BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad (Printer-friendly)
Grilled BBQ chicken skewers atop crisp greens with peppers, avocado, and a honey-mustard dressing. Ready in 35 minutes.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 3 tbsp BBQ sauce, plus extra for brushing
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Salad
08 - 5.3 oz mixed salad greens
09 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
10 - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
11 - 5.3 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
13 - 1 avocado, sliced
14 - 1 small cucumber, sliced
→ Dressing
15 - 2 tbsp olive oil
16 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
17 - 1 tsp honey
18 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
19 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# How-To Guide:
01 - In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
02 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces for even cooking.
03 - Place skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with extra BBQ sauce, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
04 - While the chicken grills, arrange the mixed greens, sliced bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and cucumber in a large serving bowl or on individual plates.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
06 - Place the grilled chicken skewers over the assembled salad. Drizzle with the prepared dressing and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast of hot charred chicken against cool crisp vegetables is the kind of thing that makes you close your eyes and chew slowly.
- It is genuinely easy enough for a weeknight but looks like you spent all afternoon preparing it.
02 -
- If you rush the marinade and give it less than fifteen minutes the chicken will taste fine but it will not taste like much, so plan ahead even a little bit.
- The dressing will separate if it sits too long so whisk it again right before pouring or shake it in a jar with a tight lid.
03 -
- Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels before adding it to the marinade because excess moisture prevents the char from forming and you end up steaming the meat instead.
- The best BBQ sauce for this is one that is a little tangy and not too sweet because it caramelizes better and will not burn as quickly on the grill.