BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad (Printable Version)

Grilled BBQ chicken skewers atop crisp greens with fresh vegetables and a zesty honey mustard dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken & Marinade

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce, plus extra for brushing
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon 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 tablespoons olive oil
16 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
17 - 1 teaspoon honey
18 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
19 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How To Make It:

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. Let 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 each piece for even cooking.
03 - Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with additional BBQ sauce, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
04 - Arrange the mixed greens, red and yellow bell peppers, 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 - Lay the grilled chicken skewers over the assembled salad. Drizzle with the dressing and serve immediately while the chicken is still warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast of smoky charred chicken against cool, crunchy vegetables is genuinely addictive and feels like something you would order at a restaurant.
  • It comes together in about 35 minutes with ingredients you probably already have, which makes it perfect for those evenings when planning ahead is not happening.
  • The honey mustard dressing ties everything together with a tangy sweetness that makes people go back for seconds.
02 -
  • If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand or they will catch fire on the grill, which I learned the hard way during a dinner party that ended with more excitement than planned.
  • The chicken needs a full 15 minutes in the marinade to absorb any real flavor, but if you have an hour or even overnight, the transformation is remarkable.
  • Check your BBQ sauce label carefully if cooking for someone who is gluten free, because many brands hide wheat or soy in their ingredient lists.
03 -
  • Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels before adding it to the marinade, because excess moisture creates steam instead of that beautiful char you are after.
  • Warm the honey for ten seconds in the microwave before whisking it into the dressing and it will blend in instantly instead of clumping at the bottom of the bowl.

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