Quick Barbecue Chicken Skewers with Veggie Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken pieces marinated and grilled on skewers, served with a fresh and colorful vegetable salsa. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; whisk to make a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb 1-inch cubed chicken breast to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly; cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While chicken marinates, prepare the salsa by combining 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 small diced cucumber, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander, and 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes in a bowl; drizzle with 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar and toss gently.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  5. Step 5: Grill the chicken skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
  6. Step 6: Serve the hot chicken skewers alongside the fresh vegetable salsa for a colorful, quick Aussie-inspired meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Barbecue Chicken Skewers with Veggie Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Quick Barbecue Chicken Skewers with Veggie Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Barbecue Chicken Skewers with Veggie Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Quick Barbecue Chicken Skewers with Veggie Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Quick Barbecue Chicken Skewers with Veggie Salsa?

Australian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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