Preparing mouthwatering Keto Chicken Bacon Skewers is simpler than you might think. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these skewers offer a delicious and low-carb meal option. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, looking for a tasty dinner, or planning a quick lunch, these skewers are a perfect choice. Follow this detailed guide to create your own keto-friendly chicken bacon skewers that will impress family and friends.
Essential Ingredients for Keto Chicken Bacon Skewers
To make these delicious keto-friendly skewers, you’ll need the following ingredients:
2 pounds of Chicken Thighs: Choose chicken thighs for their juiciness and rich flavor.
7 ounces of Bacon: Known as streaky bacon outside the US, it adds a smoky taste to the skewers.
2 teaspoons of Garlic Powder: Enhances the flavor with a mild garlic taste.
1 teaspoon of Salt: Essential for seasoning the meat.
1 tablespoon of Dried Oregano: Adds an aromatic and slightly bitter flavor.
How to make:
Start by preparing the chicken thighs. Using a sharp knife, fillet each thigh into strips approximately 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. This size ensures the chicken cooks evenly on the grill. Similarly, cut the bacon into strips of the same size to match the chicken pieces.
Assembling the Skewers
Now, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Using either wooden or metal skewers, alternate between threading a piece of chicken and a piece of bacon. For each piece of meat, double it over and pierce through both layers. This method ensures the meat stays secure on the skewer while cooking. Depending on the size of your skewers, you should end up with either four large skewers or six smaller ones.
Seasoning and Oiling the Skewers
Once assembled, spray the skewers generously with coconut oil spray. If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use olive oil or peanut oil, but coconut oil is preferred for its subtle flavor and health benefits. Next, evenly dust each skewer with garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt. These seasonings will enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and bacon.
Grilling the Skewers
Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning frequently to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink inside. The bacon should be crispy and golden brown. This process usually takes about 10 minutes, but grilling times may vary depending on the thickness of your meat and the heat of your grill.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delectable skewers hot off the grill with your favorite dipping sauce. Popular choices include ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo. These skewers pair well with a fresh green salad, grilled vegetables, or a light cucumber and tomato salad to keep the meal low-carb.
The high protein content supports muscle growth and repair, while the fats provide long-lasting energy. The minimal carbs make it suitable for maintaining ketosis, a metabolic state where your body burns fat for fuel.
Tips for Perfect Skewers
Marination: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before threading onto skewers.
Skewer Soaking: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken and bacon pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Resting Time: Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat.
By following these steps, you can create flavorful and healthy Keto Chicken Bacon Skewers that are sure to be a hit at your next meal.