Grilled chicken skewers are a fantastic dish that is easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ or just a casual family dinner, these chicken skewers are sure to impress. The key to this recipe is marinating the chicken breast with a blend of spices and oils, which ensures the meat stays tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Grilling these skewers over medium-high heat gives the chicken a delicious char while maintaining its succulence. This recipe is ideal for anyone following a healthy eating plan and is low in carbs yet high in protein.
Ingredients
- 600 g (1.3 lbs) chicken breast, cut into strips or small cubes
- Salt, to taste
- Dried garlic powder, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Sweet paprika, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Grilled Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by preparing the chicken breast. Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken into evenly sized strips or small cubes, depending on your preference. This ensures even cooking when threaded onto the skewers. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl to begin the seasoning process.
Season the chicken generously with salt, dried garlic powder, ground black pepper, and sweet paprika. The dried garlic and paprika not only add a robust depth of flavor but also contribute to the vibrant color and slight smokiness that perfectly complements the grilled chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
To ensure your chicken skewers are tender and juicy, marinating is a crucial step. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the seasoned chicken. The combination of oils helps the seasoning to adhere to the chicken while also keeping it moist during grilling. Stir the mixture well to ensure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. If you want more intense flavor, you can let the chicken sit in the marinade for up to 1 hour in the refrigerator. This resting time gives the spices a chance to infuse the chicken, making it even more flavorful.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
While the chicken is marinating, pre-soak wooden skewers in water for 10-15 minutes to prevent them from burning during the grilling process. This is an essential step when using wooden skewers.
After the chicken has marinated, thread the pieces onto the soaked skewers. Ensure that the chicken is spaced evenly along each skewer, allowing for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers, as this may lead to uneven cooking or steaming rather than grilling.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using a grill, brush the grates lightly with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on the grill, making sure to leave enough space between each skewer for the heat to circulate.
Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has developed a nice char on the outside. Keep turning the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking on all sides. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the chicken skewers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a minute. Before serving, garnish the skewers with freshly chopped green onions. The green onions add a pop of color and a fresh, slightly pungent flavor that enhances the overall dish.
Serve the chicken skewers warm with your favorite dipping sauces or side dishes like grilled vegetables, rice, or salads. They’re perfect for an outdoor feast, a weeknight dinner, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
Cooking Tip
If you don’t have access to a grill or prefer a more hands-off cooking method, you can cook the chicken skewers in an oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken will still turn out tender and juicy, with slightly browned edges, although it won’t have the same smoky char as it would on the grill.
Nutrition Information
This grilled chicken skewers recipe yields 4 servings. Below is the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Net Carbs: 1g
These chicken skewers are a fantastic source of lean protein, making them an excellent option for those following low-carb, high-protein, or keto diets. The healthy fats from the olive oil and vegetable oil also contribute to satiety and provide important nutrients for the body.
Final Thoughts
This recipe for grilled chicken skewers is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a backyard barbecue, a quick weeknight dinner, or meal prepping for the week, these skewers are sure to satisfy. Using a combination of garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper gives the chicken a rich flavor, while the olive oil helps keep the chicken moist and juicy during grilling.
For added variety, you can switch up the seasonings or add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers. Additionally, if you want to elevate the dish, you can serve the skewers with a garlic yogurt sauce, tzatziki, or a side of grilled pita bread.
With its high-protein content and low carbs, these grilled chicken skewers are a great option for anyone following a healthy eating plan or looking to incorporate more lean protein into their diet. Enjoy this versatile, easy-to-make dish anytime for a satisfying meal!
