Welcome to a mouth-watering journey through a recipe that promises to bring the essence of summer right to your table – BBQ Chicken Skewers with Herby Ranch and a vibrant Summer Salad. This dish is a perfect blend of smoky, fresh, and tangy flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a refreshing meal to enjoy on a warm evening, this recipe has got you covered.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (Primal Kitchen brand recommended for its wholesome ingredients)
- 8 [6-inch] wooden skewers (remember to pre-soak to prevent burning)
For the W30 Herby Ranch (A Whole30 compliant delight):
- 1 cup light tasting oil (avocado oil is a great choice)
- 1 egg (omit this if you’re using store-bought mayo to keep it Whole30 compliant)
- ½ cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Seasonings: 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp onion powder, 2 cloves minced garlic
- Herbs: ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds, ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
For the Salad:
- 4 ears corn (*omit for Whole30 followers)
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce
- 6 green onions thinly sliced (green part only)
- 2 cups quartered grape tomatoes
- 1 [15-ounce] can black beans, drained and rinsed (*omit for Whole30)
- Herbs: ¼ cup freshly chopped cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves
- 1 avocado, peeled, seed removed, and diced
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Begin by flattening the chicken breasts to about ½ inch thickness, then cut into cubes. Marinate these cubes with avocado oil, kosher salt, and BBQ sauce for anywhere between 20 minutes to 8 hours, depending on how much time you have and how flavorful you want your chicken.
- Whip up the Herby Ranch: While your chicken is marinating, blend together the oil, egg (or store-bought mayo if you prefer), coconut milk, lemon juice, vinegar, and all the seasonings until smooth. Stir in the finely chopped herbs and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
- Grill to Perfection: Heat up your grill and cook the corn until tender and slightly charred for that smoky flavor. Grill the chicken skewers until they are cooked through, making sure to baste them with extra BBQ sauce for that delicious glaze.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced romaine lettuce, green onions, quartered grape tomatoes, drained black beans, and the freshly chopped cilantro and basil. Once the corn is cool enough to handle, slice off the kernels and add them to the salad along with the diced avocado.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a platter alongside the colorful summer salad. Drizzle or serve the herby ranch on the side for dipping or dressing.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Nutritional Info: 650 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
This BBQ Chicken Skewers with Herby Ranch and Summer Salad recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of summer flavors that brings together the best of grilling season. Whether you’re eating Whole30, Paleo, or just love a good BBQ, this recipe is versatile, flavorful, and sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the process of cooking and the joy of sharing this delicious meal with your loved ones.