Chicken Kebab Keto: A Tasty Low-Carb Treat

Chicken kebabs are a popular food choice, but are they suitable for those following a keto diet? The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has become increasingly popular in recent years. So, can those adhering to this diet enjoy chicken kebabs? The short answer is yes, chicken kebabs can be keto-friendly, but there are some things to keep in mind.

Chicken kebab keto recipes

Chicken kebabs are a great keto option, and there are plenty of ways to prepare them. Here are some recipes to get you started.

Keto Chicken Skewers

These chicken skewers are easy to make and require only a few ingredients. They are perfect for accompanying salads, zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or just on their own.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast
• Onion
• Sour cream
• Lemon juice
• Coriander
• Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper

Steps to Prepare:

• Cut the chicken breast and onion into equal-sized cubes.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, cream, lemon juice, coriander, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix and rub the sauce into the chicken pieces until all the ingredients are integrated.
• Marinate the chicken in a sealed container or bag for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 2 hours.
• Put the chicken cubes on a plate and let the excess sauce dry. Then, put the chicken and onion pieces onto skewers, leaving some space at each end to handle the skewer.
• Cook the skewers on a hot grill pan, turning them until they are golden brown on all sides.

Keto Spicy Turmeric Chicken Kebabs

These chicken kebabs are full of Eastern flavours and are very simple to make. They can be grilled or cooked on a charcoal grill or gas grill over indirect heat.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Ground black pepper
• Crushed red pepper
• Turmeric
• Avocado oil
• Lemon juice

Steps to Prepare:

• Cut the chicken thighs into strips, cutting against the grain.
• In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and turmeric.
• Add avocado oil and lemon juice to the spices and mix until combined.
• Put the spice marinade and chicken thighs into a ziploc bag and mix until the chicken is evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
• Thread the chicken onto skewers that have been pre-soaked in water to prevent them from igniting during cooking.
• Grill the chicken kebabs for about 7-10 minutes on each side.

Chicken Shawarma Kebabs

These Middle Eastern-inspired kebabs are easy to prepare and bake in the oven. They are high in protein, low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice and zest
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Turmeric
• Cayenne pepper
• Cinnamon
• Fresh parsley or dill

Steps to Prepare:

• Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
• Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl or storage bag. Add the chicken to the marinade and coat the pieces fully. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, ideally 6-8 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Thread the marinated chicken onto metal skewers to create 3 equal servings.
• Bake the kebabs for about 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are cooked through and golden.
• Let the kebabs rest for 3-4 minutes before serving.

Chicken kebab keto ingredients

Chicken kebabs are a great keto option, and there are many ways to make them. Here are some ingredients you can use to make delicious, keto-friendly chicken kebabs.

Chicken

When making chicken kebabs, it is recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Chicken thighs are considered a dark meat and have a higher fat content, making them a good choice for keto. They also tend to be more flavourful than white meat. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips before marinating and skewering.

Marinades

Marinades add flavour and moisture to the chicken. Here are some common ingredients used in keto-friendly chicken kebab marinades:

• Olive oil
• Avocado oil
• Lemon juice
• Lime juice
• Garlic
• Spices (e.g. chilli powder, onion powder, turmeric, rosemary, thyme)
• Dijon mustard
• Feta brine
• Peanut butter
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar

Vegetables

You can add low-carb vegetables to your chicken kebabs for extra flavour, colour, and nutrition. Here are some options:

• Bell peppers (red, green, orange)
• Onions (red or white)
• Tomatoes
• Carrots
• Celery

Other Ingredients

Other ingredients that can be added to or served with your chicken kebabs include:

• Bacon
• Ranch dressing
• Pesto
• Mozzarella cheese
• Bleu cheese
• Avocado crema

Chicken kebab keto cooking methods

Chicken kebabs are a great keto-friendly option, especially when grilled. Here are some cooking methods and tips for making delicious keto chicken kebabs:

Choosing the Right Chicken Cut

Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs is preferable to chicken breast meat for keto chicken kebabs. Dark meat like chicken thighs has a higher fat content and tends to be more flavourful and juicy. It is an excellent source of protein for those following a ketogenic diet.

Preparing the Chicken

Cut each chicken thigh into strips, cutting against the grain. You can also use pre-cooked chicken for your kebabs. For extra flavour, marinate the chicken strips in a mixture of spices, oil, and lemon juice. Make sure to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for maximum flavour.

