete meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious—ideal for summer gatherings, light dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced nutrition: Complete protein, vegetables, and healthy fats in one dish
Visually stunning: Creates an impressive presentation with minimal effort
Customizable: Easily adapt the salad components based on seasonal availability
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving
Indoor/outdoor versatile: Grill skewers outside or cook on a grill pan indoors
Perfect for entertaining: Serves beautifully for casual gatherings or formal dinners
Family-friendly: Components can be served separately for picky eaters
Refreshing option: Ideal for warm weather meals without heavy cooking
Restaurant quality: Achieves gourmet results with straightforward techniques

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken Skewers

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Provide lean protein that absorbs marinade beautifully
BBQ sauce – Creates a caramelized, sweet-smoky glaze when grilled
Honey – Enhances caramelization and adds natural sweetness
Soy sauce – Contributes savory depth and helps tenderize the chicken
Garlic – Infuses aromatic flavor throughout the marinade
Lime juice – Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat
Olive oil – Prevents sticking and helps distribute flavors
Smoked paprika – Provides smoky depth even when cooking indoors
Wooden skewers – Create convenient serving portions and enhance presentation

For the Fresh Corn Salad

Romaine lettuce – Offers crisp texture and mild flavor
Cherry tomatoes – Add juicy sweetness and vibrant color
Fresh corn – Provides sweet pops of flavor and sunny yellow accents
Avocado – Contributes creamy richness and healthy fats
Red onion – Delivers sharp contrast and purple color notes
Black beans – Add protein and fiber for a more substantial salad
Fresh herbs – Cilantro and parsley bring bright, herbaceous notes
Lime juice – Brightens flavors and prevents avocado browning

For the Creamy Herb Dressing

Greek yogurt – Creates a creamy base with tangy notes
Avocado – Adds velvety texture and healthy fats
Fresh herbs – Cilantro, parsley, and chives provide fresh flavor
Garlic – Contributes subtle pungency and depth
Lime juice – Balances richness with bright acidity
Olive oil – Emulsifies the dressing and adds richness
Honey – Balances acidity with gentle sweetness
Salt and pepper – Enhance and balance all flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Skewers

Begin by cutting 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Try to keep the pieces uniform in size to ensure even cooking.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. This marinade combines sweet, savory, and tangy elements that will caramelize beautifully when grilled.

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. Longer marination will result in more flavorful chicken, but avoid exceeding 4 hours as the lime juice can begin to break down the meat texture.

While the chicken marinates, soak 8-10 wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. If using metal skewers, you can skip this step.

When ready to cook, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces to ensure even cooking. Reserve any remaining marinade for basting.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat on your stovetop. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or about 10-12 minutes total, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Baste with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking to enhance the flavor and create a glossy finish.

Allow the skewers to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring juicy results.

Preparing the Fresh Corn Salad

For the freshest flavor, use corn cut directly from the cob. To prepare, husk 2 ears of corn and cut the kernels off using a sharp knife. For a charred flavor that complements the BBQ chicken, you can grill the corn briefly before cutting off the kernels.

Wash and chop 1 large head of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, then place in a large salad bowl.

Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and add to the bowl. Dice 1 ripe avocado and thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion, adding both to the lettuce.

Drain and rinse 1 can (15 oz) of black beans and add to the salad along with the corn kernels.

Roughly chop 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro and sprinkle over the salad. The herb’s bright flavor complements both the BBQ chicken and the fresh vegetables.

For enhanced flavor, you can lightly toss the salad with 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper before adding the dressing. This step seasons the vegetables and helps prevent the avocado from browning.

Making the Creamy Herb Dressing

In a food processor or blender, combine 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 ripe avocado, 1/4 cup mixed fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, and chives), 1 small garlic clove, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. If the dressing is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more lime juice for acidity, honey for sweetness, or salt for overall flavor enhancement.

Transfer the dressing to a jar or serving container and refrigerate until ready to use. This dressing can be made up to 2 days ahead, though the fresh herbs may darken slightly over time.

Assembling the Dish

To serve, arrange the dressed salad on plates or in shallow bowls, creating a bed for the chicken skewers.

Place 2-3 chicken skewers on top of or alongside each portion of salad. The warm chicken creates a delightful temperature contrast with the cool, crisp salad.

Drizzle additional dressing over the chicken and salad as desired.

Garnish with extra fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for a professional presentation and to allow diners to add more citrus flavor if desired.

Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and the salad is fresh and crisp.

Pro Tips

Slightly undercook corn for the salad to maintain its crisp, sweet texture
For more flavorful chicken, reserve 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce for brushing during the final minutes of grilling
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful skewers
For a smoky charred flavor, grill corn whole before cutting off kernels
Massage avocado directly into greens before adding other ingredients for a creamier base texture
Make extra dressing to use throughout the week on other salads or as a veggie dip
For the most attractive presentation, use multicolored cherry tomatoes
Toast cumin seeds before adding to the dressing for enhanced aromatic flavor
Prepare all components ahead of time and assemble just before serving for maximum freshness
For easier eating, remove chicken from skewers before placing atop salad when serving family-style

Variations and Creative Ideas

Flavor Variations

Southwest Style: Add 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, coriander, and chili powder to the chicken marinade. Include diced bell peppers and jalapeños in the salad for color and heat.

