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

This chicken caprese is a fresh, flavorful dinner made with juicy chicken, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil all finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. We love to use the grill but you can also bake in the oven or fry in a pan. Bonus points for being a quick and healthy chicken recipe!

It’s everything you love about a classic caprese salad, turned into an easy, satisfying main dish. Whether you grill it, bake it, or cook it in a skillet, this caprese chicken recipe comes together quickly and feels just a little bit elevated without any extra effort.

What is Chicken Caprese?

Chicken caprese is a simple dish inspired by the classic Italian caprese salad, made with chicken, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caprese

• Hands-on prep time is less than 30 minutes
• Fresh, simple ingredients
• Naturally low-carb (8g) and high-protein (61g)
• Works on the grill, stovetop, or oven
• Perfect for weeknights or entertaining

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts: the juicy, protein-packed base
• Tomatoes: fresh and vibrant
• Fresh Mozzarella: creamy and melty
• Fresh Basil: adds bright, herby flavor
• Balsamic Glaze: sweet and tangy finish
• Olive Oil + Seasonings: simple flavor builders

👉 Optional (but highly recommended!): balsamic marinade for extra flavor (see below)

How to Make Chicken Caprese

1. Prepare the chicken: Season (or marinate) the chicken breasts.
2. Cook the chicken: Grill, bake, or pan-sear until fully cooked (see section below for instructions for each).
3. Add toppings: Top each piece with sliced mozzarella and tomatoes.
4. Melt the cheese: Let the mozzarella melt slightly in the broiler.
5. Finish and serve: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve immediately while warm and melty.

👉 Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally.

Ways to Cook Chicken Caprese

Grilled Chicken Caprese – Adds smoky flavor and is perfect for summer.

• Heat a grill to medium-high heat, then add the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.

Baked Chicken Caprese – Easy, hands-off and great for weeknights.

• Preheat the oven to 350℉. Place the chicken in a baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray and bake for 30 minutes uncovered, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally.

If you’re looking for a salad that actually keeps you full, this Grilled Chicken Salad is it. Tender grilled chicken, creamy avocado, sweet grilled corn, crunchy roasted chickpeas, and queso fresco are tossed together with a zesty homemade southwest ranch dressing for a salad that’s hearty enough to be dinner.

It’s fresh, colorful, packed with protein, and loaded with bold Southwest flavors in every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping lunches or serving dinner on a warm summer night, this is one of those salads everyone gets excited to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the ingredient list fool you—everything in this southwest salad with roasted chickpeas is easy to find and worth every bite.

Roasted Chickpeas

• Chickpeas: Also called garbanzo beans, chickpeas become wonderfully crispy in the oven and add protein, fiber, and crunch to the salad.
• Olive Oil: Helps the chickpeas crisp up while adding rich flavor and helping the seasonings adhere.
• Paprika: Adds a mild smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the roasted chickpeas.
• Ground Cumin: Brings warm, earthy Southwest flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and corn.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps season the chickpeas from the inside out.

Southwest Ranch Dressing

• Sour Cream: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the dressing.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, classic ranch texture.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dressing and balances the richness with fresh acidity.
• Fresh Dill: Gives the dressing that signature ranch flavor and fresh herbaceous taste.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the dressing.
• Chili Powder: Brings mild heat and smoky Southwest flavor.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds extra layers of spices and enhances the Southwestern flavor profile.
  • PRO TIP: This is the key to this salad!

For the Salad

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If you’ve ever ended up with dry, rubbery chicken, you’re not alone. Learning how to grill chicken breasts can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be.

This simple guide will show you exactly how to grill chicken breasts so they turn out juicy, tender, and full of flavor every time.

Step-by-Step: How to Grill Chicken Breast

1. Prep the Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400–450°F).
2. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and pound it to even thickness.
3. Add Flavor: Season or marinate (see section below for ideas).
4. Grill: Oil the grill grates, and grill the pieces for 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness (see chart below).
   • PRO TIP: Don’t move the chicken once you place it on the grill!
5. Flip Once: Flip the chicken and cook to an internal temp of 165°F, use a meat thermometer.
6. Rest: Remove from the grill and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

How Long to Grill Chicken Breast

Chicken breasts take an average of 8–14 minutes total on a grill over medium-high heat, depending on thickness.

Thickness	Time	Temp
Thin (½ inch thick)	8-10 minutes	165°F
Normal (1 inch thick)	10-14 minutes	165°F
Thick (1 ½ inch thick)	14-18 minutes	165°F