Skewering the Chicken

If using wooden skewers, pre-soak them in water for a few hours before threading the chicken. This will prevent the skewers from catching on fire when grilled. Metal skewers can be used without pre-soaking. Thread the chicken onto the skewers, adding in other ingredients like vegetables or bacon for added flavour and texture.

Grilling the Kebabs

Preheat your grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For charcoal grills, move the coals to one side and cook the kebabs over indirect heat. For gas grills, turn off the burners on one side and grill the kebabs on the side without burners. Grill the chicken kebabs for about 7-10 minutes on each side.

Keto-Friendly Sides and Sauces

Serve your grilled chicken kebabs with keto-friendly sides like mashed cauliflower or avocado cucumber salad. For a dipping sauce, try ranch dressing, pesto, or bleu cheese. Get creative with your kebabs by experimenting with different spices and ingredients!

Chicken kebab keto nutrition information

Chicken kebabs are a great keto-friendly option, as chicken is naturally low in carbohydrates. In fact, all cuts of chicken are keto-friendly and contain no carbs. Chicken kebabs are also a good source of protein, which is important for those following a ketogenic diet.

When it comes to the nutritional information for chicken kebabs, the values will depend on the specific ingredients and serving size. For example, one serving of Keto Asian Chicken Kebabs (2 skewers) contains 18.2g total carbs, 4.7g net carbs, 11.2g fat, 30.7g protein, and 280 calories.

To make chicken kebabs more keto-friendly, it is recommended to use a marinade to add flavor and tenderness to the meat. A simple keto marinade might include cream, lemon juice, cilantro, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. It is also important to note that the type of skewer used can affect the cooking process. If using bamboo skewers, they should be soaked in water for a few hours before grilling to prevent them from catching on fire. Metal skewers, on the other hand, can be used without presoaking.

In terms of cooking methods, chicken kebabs can be grilled, pan-grilled, or baked in the oven. Grilling over indirect heat can help retain moisture and juiciness. The cooking time will depend on the method and the size of the chicken pieces, but generally, it takes around 10 minutes per side to cook the kebabs.

Chicken kebabs can be served on their own or with a variety of keto-friendly side dishes, such as mashed cauliflower, avocado cucumber salad, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice. They can also be paired with a green salad and topped with sour cream and chopped coriander for a quick and healthy keto lunch option.

Chicken kebab keto meal ideas

Chicken kebabs are a great keto meal option, and there are plenty of ways to prepare them. Here are some ideas for keto-friendly chicken kebab meals:

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic Sauce

Chicken breast, onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and garlic are skewered and grilled to perfection. The garlic sauce, made with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices, adds a punch of flavour. This dish is perfect for those who want a colourful and tasty keto option.

Lemon Thyme Chicken on Rosemary Skewers

This simple yet flavourful recipe uses rosemary stems as skewers, infusing the chicken with a delicious aroma. The combination of lemon and thyme creates a tasty keto dish that can be enjoyed as a meal or appetizer.

Keto Spicy Turmeric Chicken Kebabs

These chicken kebabs are full of Eastern flavours, including turmeric, chiles, and garlic. The chicken thighs are marinated in a spice blend and avocado oil, then grilled to perfection. This dish packs just the right amount of spice and is perfect for a summer barbecue.

Chicken Kebab with Bacon and Ranch

Adding bacon to your chicken kebabs and dipping them in ranch dressing takes the flavours to the next level. This keto-friendly option is a fun and tasty way to enjoy your meal.

Chicken Kebab with Pesto and Tomatoes

Coating the chicken in pesto and skewering it with tomatoes creates a delicious and fresh-tasting kebab. This option is perfect for those who want a keto meal with a Mediterranean twist.

Chicken Kebab with Lemon Pepper, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella

Seasoning the chicken with lemon pepper, then skewering it with tomatoes and mozzarella creates a tasty and colourful kebab. This option provides a good balance of protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying keto meal.

Achari Chicken Kebab

These chicken kebabs are marinated in a blend of Indian spices, including fenugreek, cardamom, and kalonji (onion seed). The result is a flavourful and aromatic kebab that can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it perfect for a keto lunch or barbecue.

Frequently asked questions