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BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad — Juicy Grilled Chicken Over Crisp Greens Pinterest recipe pin

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Grilled BBQ chicken skewers served over crisp greens with a tangy yogurt-BBQ dressing for a dependable, weeknight-friendly main.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce divided
  • 6 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber sliced
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/3 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon honey
Optional toppings
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta or cotija optional
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional

Equipment

  • 1 Gas or charcoal grill (or 12-inch cast-iron skillet)
  • 1 Metal or wooden skewers (soak wooden skewers 30 minutes)
  • 1 Meat thermometer

Method
 

Prepare the marinade and chicken
  1. In a large bowl combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper; add chicken cubes and toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature 20–60 minutes or refrigerate up to 2 hours and bring to room temperature 15 minutes before cooking.
Skewer and grill
  1. Thread chicken onto skewers leaving small gaps between pieces. Preheat grill to medium-high (425–475°F) or heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high and oil lightly. Grill skewers 3–4 minutes per side until the internal temperature reads 160°F, brush each side with a thin layer of BBQ sauce, then grill another 1–2 minutes per side until 165°F. Remove and let rest 3–4 minutes.
Make the dressing
  1. Whisk together plain yogurt, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce, honey, and a pinch of black pepper until smooth; adjust salt to taste.
Assemble the salad
  1. In a large bowl combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Toss lightly with about half the dressing, plate or bowl the salad, slice or serve chicken off the skewers on top, and drizzle remaining dressing. Garnish with crumbled cheese and parsley if using.

Notes

Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking and use a thermometer to reach 165°F. Brush BBQ sauce in the last 2–3 minutes to avoid burning. Store chicken and salad separately; refrigerated leftovers keep 3 days and cooked chicken freezes up to 2 months.