Some recipes just feel like a warm hug. For me, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is one of them. It’s not just a meal; it’s a memory on a plate, much like the cozy simplicity of a one-pan honey BBQ chicken and rice dinner.
It takes me right back to my grandma’s backyard. The smell of charcoal smoke mixing with sweet barbecue sauce would drift through the screen door. We’d sit at the picnic table, the summer sun still warm on our shoulders, and dig into a plate that felt like pure joy.
That’s the magic I wanted to capture here. This dish is my love letter to those simple, happy times. It’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a healthy dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American Classic
- Category: Dinner Salad / Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
The Story Behind This Classic Recipe
This recipe was born from a happy accident one busy summer evening. I was craving the smoky flavor of my grandma’s grilled chicken.
But I also wanted something fresh and cool to beat the heat. I had all the parts—the chicken, the salad, the sauce—scattered on the counter.
Putting them together on a skewer just made sense. It felt fun and familiar, like the food of my childhood, but all in one perfect, easy bite.
That first time I made it, I knew it was a keeper. It had that nostalgic taste I loved, but it also felt new and exciting. It’s been a staple in my home ever since.
What Makes This the *Traditional* Way
For me, tradition is about honest flavors and simple methods. We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel here.
The magic is in the char and caramelization you get from a real grill or grill pan. That smoky kiss is irreplaceable.
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
We use a classic, slightly sweet barbecue sauce as both a marinade and a glaze. It creates that sticky, finger-licking-good coating we all remember. If you love that sweet and tangy BBQ flavor but want a hands-off approach, you might enjoy a slow cooker BBQ pineapple chicken recipe for a different kind of easy weeknight meal.
And the salad? It’s crisp, cool, and creamy. No fancy greens—just good old romaine and classic veggies. It’s the perfect, refreshing contrast to the warm, savory chicken.
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
Gathering these simple ingredients is half the fun. Each one plays a part in building that comforting flavor.
- For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup of your favorite classic barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden ones for 30 minutes)
- For the Salad Base:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a meal that feels like home. It comes together so easily.
- Marinate the chicken. In a large bowl, mix the cubed chicken with the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prep the salad.
- Build the salad. In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, corn, and red onion. Toss it gently and set it aside in the fridge to stay crisp.
- Make the dressing. Whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, and dill in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover and chill until ready to use.
- Thread and grill. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto your skewers. Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Glaze with sauce. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken generously with the barbecue sauce. Let it caramelize on the grill, turning once. Be careful, as the sugar in the sauce can burn.
- Assemble and serve. Take the salad from the fridge. Drizzle with about half of the creamy dressing and toss. Lay the warm BBQ chicken skewers right on top of the salad. Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side.
My Tips for Perfecting This Classic
A couple of small tricks can make a big difference. They help you get that perfect, juicy result every single time.
First, don’t skip the resting time for the chicken after you cube it. A quick 10-minute marinade in the spices lets the flavor sink in.
Second, wait to add the barbecue sauce until the end. If you put it on too early, the sugar will burn before the chicken is cooked. That final glaze is the secret to success.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can plan ahead. Store any leftover grilled chicken skewers separately from the dressed salad.
Keep the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The undressed salad veggies will stay crisp for 1-2 days.
The creamy dressing can be kept in a jar for up to a week. When you’re ready, simply reheat the chicken gently and assemble a fresh plate. It makes for a wonderful healthy lunch the next day.
Nutrition Notes
This dish is a wonderfully balanced meal. It’s packed with the good stuff to keep you feeling full and energized.
- High in lean protein from the chicken.
- Provides healthy fats from the olive oil and avocado.
- Full of vitamins and fiber from the fresh vegetables.
- Can be adjusted to be lower in sugar by using a sugar-free BBQ sauce.
Your Questions About This Classic Recipe
Here are answers to a few common questions I get about this family favorite.
Can I make this recipe indoors?
Absolutely! A grill pan on your stovetop works beautifully. You’ll still get those lovely grill marks and a great sear. Just make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated.
What other vegetables can I add?
This recipe is very forgiving. Bell peppers or zucchini are fantastic additions. You can even thread them onto the skewers with the chicken for a complete grilled veggie experience.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk in the dressing?
Yes, you can make a quick version. Mix 1/2 cup of regular milk with 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. It will give you that same tangy creaminess.
I hope this recipe finds its way to your table on a warm evening. I hope it sparks laughter and creates its own new memories for you and your loved ones.
There’s nothing quite like sharing a plate of honest, comforting food. It’s one of life’s simplest and greatest pleasures, whether it’s a fresh salad or a sweet and tangy slow cooker creation.
Did this recipe bring back memories for you? I would love to hear your stories and see your creations. Please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
