BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad – A Flavor-Packed Summer Feast

There’s something magical about the sizzle of BBQ chicken skewers on the grill—the smoky aroma, the caramelized edges, and that irresistible char. Now, imagine pairing those juicy skewers with a crisp, vibrant salad that balances sweet, tangy, and crunchy in every bite. That’s exactly what this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad delivers! Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just craving a hearty yet healthy meal, this recipe is a winner.

Inspired by The Defined Dish, this salad is a celebration of textures and flavors. Tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, creamy avocado, and crunchy veggies come together in a dish that’s as satisfying as it is colorful. Plus, it’s versatile—swap in your favorite seasonal produce or adjust the heat level to suit your taste. (P.S. If you love easy grilling recipes, you’ll adore my Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon too!)

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This isn’t just another salad—it’s a meal. Here’s why it’ll become a regular in your rotation:

• Perfect for grilling season: No grill? No problem! A grill pan works too.
• Meal-prep friendly: Prep the skewers and chop veggies ahead for quick assembly.
• Family-approved: Even picky eaters love the sweet-and-smoky BBQ flavor.
• Nutritious and filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Ready to dive in? Here’s your step-by-step guide to salad success:

1. Marinate the chicken: Coat bite-sized pieces in BBQ sauce, olive oil, and spices. Let them soak up the flavor for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum taste).
2. Skewer and grill: Thread the chicken onto skewers (soak wooden ones first!) and grill over medium heat until charred and cooked through.
3. Build your salad: Toss greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and corn (grilled for extra smokiness!) in a large bowl.
4. Drizzle and serve: Top with warm skewers, extra BBQ sauce, and a squeeze of lime. Optional: Add crumbled feta or cilantro for a flavor boost!

Pro Tips for the Best Salad

Want to take it up a notch? Try these tricks:

• Use a homemade BBQ sauce for deeper flavor.
• Grill extra chicken for next-day wraps or grain bowls.
• Spritz the salad with lime juice to keep the avocado bright green.

There you have it—a salad that’s anything but boring. With smoky grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and that finger-licking BBQ goodness, this dish is summer on a plate. Serve it with a cold glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine, and savor every bite. Happy grilling!

Southwest Chicken Casserole: A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

There’s something magical about a casserole that brings warmth, comfort, and a little spice to the dinner table. This Southwest Chicken Casserole is no exception—it’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bold flavors like smoky cumin, zesty green chiles, and tender shredded chicken. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a lifesaver. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that invites improvisation (extra jalapeños? Yes, please!).

As a busy mom, I’m always on the hunt for meals that are hearty, easy to make, and universally loved. This casserole checks all those boxes. My kids gobble it up (even the picky one!), and my husband swears it’s better than his favorite takeout. The best part? You can toss it together with pantry staples and leftover rotisserie chicken—because who has time to fuss on a Wednesday night? If you’re craving a Tex-Mex twist on classic comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Southwest Chicken Casserole

This dish is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. Here’s why it’s a staple in my kitchen:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, with minimal prep.
• Versatile: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge—black beans, corn, or even quinoa work great.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for lunches.
• Family-Approved: The creamy, cheesy goodness wins over even the toughest critics.

How to Make Southwest Chicken Casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
• 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy—your call!)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Heat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine chicken, black beans, corn, green chiles, salsa, sour cream, cumin, and chili powder. Stir until well blended.
3. Layer & Bake: Spread the mixture into the baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
4. Serve & Enjoy: Let it cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Tips for the Best Southwest Chicken Casserole

Want to take this dish to the next level? Try these pro tips:

• Spice It Up: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Crispy Topping: For extra crunch, mix crushed chips with melted butter before baking.
• Make It Lighter: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese.

Looking for more easy weeknight dinners? Try our Cheesy Taco Pasta or Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas for another Tex-Mex twist!

FAQs About Southwest Chicken Casserole

There you have it—a Southwest Chicken Casserole that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a no-fuss dinner that everyone will love, this recipe delivers. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your menu. After all, good food is meant to be shared (and maybe fought over—just ask my kids). Happy cooking!

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema: A Flavor Fiesta in Every Bite

There’s something magical about the combination of juicy, spicy shrimp and creamy avocado crema tucked into a warm tortilla. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a craving for something vibrant and satisfying, these Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema are here to save the day. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, they’re quick to whip up but packed with layers of flavor that’ll make you feel like you’re dining at a beachside cantina.

