Sizzling Summer Sensation: Master the Art of Keto Grilled Chicken Skewers with this Flavorful Recipe
Discover the delicious world of keto grilled chicken skewers! Our easy-to-follow recipes and tips will help you master the art of grilling the perfect skewers for a healthy and satisfying summer meal. Low carb and packed with flavor, these skewers are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Grilled chicken skewers are a popular summertime meal, perfect for cookouts and backyard gatherings. The juicy and tender chicken, paired with a variety of colorful vegetables, makes for a flavorful and satisfying meal. In this article, we'll take a look at everything you need to know to make the perfect grilled chicken skewers. From the ingredients to the marinade to the grilling technique, and even serving suggestions, we've got you covered.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 Medium zucchini, sliced
- ½ Red onion, chopped into large pieces
- ¾ Red bell pepper, sliced into large pieces
- ¾ Orange bell pepper, sliced into large pieces
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
- ½ tsp Onion powder
- 2 tbsp Swerve Brown sugar substitute
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp Minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Chicken:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for an hour before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Turn on your grill and prepare for cooking.
- Place the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl, and add in olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine well.
- Skewer the veggies and chicken onto metal or wooden skewers.
- Make the sauce by mixing together the brown sugar substitute, soy sauce or coconut aminos, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the skewers on the grill, basting with the sauce as they cook.
Different Cuts of Chicken:
When it comes to making grilled chicken skewers, boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs are both great options.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice for skewers as they are lean and easy to handle. They are considered white meat and are typically more tender than dark meat. Because they are lean, they can dry out more quickly than thighs, so it's important to marinate them or baste them with a sauce while grilling to keep them moist.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are another great option for skewers. They are considered dark meat and are typically more flavorful than white meat. They also have a higher fat content which helps them stay moist during grilling. Chicken thighs are also a bit more forgiving than chicken breasts and less likely to dry out if left on the grill a bit too long.
Another option could be bone-in chicken legs or drumsticks, but these cuts may require more time to cook due to the bone.
It's important to keep in mind the size of the chicken pieces when preparing skewers to ensure that they cook evenly. Bite-sized pieces are ideal for skewers, as they will cook quickly and evenly. It's also important to thread the chicken onto skewers tightly, leaving little space between pieces to ensure even cooking.
Marinating the Chicken:
Marinating the chicken before skewering is a great way to add flavor and tenderness to the final dish. To properly marinate chicken, you'll need a plastic bag or shallow dish and your desired marinade. Here are some tips for marinating chicken:
- Choose a marinade that includes some form of acid, such as lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt. These ingredients help to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender.
- Mix the marinade ingredients together in a bowl or a resealable plastic bag.
- Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours.
- When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and thread it onto skewers. Discard the remaining marinade.
When it comes to marinade flavors, the possibilities are endless. You can create a classic Mediterranean marinade with lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano. Or use yogurt, ginger, and turmeric for a tangy and flavorful Indian marinade. You can also opt for a sweet and savory marinade with soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
Keep in mind that some marinades may contain sugar or other ingredients that will caramelize on the grill and burn easily, so pay attention and adjust cooking time as needed.
When it comes to the time to marinate, while you can leave chicken marinating for up to 24 hours, depending on the acidity of the marinade, it's best to not marinate for more than 2 hours. This is to avoid over-tenderizing the chicken and making it mushy and also to prevent bacterial growth.
Threading the Skewers:
Threading chicken onto skewers properly is essential for ensuring even cooking and preventing the chicken from falling off the skewer while grilling. Here's the proper technique:
- Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This will ensure that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly on the grill.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them. This will prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Thread the chicken onto the skewers, leaving about a quarter-inch of space between each piece. This will ensure that heat can circulate around each piece of chicken, cooking it evenly.
- You can alternate chicken with vegetables, or thread them all together. Make sure to slide the skewers through the thicker part of the chicken or vegetables, which will take longer to cook. This will ensure that everything on the skewers finishes cooking at the same time.
- When the skewers are full, press the chicken and vegetables firmly against each other to keep them in place.
- Grill the skewers over medium-high heat, flipping occasionally and brushing with marinade or sauce.
Keep in mind that meat will release juices while it cooks, so, it is also important to not overcrowd your skewers. This could lead to steaming, instead of grilling, and uneven cooking.
By following these steps, you'll be sure to end up with evenly cooked, juicy and flavorful grilled chicken skewers.
Grilling Tips:
Grilling chicken skewers can be a bit tricky, but with a few tips, you can ensure that your chicken cooks through without becoming dry or burnt. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Preheat the grill: Before grilling, be sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to ensure even cooking and prevent the chicken from burning.
- Cook chicken to the proper temperature: Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken as it cooks.
- Avoid overcooking: Overcooking chicken can cause it to become dry and tough, so be sure to keep an eye on the skewers and remove them from the grill as soon as they reach the proper temperature.
- Turn and baste frequently: Turn the skewers occasionally and brush them with marinade or sauce while they cook. This will help to keep the chicken moist and add flavor.
- Use a spray bottle with oil: To keep the skewers from sticking to the grill or burning, use a spray bottle filled with oil to lubricate the grates. You can also use a basting brush to brush oil on skewers before and during grilling.
- Monitor the heat: Keep a close eye on the heat of your grill and move the skewers to a cooler spot if they start to burn or cook too quickly. This will help to prevent the chicken from becoming dry or burnt.
- Rest your meat: Once the skewers are cooked, rest them for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to be more moist and tender.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to perfectly grilled chicken skewers every time. Additionally, you can also opt for skewers that are coated with nonstick materials to avoid sticking.
