Keto Chicken Kebabs
Juicy marinated chicken thighs threaded with bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion, grilled until charred and smoky. At just 4.8g net carbs per serving and ready in 45 minutes, these skewers are an easy weeknight keto dinner the whole family will devour.
Head of Nutrition · June 18, 2026
Nutrition per serving
Per serving · makes 4. Values are estimates; brands vary.
These keto chicken kebabs are smoky, garlicky, and packed with juicy flavor from a quick lemon-paprika marinade. They come together fast, grill beautifully, and keep your carbs low without sacrificing a thing.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1/2 medium red onion, cut into wedges
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
- 2
If using wooden skewers, soak 8 of them in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- 3
Thread the chicken onto skewers, alternating with bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion. Pack pieces snugly but not crammed so they cook evenly.
- 4
Grill the kebabs for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is charred at the edges and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- 5
Rest the kebabs for 3 minutes, then serve hot. Squeeze extra lemon over the top if desired.
Tips & notes
- Chicken thighs stay far juicier than breasts on the grill, but you can swap in breast meat if you prefer leaner protein — just watch the cook time so it doesn't dry out.
- No grill? Roast on a wire rack over a sheet pan at 425°F for about 18-20 minutes, flipping once.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or at 350°F to keep the chicken tender.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many carbs are in keto chicken kebabs?
- Each serving has 4.8g net carbs, 412 calories, 34g protein, and 27g fat. This recipe makes 4 servings (about 2 skewers each).
- Can I make these chicken kebabs ahead of time?
- Yes. Marinate the chicken up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. You can also assemble the skewers raw and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before grilling, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- What can I serve with keto chicken kebabs?
- Pair them with a crisp Greek salad, cauliflower rice, garlic butter, or a dollop of full-fat tzatziki for a complete low-carb meal that stays well under your daily carb target.
