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.
Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Kabobs
- Easy summer grilling recipe
- Perfect balance of smoky, fresh, and creamy flavors
- Family-friendly dinner everyone loves
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Homemade ranch takes it over the top
- Great for cookouts and backyard BBQs
- Fresh and hearty enough for a full meal
- Perfect use for summer corn, garden veggies and fresh herbs
- Easy to prep ahead
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