Some recipes just feel like a warm hug. For me, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is one of them. It’s not about fancy plating or trendy ingredients. It’s about the smell of smoky chicken on the grill and the sound of family laughing on the back porch. If you love easy, flavorful chicken dinners, you might also enjoy this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice for another sweet and sticky weeknight option.
This dish takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen. She’d always have something sizzling, ready to be tossed with whatever crisp veggies were fresh from the garden. It was her way of making a healthy dinner feel like a celebration, not a chore.
I’ve carried that feeling with me. Now, when summer hits, this is my go-to. It’s a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and fresh. It fills your home with the best smells and your belly with the best kind of comfort.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Category: Main Course Salad
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Servings: 4
The Story Behind This Classic Recipe
My grandma never called it a “skewer salad.” To her, it was just supper. She’d take the leftover grilled chicken from Sunday dinner and thread it onto old metal skewers with some onions. The next day, she’d warm it up and lay it over a big bed of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers from Papa’s garden.
It was her genius way to make a second meal feel brand new. That combination of hot, smoky meat with cool, crunchy vegetables was magic. It taught me that the best dinner salad ideas aren’t complicated. They’re just smart, loving, and deeply satisfying. For another effortless meal that practically cooks itself, check out this Slow Cooker BBQ Pineapple Chicken.
What Makes This the *Traditional* Way
This isn’t about a light drizzle of sauce. The traditional way is about commitment. The chicken gets a good, long soak in a simple, tangy BBQ marinade. We’re not just painting flavor on at the end.
And the skewers? They’re non-negotiable. They give you those beautiful, slightly charred edges that you can’t get from a pan. It’s that old-school grill flavor that makes every bite special. This is how you build a high protein meal that truly sticks to your ribs.
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
Grandma’s pantry was simple, and so is this list. Every item has a job, and together they create something wonderful.
- For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup of your favorite classic BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 English cucumber, sliced
- 1 red onion, part for skewers, part sliced thin for salad
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh off the cob or thawed frozen)
- 1 avocado, sliced (for serving)
- Your favorite creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Don’t rush it. The magic is in the process. Put on some music, enjoy the simple steps, and let the flavors come together.
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Notes
Enjoy your homemade BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- First, make the marinade. In a big bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Add the cubed chicken to the bowl. Toss it well so every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. An hour is even better if you have the time.
- While the chicken rests, get your salad base ready. Chop the romaine, tomatoes, and cucumber. Slice the onion. Add it all to a large serving platter or bowl. Scatter the corn on top.
- Heat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with chunks of red onion if you like.
- Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, brushing with a little extra BBQ sauce in the last minute. You want nice grill marks and the chicken cooked through.
- Take the skewers off the grill. Let them rest for 3 minutes. Then, slide the chicken and onions right off the skewers onto your waiting bed of salad.
- Finish it off. Add slices of creamy avocado and a generous drizzle of cool ranch dressing right at the table. Toss gently and serve immediately.
My Tips for Perfecting This Classic
A few little tricks can make a world of difference. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years to get it just right.
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before threading the chicken. This simple step keeps them from burning on the grill. It’s a small thing that makes everything smoother.
Let the grilled chicken rest before adding it to the salad. Those few minutes allow the juices to settle back into the meat. This keeps your chicken juicy and stops it from wilting your beautiful greens too quickly.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can plan ahead. You can marinate the chicken overnight for even deeper flavor. Just keep it sealed in the fridge.
If you have leftovers, store the salad components and chicken separately. Keep the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold on another salad, or warm it gently for a quick and healthy lunch.
Nutrition Notes
This is comfort food that loves you back. Packed with good things, it’s a meal that truly satisfies.
- High in protein from the chicken to keep you full.
- Full of vitamins from the fresh, colorful vegetables.
- Provides healthy fats from the avocado and olive oil.
- You can control the sodium and sugar by choosing your BBQ sauce and dressing mindfully.
Your Questions About This Classic Recipe
I get asked about this dish all the time. Here are the answers to the most common questions.
Can I make this indoors?
Absolutely. If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on your stovetop works wonderfully. You’ll still get those great sear marks. You can also broil the skewers in your oven on a baking sheet, watching them closely.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your favorite! Grandma always used a classic, slightly sweet and smoky store-bought sauce. The beauty is in its simplicity. Pick one you love to drink from the bottle, and you’ll love it here.
Can I use a different cut of chicken?
You sure can. Chicken thighs are fantastic here. They have a bit more fat, which makes them incredibly juicy and forgiving on the grill. Just make sure to cut them into even pieces so they cook at the same rate.
I hope this recipe finds its way to your summer table. I hope it brings the same simple joy and comfort to your home that it has to mine for so many years. For more hands-off cooking inspiration, this easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pineapple Chicken recipe is another family favorite.
It’s more than just a meal. It’s a feeling. It’s sunshine, laughter, and the simple pleasure of eating well with people you love.
Did this recipe bring back memories for you? I’d love to hear your stories. Please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
