Delicious & Healthy Southwest Chicken Skewers: Your Easy 21 Day Fix Grilled Dinner
Grilling season is here, and there’s nothing quite like the sizzle and aroma of fresh ingredients cooked over an open flame. While simple grilled chicken and vegetables are always a summer favorite, serving them on skewers elevates the experience, making every bite an exciting medley of flavors and textures. Our Southwest Chicken Skewers offer a delightful, healthy, and incredibly easy grilled dinner solution. Packed with succulent Southwest-seasoned chicken breast and an array of fiber-filled vegetables, this recipe is perfectly aligned with the 21 Day Fix guidelines, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a high-protein, low-carb, and delicious meal.
I’m always on the lookout for fresh and exciting ways to enjoy grilled meals, especially when they fit into a healthy eating plan. After frequently enjoying my Pineapple Chicken Skewers and Balsamic Zucchini and Chicken Skewers this summer, I felt inspired to create a new, vibrant version to spice up our weeknight dinners. That’s how these amazing Southwest Chicken Skewers came to be – a fantastic addition to any grilling rotation!
Why You’ll Love These Southwest Chicken Skewers
These Southwest Skewers are incredibly simple to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend BBQ. They offer a flavorful, low-carb twist on your usual taco night, without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. The combination of zesty lime, aromatic taco seasoning, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. I absolutely love topping these with fresh homemade salsa, creamy avocado slices, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Unfortunately, the day I whipped these up, I was out of my blue container (a common 21 Day Fix struggle!), so I stuck with just the salsa – still phenomenal, but a reminder that a little cheese or guacamole always makes everything better!
These skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of sides, but I found them to be exceptionally good with my cilantro lime cauliflower rice! The light, fresh notes of the cauliflower rice perfectly complement the bold, zesty flavors of the Southwest chicken and vegetables, creating a well-rounded and incredibly satisfying meal. It’s a fantastic way to keep your plate vibrant, delicious, and healthy.
The Magic of Skewers: Easy & Fun Grilling
There’s something inherently appealing about food on a stick! Skewers make grilling easy, fun, and incredibly versatile. They allow for even cooking of different ingredients and are perfect for portion control. Plus, they look fantastic when served, turning a simple dinner into a visually exciting experience. For these Southwest Chicken Skewers, we combine lean chicken breast with colorful bell peppers and red onion, all marinated in fresh lime juice and a vibrant salt-free taco seasoning. This ensures every piece is infused with flavor before it even hits the grill.
Southwest Flavors: A Burst of Zest
The Southwest flavor profile is known for its warm, earthy spices and fresh, zesty notes. Our recipe harnesses this delicious combination using a salt-free taco seasoning, which typically includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. The addition of fresh lime juice and zest brightens these spices, tenderizes the chicken, and adds a refreshing tang that is characteristic of authentic Southwest cuisine. This blend of flavors transforms simple chicken and vegetables into an exciting culinary adventure, reminiscent of your favorite Southwestern dishes but in a lighter, healthier format.
Health Benefits & Diet Compatibility: 21 Day Fix & Weight Watchers Friendly
This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly healthy and fits seamlessly into popular dietary programs.
- 21 Day Fix: With 1 RED container for protein and 1/2 GREEN container for vegetables per serving (plus your chosen toppings), these skewers are an excellent, compliant meal option. The lean chicken breast provides ample protein for satiety, while the bell peppers and onions contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It’s a smart choice for those following portion control.
- Weight Watchers: This recipe clocks in at ZERO points per serving before toppings, making it a fantastic base for a customizable, low-point meal. The lean protein and non-starchy vegetables are Weight Watchers powerhouses, allowing you to enjoy a filling and flavorful dinner without compromising your points budget. Adding healthy fats like avocado or a modest amount of cheese will add points, but you have the flexibility to tailor it to your daily goals.
- High Protein & Low Carb: For those focusing on macronutrients, these skewers are a powerhouse of lean protein and naturally low in carbohydrates, making them ideal for a range of healthy eating plans, including ketogenic and paleo (depending on toppings).
It’s a truly versatile recipe that supports your health goals without sacrificing flavor.