Asian Fusion: Replace BBQ sauce with teriyaki sauce in the marinade and add grated ginger. Incorporate mandarin orange segments and sliced water chestnuts in the salad for complementary flavors and textures.

Mediterranean Twist: Use a lemon-herb marinade for the chicken and add cucumber, feta cheese, and olives to the salad. Swap the dressing for a simple lemon-tahini blend.

Tropical Variation: Add pineapple juice and minced jalapeño to the marinade. Include diced mango, toasted coconut flakes, and macadamia nuts in the salad for a Hawaiian-inspired dish.

Protein Options

Shrimp Skewers: Replace chicken with large shrimp for a seafood version that cooks even more quickly. Reduce marinating time to 15-20 minutes to prevent the citrus from “cooking” the shrimp.

Tofu Alternative: Use extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, as a vegetarian protein option. Marinate longer (at least 2 hours) to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Beef or Lamb: Substitute cubed sirloin or lamb for a richer flavor profile. Adjust cooking time according to desired doneness and cut thickness.

Mixed Grill: Create skewers with varied proteins and vegetables for a colorful presentation and diverse flavors. Stagger cooking times as needed for different ingredients.

Dietary Adaptations

Gluten-Free Version: Ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free and use tamari instead of soy sauce in the marinade.

Dairy-Free Dressing: Substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or additional avocado for a completely dairy-free dressing that maintains creamy texture.

Low-Carb Adaptation: Eliminate the black beans and corn from the salad, focusing instead on low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, cucumber, and additional greens.

Grain Addition: For a heartier meal, add cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice to the salad base, creating a nutritionally complete grain bowl with the skewers on top.

Storage and Make-Ahead Advice

Chicken Skewers Storage: Cooked chicken skewers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best results, store the chicken separately from the salad to maintain optimal texture.

Salad Components:

Prepare salad ingredients up to 24 hours ahead but store components separately to maintain freshness.
Wash and dry greens, then wrap in paper towels and store in an airtight container.
Cut corn from cob and store in a separate container.
Wait to cut avocado until just before serving to prevent browning.
Tomatoes keep best at room temperature but can be halved a day ahead if necessary.

Dressing Storage:

The creamy herb dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator.
If separation occurs, simply shake or re-blend before using.
For the brightest green color, add fresh herbs just before serving if making the base dressing ahead.
If the dressing thickens in the refrigerator, thin with a teaspoon of water or lime juice to reach desired consistency.

Make-Ahead Strategy:

Marinate chicken the morning of or night before cooking.
Soak wooden skewers while preparing other ingredients.
Make dressing 1-2 days ahead for flavors to meld.
Wash and prep salad components the day before, storing properly.
Thread chicken onto skewers up to 24 hours ahead, storing covered in the refrigerator.
Grill chicken just before serving for the freshest result, or up to 2 hours ahead if serving at room temperature.

Reheating Tips:

Gently reheat chicken skewers in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes until just warmed through, being careful not to dry them out.
Alternatively, bring to room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for a refreshing meal without reheating.
Avoid microwaving the skewers as this can result in tough, rubbery chicken.
If serving leftover assembled salad, allow it to come to room temperature for 15 minutes for the best flavor.

Kid-Friendly Involvement

This recipe offers multiple opportunities for children to help in the kitchen:

Threading Skewers: With supervision, older children can help thread chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers, practicing fine motor skills and pattern creation.

Measuring Ingredients: Kids can measure out marinade ingredients and pour them into the mixing bowl, learning about proportions and measurements.

Tearing Lettuce: Young children can tear lettuce leaves into bite-sized pieces, a safe task that helps them contribute meaningfully.

Mixing the Marinade: Children can whisk together the marinade ingredients, seeing how separate elements combine to create something new.

Assembling Salad: Set up a “salad bar” of prepared ingredients and let kids assemble their own salad bowls, encouraging ownership and vegetable consumption.

Shaking Dressing: If making a simpler dressing version, let children put ingredients in a sealed jar and shake it up, a fun activity that demonstrates emulsification.

Learning Opportunity: Use this recipe to teach about balanced meals, showing how it includes protein, vegetables, and healthy fats in appropriate proportions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook these skewers in the oven instead of grilling? Yes, you can broil the skewers on a lined baking sheet 6 inches from the heat source for about 5-6 minutes per side, or bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Brush with additional BBQ sauce during the last few minutes for a similar glazed effect.

How can I prevent wooden skewers from burning? Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before use. For extra protection, wrap the exposed ends with aluminum foil while grilling.

What can I substitute for black beans in the salad? Any bean variety works well—try chickpeas, pinto beans, or white beans. For a bean-free version, add more vegetables like diced cucumber, bell pepper, or even roasted sweet potato cubes.

Is there a way to make this entire meal ahead for a picnic or potluck? Yes! Grill the chicken skewers and allow them to cool completely before refrigerating. Package the salad components separately (keeping greens, tomatoes, corn/beans, and avocado apart). Store dressing in a jar. Assemble on site for best results, or assemble everything except the avocado and dressing if transporting fully assembled.

How can I ensure my chicken stays juicy when grilled? Don’t overcook—use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature. Marinating helps retain moisture, as does choosing chicken thighs instead of breasts. Finally, letting the cooked skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving allows juices to redistribute.