BBQ Chicken Kabobs with Creamy Ranch Salad Are the Ultimate Summer Dinner

These BBQ chicken kabobs with creamy, herby ranch salad is the meal that tastes like summer to me. Sweet smoky chicken fresh off the grill, charred corn, cold crunchy lettuce, creamy avocado, and enough ranch to make everyone at the table happy.

When you grow up a picky eater, you learn pretty quickly how to survive dinner. And for me? The answer was barbecue sauce. If I could dip something in BBQ sauce, there was a very good chance I could choke it down with minimal drama.

These BBQ chicken skewers remind me of those easy days of summer growing up when the sound of the sprinklers were, the lawnmower was my alarm clock, and that hot trampoline with sprinklers set underneath of it was our favorite past time.

I hope you all take things a little slower this week. Do a little outdoor grilling and don’t rush to clean up, just sit and enjoy the sunshine as it lazily slips beneath the trees and night settles in like an old friend wrapping you up in comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This BBQ chicken kabobs recipe comes together in a few simple steps and is perfect for easy summer dinners after a long day outside.

Kabobs

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean chicken that grills beautifully and soaks up all the smoky BBQ flavor.
• Avocado or Olive Oil: Helps the chicken stay juicy while adding richness and helping the sauce cling to every bite.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken and balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds smoky, sweet, tangy flavor and caramelizes perfectly on the grill.
• Wooden Skewers: Make the kabobs easy to grill and serve. Soaking them helps prevent burning.

Homemade Ranch

• Mayonnaise: Creates a rich, creamy base for the homemade ranch dressing.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and thins the dressing to the perfect consistency.
• Onion Powder: Gives the ranch that classic savory flavor.
• Garlic: Adds bold fresh flavor that makes homemade ranch irresistible.
• Fresh Dill: Brings bright, fresh ranch flavor.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Adds freshness and a summery herb flavor.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a little bite and balances the creamy dressing.
• Salt: Enhances all the fresh herb flavors in the ranch.

Salad

• Ears of Corn: Sweet grilled corn adds smoky summer flavor and juicy crunch.
• Butter: Melted over warm corn for rich buttery flavor.
• Avocado Oil: Helps the corn char beautifully on the grill.
• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing with the perfect crunch for chopped salad.
• Green Cabbage: Adds extra crunch and texture.
• Green Onions: Bring mild onion flavor and freshness.
• Grape Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy bursts of freshness throughout the salad.
• Black Beans: Add protein, creaminess, and make the salad more filling.
• Cilantro: Adds bright fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken.
• Parsley: Brings freshness and balances the smoky grilled flavors.
• Basil: Adds a slightly sweet summer herb flavor that makes the salad extra fresh.
• Avocado: Creamy, rich, and the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Chicken Kabobs with Ranch Salad

This grilled BBQ chicken with ranch salad come together so easily and make the perfect fresh summer dinner for busy weeknights or backyard grilling.

1. Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into large bite-sized pieces and toss with olive oil, salt, and barbecue sauce until evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for a few hours if you want even more flavor.
2. Make the Homemade Ranch: While the chicken marinates, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, onion powder, garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to serve so the flavors can blend together.
3. Prep the Grill: Soak the wooden skewers in water if you haven’t already, then thread the chicken onto the skewers. Drizzle the corn with oil and prepare the grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken and Corn: Place the corn on the grill and cook until tender and lightly charred, turning occasionally. Grill the chicken skewers for a few minutes per side until caramelized, lightly charred, and fully cooked through. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with extra barbecue sauce for that sticky, smoky finish. Toss the corn with butter and salt.
5. Build the Salad: While the chicken rests, combine the lettuce, cabbage (optional), green onions, tomatoes, black beans, and fresh herbs in a large bowl. Slice the grilled corn from the cob and add it to the salad along with diced avocado.
6. Toss and Serve: Drizzle the salad with the homemade ranch dressing and toss until evenly coated. Serve alongside the warm BBQ chicken kabobs and enjoy immediately while everything is fresh.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for even juicier kabobs.
• Use your favorite store-bought ranch if you’re short on time.
• Add bell peppers, red onion, or zucchini to the skewers.
• Replace black beans with pinto beans or chickpeas.
• Add crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
• Use spicy BBQ sauce if you like extra heat.
• Turn it into wraps or bowls with rice for leftovers.

Storage Tips

Store leftover grilled BBQ chicken and salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The ranch dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

For best texture, wait to add the avocado and dressing to the salad until ready to serve.

These grilled chicken kabobs with ranch salad are everything summer dinners should be. They are easy, flavorful, fresh, and meant to be shared outside with the people you love most. The smoky caramelized chicken, creamy homemade ranch, sweet grilled corn, and crisp veggies all come together in the kind of meal that feels both comforting and refreshing at the same time.

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Watch How These Chicken Kabobs are Made…