Craving the tangy sweetness of takeout without the sugar spike? These Heart Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken Kebabs are the perfect solution. We swap heavy syrups for a light, homemade marinade using apple juice and honey, making this dish diabetic-friendly and low in sodium. Whether you grill them outdoors or broil them in the oven, they stay juicy and packed with flavor.
Discover more heart healthy chicken ideas to inspire your next meal!
Unlike traditional sweet and sour dishes that are often battered, deep-fried, and coated in high-sugar sauces, this recipe focuses on fresh ingredients and smart swaps. By using lean chicken breast and a homemade marinade sweetened naturally with apple juice and a touch of honey, we keep the calories low and the flavor high. It is a great option for anyone managing diabetes or looking for a heart-smart dinner.
Yes, chicken kebabs are an excellent choice for weight loss because they are high in protein and low in calories. The protein helps keep you full, while the veggies add volume and fiber without excess fat.
The key is to skip the deep-frying batter and make your own sauce. By grilling the chicken and using fruit juice or honey for sweetness instead of high-fructose corn syrup, you significantly reduce the calories and sugar load.
Absolutely. This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breast, which is naturally low in cholesterol and saturated fat. Loading up on the vegetable skewers adds heart-healthy fiber that supports healthy cholesterol levels.
Yes! You can cut the chicken and veggies and let them marinate in the fridge for up to 8 hours or overnight. Thread them onto skewers just before you are ready to cook.
Craving takeout without the sodium spike? These Asian-inspired dishes deliver all the sweet, sour, and savory flavors you love using heart-healthy ingredients and lower-sugar sauces.
Fire up the barbecue with these nutritious grilled chicken options that keep protein lean and juicy. From smoky skewers to tender drumsticks, these recipes are lower in saturated fat and perfect for outdoor cooking.
Recipe yields 4 servings
In a saucepan, combine the marinade ingredients and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until marinade comes to a boil and starts to thicken. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
In a shallow glass dish, arrange chicken, vegetable pieces and apple slices in a single layer. Pour the marinade over the chicken, vegetables and apples. Marinate in the refrigerator, covered, for 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat the broiler or grill to 400°.
Reserve marinade and thread chicken, vegetables and apples onto 8 presoaked skewers. Arrange skewers on a pan or on the grill. Brush with the reserved marinade and broil or grill for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through, turning as needed.
Use Tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this recipe 100% gluten-free.
If you prefer, you can swap the honey for agave nectar or a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup, though this may slightly alter the caramelization.
Feel free to swap the zucchini for cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or yellow squash.
Pineapple chunks are a classic alternative to apples if you want a more tropical flavor profile.
Chicken kebabs are a grilling favorite, but if you’re in the mood for other grilled chicken recipes for dinner, you can’t go wrong with any of these:
Before firing up the grill, here’s some info on how long to grill chicken breast. Also, be sure to check out these healthy grilling tips and recipes.