Name: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 3 tbsp avocado oil; 1 tsp kosher salt; 2 cups bbq sauce (I use Primal Kitchen brand); 8 [6-inch] wooden skewers, pre-soaked; 1 cup light tasting oil (avocado oil or light olive oil); 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 minced garlic; ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds; ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 4 ears corn; 2 tbsp avocado oil; 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce; 6 green onions, thinly sliced (green part only); 2 cups quartered grape tomatoes; 1 [15-ounce] can black beans, drained and rinsed; ¼ cup freshly chopped cilantro leaves; 2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves; 1 avocado, peeled, seed removed, and diced medium

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that screams summer but also brings a fresh, craveable crunch to your weeknight dinner, you’ll fall head over heels for this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. Imagine tender, juicy grilled chicken glazed in BBQ sauce, nestled next to sweet corn, creamy avocado, crisp romaine, and bursts of juicy grape tomatoes—all finished with a herby ranch dressing that’s creamy, dreamy, and loaded with flavors from fresh dill and parsley. Whether you’re firing up the grill for friends or just want to treat yourself to something special, this salad is an instant crowd-pleaser and a total refresher.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad are straightforward yet carefully chosen. Each element, from the smoky chicken to the creamy herby dressing, makes a difference in taste, texture, and color. Keep things fresh and vibrant for the most satisfying results!

Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken to keep things tender and juicy during grilling.
Avocado oil: With a high smoke point and neutral flavor, this oil is perfect for grilling and making homemade mayo.
Kosher salt: Brings out the natural flavor of the chicken and dresses up all the salad elements.
BBQ sauce: Reach for your favorite—like Primal Kitchen—for that signature smoky tang (plus a little for basting while grilling!).
Wooden skewers: Six-inch skewers, pre-soaked, help prevent burning and make serving a breeze.
Light-tasting oil or mayo: Needed for the herby ranch. Avocado oil or “light” olive oil work best, but a neutral-flavored store-bought mayo is a fine shortcut.
Egg: Essential for emulsifying your homemade ranch, but you can skip if using prepared mayo.
Full-fat coconut milk: Adds luscious creaminess and subtly rounds out the ranch dressing.
Lemon juice & red wine vinegar: Brightens the ranch and gives it a fresh, tangy lift.
Onion powder, salt, garlic: This short lineup punches above its weight with layers of irresistible flavor.
Fresh dill & parsley: Packs that ranch with garden-fresh, herby notes.
Black pepper: Adds a little peppery tingle and depth to the salad and dressing.
Fresh sweet corn: Grill it for smoky-sweet perfection (or omit for Whole30).
Romaine lettuce: Crisp, hydrating, and holds up beautifully under all those bold toppings.
Green onions: For a zesty little bite without overpowering the main flavors.
Grape tomatoes: Juicy pops of color and sweetness in every forkful.
Black beans: Boosts heartiness and makes the salad more satisfying (omit for Whole30 if desired).
Fresh cilantro & basil: Bring a clean, aromatic, and ultra-fresh lift to each bite.
Avocado: For luscious, creamy cubes that tie every element together.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

First, you’ll want that chicken ultra-tender and full of barbecue flavor. Start by pounding the chicken breasts to about half an inch thickness so they cook evenly and stay juicy. Cut them into chunky cubes—think two inches per piece for perfect skewering! Toss these in a big bowl with avocado oil, kosher salt, and a big scoop of BBQ sauce. Mix well to coat, then let the flavors mingle while you prep everything else. If you can, marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or if your timeline allows, pop them in the fridge for up to eight hours for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Whip Up the Herby Ranch

Homemade ranch is a game changer, and trust me, this is easier than it sounds. Pour your oil into a wide-mouth jar, place the egg gently at the bottom, and lower in the immersion blender. Hold steady until you see a thick, mayo-like consistency at the base, then slowly lift and pulse to finish. Add coconut milk, fresh lemon juice, vinegar, seasonings, and that fragrant garlic, then blend again for a creamy dressing. Finally, fold in the fresh dill, parsley, and black pepper. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—it only gets better as the flavors meld.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken and Corn

Now for some sizzle time! Drizzle your corn cobs lightly with avocado oil, rolling them so they’re fully coated. Preheat your grill to medium-high (around 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit) and oil up those grates with a paper towel to avoid sticking. Grill the corn for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every couple of minutes for gorgeous char marks and tender kernels. At the same time, add the marinated chicken skewers. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, brushing the cooked side with extra BBQ sauce after each flip for that delicious sticky glaze. The aroma in your backyard? Pure summertime.