Serving Suggestions:
Grilled chicken skewers are a versatile and delicious meal that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to help you get the most out of your grilled chicken skewers:
- Serve as is: One of the simplest ways to serve grilled chicken skewers is to simply place them on a plate and serve them as is. The skewers can be accompanied by a side of vegetables or a salad to make a complete meal.
- Top a grain bowl: Grilled chicken skewers can also be used to top a grain bowl. Simply place a serving of cooked rice, quinoa, or another grain in a bowl and top with the skewers and your choice of veggies, fruits and sauces.
- As part of a wrap or sandwich: Grilled chicken skewers can be diced and added to a wrap or sandwich with some lettuce, tomatoes, and a sauce, such as a garlic aioli or tzatziki sauce.
- Serve with dipping sauces: Serve your grilled chicken skewers with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tzatziki, ranch, or peanut sauce. This can add more flavor and texture to the dish.
- Make a pasta dish: Mix the grilled chicken skewers with some cooked pasta and toss them in a flavorful sauce, you have a delicious pasta dish ready.
- Add to a salad: Cut the chicken skewers and add them to a salad for a protein-packed lunch. Top with veggies, nuts, and a vinaigrette dressing.
- As an appetizer: serve them as an appetizer for parties or gatherings, for example alongside some dipping sauce, or in a small plate with some salad or veggies.
- Alongside some grilled vegetables :You could pair them with some grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini and make it a complete meal
- As a topping for a pizza: Grilled chicken skewers could be diced and added as a topping for a pizza with some mozzarella cheese and your favorite pizza sauce.
Grilled chicken skewers are a great way to add some protein to your meal, and with all these serving suggestions, you'll never get bored of them. Feel free to get creative and come up with your own serving ideas.
Variations:
Grilled chicken skewers are a classic dish that can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are a few ideas for variations to the basic recipe:
- Different types of marinade: The marinade you use can greatly influence the flavor of the grilled chicken skewers. Some popular options include a classic Mediterranean marinade with lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs like oregano and thyme, a spicy Southwest marinade with chili powder, cumin, and lime juice, or a sweet and savory Asian-inspired marinade with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.
- Grilling vegetables along with the chicken: Grilled vegetables can be a great addition to chicken skewers. Some options include bell peppers, onion, mushrooms, zucchini and cherry tomatoes. You could also try marinating them in the same marinade you used for the chicken before skewering.
- Mixing meats: You could try mixing different meats in the skewers, like chicken and shrimp, or chicken and beef, or even chicken and pork, mixing with vegetables to make a medley of flavors.
- Adding fruits: You could also try adding fruits like pineapple, peaches or apricots, which would add a different sweetness and texture to the skewers, making it a unique dish.
- Experimenting with different seasonings: Try experimenting with different seasonings and spices, such as cumin, paprika, or cayenne pepper, to add depth of flavor to your chicken skewers.
- Try different cooking methods: Instead of grilling you could try baking or even broiling your skewers. This would also give a different texture and change the overall experience of the dish.
Ultimately, the key to making delicious grilled chicken skewers is to find the combination of flavors and ingredients that you enjoy. Experimenting with different marinades, vegetables, and seasonings can help you find a new spin on an old classic.
In conclusion, grilled chicken skewers are a simple and delicious dish that can be easily prepared at home with a few basic ingredients. By marinating the chicken in a flavorful marinade and grilling it to perfection, you can achieve a delicious and juicy result. The key to a great grilled chicken skewer is to experiment with different marinades and seasonings to find the combination that you enjoy.
Additionally, you can get creative and add vegetables to the skewers, or even try different meats, fruits and even cooking methods to make the dish more interesting. The options are endless, and that's what makes grilled chicken skewers so versatile and a great option for an easy summer meal.
We hope this article has provided you with the inspiration and knowledge you need to make delicious grilled chicken skewers at home. So, fire up your grill and give this classic recipe a try! You'll be surprised by how easy it is to make and how delicious it can be. Happy Grilling!
Keto Grilled Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- ● 2 lbs. Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite sized pieces
- ● 2 Medium zucchini sliced
- ● ½ Red onion chopped into large pieces
- ● ¾ Red bell pepper sliced into large pieces
- ● ¾ Orange bell pepper sliced into large pieces
- ● 1 tbsp Olive oil
- ● ½ tsp Garlic powder
- ● ½ tsp Onion powder
- ● 10 Bamboo skewers soaked in water
- ● 2 tbsp Swerve Brown sugar substitute
- ● 3 tbsp Soy sauce or coconut aminos
- ● 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- ● 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ● 2 tsp Minced garlic
- ● Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the wooden skewers for an hour or so before you plan to use them.
- Heat the grill up.
- Place the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl, and add in olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine well.
- Layer the veggies and chicken on the skewers in any order that you choose. The ingredients should be enough to create 10 equal skewers.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Swerve brown sugar substitute, soy sauce, lemon juice, worcestershire sauce and minced garlic. Whisk to combine.
- Place the skewers on the grill with the ends of the sticks hanging off for safety and easy turning. Add salt and pepper to taste if desired.
- Cook the skewers, turning once in a while to get an even cook. Continue to grill until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are charred.
- In the final minutes of cooking, use a brush to brush on the marinade to coat the skewers evenly.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and serve.
Nutrition Information
Yield 5 Serving Size 2Amount Per Serving Calories 437Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 188mgSodium 825mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 2gSugar 9gProtein 65g
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One Comment
Dana Rodriguez
We love grilling skewers. I will be trying this recipe!