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BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Loaded BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This Loaded BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fresh, colorful, high-protein meal featuring juicy BBQ-brushed chicken skewers served over a hearty salad with corn, black beans, avocado, tomatoes, tortilla strips, and your choice of ranch, BBQ ranch, or lime vinaigrette.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • bamboo or metal skewers
  • 8 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup tortilla strips or crushed corn chips
  • fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • 3/4 cup ranch dressing (option 1)
  • 1/2 cup ranch + 2–3 tbsp BBQ sauce (BBQ ranch, option 2)
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (option 3 vinaigrette)
  • 1/3 cup olive oil (vinaigrette)
  • 1 tsp honey (vinaigrette)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (vinaigrette)
  • 1/2 tsp cumin (vinaigrette)

Equipment

  • grill or grill pan
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • cutting board
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread chicken cubes onto skewers, 5–6 pieces each. Season with salt, pepper, and brush lightly with oil.
  2. Grill skewers over medium-high heat (or use grill pan) for 10–12 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 1–2 minutes.
  3. As chicken cooks, prepare salad: combine lettuce, corn, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, and avocado in a large bowl or divide into plates.
  4. Prepare your dressing of choice: ranch, BBQ ranch (ranch + BBQ), or lime vinaigrette (lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, cumin).
  5. Top salad with hot chicken skewers, tortilla strips, and cilantro. Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, baste the chicken skewers with BBQ sauce during the last minute of grilling to prevent burning. You may grill outdoors or use a grill pan indoors. Choose your favorite dressing—classic ranch, BBQ ranch, or zesty lime vinaigrette. Add toppings just before serving for the best texture. To make it gluten-free, ensure the BBQ sauce and chips are certified GF. This salad is perfect for summer dinners, meal prep, and family-style serving.