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Tips for Grilling Perfect Southwest Chicken Skewers
Achieving perfectly grilled skewers is simpler than you might think. Follow these tips for the best results:
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before threading your ingredients. This crucial step prevents them from burning on the grill, ensuring your food cooks evenly without the distraction of flaming sticks.
- Uniform Cutting: Cut your chicken breast, red onion, and green pepper into roughly uniform large chunks. This ensures that all ingredients cook at a similar rate, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
- Marinate for Flavor: Don’t skip the marination! Allowing the chicken and vegetables to soak in fresh lime juice and zest for a short while before seasoning helps tenderize the chicken and infuse all the ingredients with a bright, zesty flavor.
- Alternating Ingredients: When threading, alternate between chicken and vegetables. This not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also allows the flavors to meld together as they cook. Don’t pack the ingredients too tightly; leave a little space for even heat circulation.
- Season Generously: Once assembled, season your skewers generously with salt-free taco seasoning. This dry rub forms a delicious crust and locks in the Southwest flavor. A sprinkle of Himalayan salt after grilling can enhance the overall taste.
- Grill on Medium Heat: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grilling on too high heat can burn the outside before the chicken is cooked through, while too low heat might dry out the chicken.
- Rotate Regularly: Rotate the skewers every few minutes to ensure all sides are cooked evenly and get those beautiful grill marks. Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
By following these simple guidelines, you’ll master the art of grilling delicious, healthy skewers every time.
Serving Suggestions and Meal Prep
These Southwest Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Delicious Toppings:
- Fresh Salsa: A classic choice, adding freshness and tang.
- Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy and healthy fats that perfectly complement the spicy notes.
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of Monterey Jack or cheddar adds a delightful savory touch (account for containers/points).
- Fresh Cilantro: A garnish of chopped cilantro brightens the flavors.
- Greek Yogurt or Light Sour Cream: A dollop offers a cooling contrast to the spices.
- Hot Sauce: For those who love an extra kick!
Perfect Sides:
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice: As mentioned, this is a phenomenal low-carb pairing.
- Brown Rice or Quinoa: For a more traditional, fiber-rich grain side.
- Black Beans: A simple side of seasoned black beans adds protein and fiber.
- Corn on the Cob: A classic summer BBQ side.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
Meal Prep Made Easy:
This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! You can prepare the skewers ahead of time (up to a day in advance) and store them in the refrigerator, ready to grill when you are. Once cooked, the leftover chicken and vegetables can be removed from the skewers and used in salads, wraps, or grain bowls for quick and healthy lunches throughout the week. The vibrant flavors hold up wonderfully, making healthy eating convenient and enjoyable.
Southwest Chicken Skewers Recipe
Southwest Chicken Skewers
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Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast chopped into large pieces
- 1 cup red onion chopped into large chunks
- 1 cup green pepper chopped into large chunks
- 1 -2 tablespoons salt-freetaco seasoning
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- Sprinkle Himalayan salt
Optional toppings
- Fresh salsa, cheese, avocado,guacamole
Instructions
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Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
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While the skewers are soaking, prepare your chicken and vegetables. In a bowl, combine the chopped chicken breast, red onion, and green pepper. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and add the lime zest. Toss to coat evenly.
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Once the skewers have soaked, begin threading the marinated chicken and vegetables onto them, alternating between ingredients for a colorful and even cook.
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Generously season the assembled skewers with salt-free taco seasoning. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Rotate the skewers every few minutes to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks on all sides.
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Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Add a light sprinkle of Himalayan salt (if desired) and top with your choice of fresh salsa, avocado, shredded cheese, or guacamole. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy, flavorful Southwest Chicken Skewers!
Notes
WW: ZERO points plus toppings (per serving)
Nutrition
We hope these Southwest Chicken Skewers become a new staple in your healthy recipe repertoire. They offer an unbeatable combination of flavor, ease, and nutritional benefits, perfect for any grilling occasion. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite toppings and sides to make them truly your own!
If you try these Southwest chicken skewers, please let me know what you think.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your culinary creations! If you whip up a batch of these delicious and healthy Southwest Chicken Skewers, please leave a comment below and share your experience. Your feedback is always appreciated and helps me continue to create recipes you’ll love. Happy grilling!