I first fell in love with this recipe during a summer trip to the coast, where fresh seafood and bold spices reign supreme. Back home, I tweaked the recipe to make it weeknight-friendly without sacrificing that restaurant-quality taste. The secret? A smoky, spicy marinade for the shrimp and a luxuriously smooth avocado crema that balances the heat. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a regular in your rotation. (And if you’re a fan of easy seafood dishes, you’ll adore my Cajun Shrimp Pasta too!)

Why You’ll Love These Spicy Shrimp Tacos

These tacos aren’t just delicious—they’re also:

• Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
• Customizable: Swap toppings to suit your mood.
• Packed with protein: Shrimp is a lean, nutritious choice.
• Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining.

How to Make Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving

For the Avocado Crema

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Make the crema: Blend avocado, sour cream, garlic, lime juice, and salt until smooth. Add a splash of water if needed.
3. Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
4. Assemble: Warm tortillas, then layer with shrimp, cabbage, avocado crema, and cilantro. Squeeze lime on top!

Tips for the Best Shrimp Tacos

Want to take these tacos to the next level? Here’s how:

• For extra smoky flavor, grill the shrimp instead of pan-searing.
• Short on time? Use pre-mixed taco seasoning instead of individual spices.
• Love heat? Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the crema.

There you have it—tacos that are equal parts easy and extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry crew, these Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. For more taco inspiration, check out Simply Recipes’ taco roundup, or explore my Grilled Fish Tacos for another seafood twist. Now, go forth and taco ’bout how good these are!

Flavor-packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: A Weeknight Wonder

There’s something magical about the sizzle of street corn hitting a hot grill—the smoky aroma, the charred kernels, the way it instantly transports you to a summer festival. Now, imagine that same vibrant flavor packed into a hearty, wholesome rice bowl with juicy grilled chicken and a creamy, tangy sauce. That’s exactly what this Flavor-packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl delivers: a fiesta in every bite, minus the hassle of chasing down food trucks.

As a busy mom and self-proclaimed “weeknight kitchen warrior,” I’m always on the hunt for meals that are equal parts delicious and doable. This bowl checks all the boxes: it’s loaded with protein, fresh veggies, and just the right amount of indulgence (looking at you, crumbled cotija cheese). Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—swap in quinoa for rice, add avocado, or drizzle with extra lime crema if you’re feeling fancy. Whether you’re meal-prepping or need a 30-minute dinner win, this recipe’s got your back.

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Bowl

This isn’t just another rice bowl—it’s a flavor explosion with layers of texture and a balance of smoky, sweet, and zesty. Here’s why it’ll become a regular in your rotation:

• 30-minute magic: From fridge to table faster than takeout.
• Meal-prep friendly: Cook once, enjoy lunches all week.
• Family-approved: Even picky eaters love the sweet corn and crispy chicken.
• Pantry-friendly: Uses simple spices you likely already have.

Key Ingredients & Swaps

Don’t stress if you’re missing an item—this recipe is forgiving! Here’s what makes it shine:

• Chicken thighs: Juicier than breasts, but either works.
• Fresh or frozen corn: Charred in a skillet for that authentic street-corn vibe.
• Cotija cheese: Salty, crumbly goodness. Feta works in a pinch.
• Lime crema: Just mix sour cream with lime zest and a squeeze of juice.

How to Make Your Flavor-packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Ready to dive in? Here’s your step-by-step guide to building this colorful bowl:

1. Season the chicken: Rub thighs with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and a touch of cayenne.
2. Grill or pan-sear: Cook until golden (about 6 minutes per side). Let rest before slicing.
3. Char the corn: Toss kernels in a hot skillet with a dab of butter until slightly blackened.
4. Assemble bowls: Fluffy rice, sliced chicken, corn, diced red onion, cilantro, and a generous drizzle of lime crema.

Pro Tips for the Best Bowls

Want to take it up a notch? Try these tricks:

• Toast your rice in a bit of oil before cooking for extra nuttiness (learn how in our Perfect Fluffy Rice guide).
• Add a pinch of chili powder to the lime crema for subtle heat.
• Leftovers? Store components separately—the corn stays crispier that way.

There you have it—a bowl that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The next time you’re craving bold flavors without the fuss, let this street corn chicken combo be your kitchen sidekick. And hey, if you accidentally double the lime crema? No judgment here. (In fact, I insist.) For more easy, vibrant meals, check out our 30-minute meal collection or this handy guide to grilling corn. Now, go forth and drizzle with abandon!