Step 4: Build the Salad

As soon as the corn is cool enough to handle, slice off those caramelized kernels. In your biggest salad bowl, toss together crisp romaine, green onions, juicy grape tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, and basil. Drizzle in just enough herby ranch to lightly coat the lettuce—better to start with less and add more as you toss. Add the grilled corn and diced avocado, giving everything one final, gentle toss to keep those cubes creamy and intact.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slide the charred chicken off each skewer and arrange them right on top of the vibrant salad. Give your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad an extra flourish of fresh herbs or a final drizzle of ranch. Grab a big fork—you’re about to dig into a salad that eats like a meal!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Garnishes

Dress up your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or basil for a fresh finishing touch. I love to add a few thin slices of green onion and a final crack of black pepper over the top. And let’s not forget an extra squeeze of lemon for brightness—it wakes up all those smoky and herby flavors!

Side Dishes

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is pretty hearty on its own, but it also plays well with others! Serve alongside warm crusty bread, grilled sweet potatoes, or a light summer slaw. If you’re feeling extra festive, offer up a platter of watermelon or a fresh fruit salad for that sweet contrast. For a Whole30-friendly meal, keep the sides simple: think grilled veggies or roasted baby potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress at your next cookout, line up the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad ingredients in pretty rows on a big platter and let everyone build their own bowl. Another crowd-pleaser? Mini mason jars: layer the salad, top with a juicy chicken skewer, and serve with a little jar of herby ranch on the side for dipping. It turns a traditional salad into a totally fun (and portable) picnic treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad (lucky you!), store the components separately. Place the dressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and keep the grilled chicken skewers wrapped or in their own container. The herby ranch stores perfectly in a jar for up to a week—just give it a good shake before using. This way, your greens stay crisp and your flavors bright!

Freezing

While the salad elements and dressing are best enjoyed fresh, you can absolutely freeze the grilled chicken skewers. Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. Skip freezing the leafy greens, tomatoes, and avocado—they just don’t bounce back well after defrosting.

Reheating

To revive your chicken skewers, place them on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350-degree oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through. If you’re in a rush, a minute or two in the microwave works too, but the oven helps them stay juicy. Add warm chicken to fresh salad for an irresistibly tasty combo!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add an extra punch of flavor. Just trim any excess fat, cut into cubes, and increase the grilling time slightly if needed since they take a touch longer to cook through.

Is there a vegan version of this salad?

For a plant-based BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, swap the chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh cubes tossed in BBQ sauce, and replace the ranch with your favorite vegan dressing. The rest of the crunchy salad elements and toppings are already vegan-friendly!

How spicy is the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?

It really depends on the BBQ sauce you use! For a milder salad, opt for a sweet or classic BBQ sauce. If you love heat, pick a spicy sauce or add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the marinade for a smoky kick.

Can I make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad without a grill?

Definitely. Use a grill pan on your stovetop or even your oven’s broiler to cook the chicken skewers and corn. Just keep a close eye to prevent overcooking, and you’ll get great flavor either way!

What can I use instead of coconut milk in the ranch?

If you’re not a fan of coconut, sub in full-fat plain Greek yogurt or regular buttermilk in your herby ranch for a different, but equally delicious, creamy base.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a bright, bold, and utterly satisfying meal, BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is guaranteed to have everyone at your table reaching for seconds. It’s as fun to eat as it is to make, bursting with color, texture, and all the flavors of summer. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to for both laid-back family dinners and backyard get-togethers—give it a try and watch it earn rave reviews!