Nutrition Diet: How many calories are in 2 chicken skewers?

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Two pre-made, grilled chicken skewers from a specific brand like West End Cuisine contain approximately 150 calories, but this can vary dramatically based on the ingredients used. A deep understanding of how they are prepared is key to knowing exactly how many calories are in 2 chicken skewers for your dietary needs.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for two chicken skewers is not fixed but depends on factors like the cut of chicken, the marinade, and the cooking method, with healthier options using lean meat and minimal oil resulting in a lower calorie count.

Key Points

Calorie Count Varies: The calorie content of two chicken skewers is highly dependent on preparation, ranging from 110-150 calories for some lean, grilled versions to much higher with rich sauces or frying.
Choose Lean Meat: Using skinless, boneless chicken breast instead of fattier cuts like thighs significantly lowers the overall fat and calorie content.
Marinade Matters: High-sugar or oil-heavy marinades and sauces can add hundreds of extra calories; opt for low-fat alternatives using yogurt, citrus, and herbs for flavor.
Grill or Bake: Healthy cooking methods like grilling or baking allow fat to render and drip away, reducing overall calories, whereas frying absorbs extra oil.
Add Vegetables: Incorporating low-calorie vegetables like bell peppers and onions not only boosts nutrient intake but also adds bulk and fiber to the meal.
Control Portion Size: Being mindful of portion sizes for both the skewers and accompaniments is crucial for maintaining dietary control and weight management.
Serve Smartly: Pair skewers with healthy sides like quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad instead of high-calorie, fatty options.

The Calorie Variability of Chicken Skewers

Pinpointing an exact calorie count for two chicken skewers is challenging because it is not a standardized food item. The caloric value is not consistent across all preparations and can differ widely between homemade versions, restaurant dishes, and packaged supermarket options. For example, brand-specific nutrition data shows significant variation: two skewers from West End Cuisine have 150 calories, while a garlic and herb option from President's Choice clocks in at 110 calories. This highlights the necessity of considering all components, not just the chicken itself.

Factors Influencing Chicken Skewer Calories

Several key factors directly impact the total calorie count of your chicken skewers, making personal preparation a vital part of diet management.

The Cut of Chicken

The choice of chicken meat plays a primary role in the final calorie count. Skinless, boneless chicken breast is a very lean protein source with a lower fat content, making it the healthiest option for skewers. Alternatively, using fattier cuts like chicken thighs will increase the total calories and fat content significantly. Removing all visible fat before marinating and cooking will help to further reduce the calorie count.

Marinade and Sauce Choices

The marinade and any accompanying sauce can add substantial calories, especially if they contain high amounts of sugar or oil. A simple marinade made from yogurt, citrus juice, and fresh herbs is much lower in calories than a sauce that is heavy on sugar, such as a traditional barbecue or honey-based glaze. For a healthier option, consider making your own light, flavorful marinade with ingredients like Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Healthy sauces often include fresh ingredients like mint or cilantro and are yogurt-based.

Cooking Method

How you cook the skewers also has a significant impact. Grilling or baking are generally the healthiest methods, as they cook the meat using dry heat and allow excess fat to drip away. Frying the skewers, especially deep-frying, adds a large amount of oil and dramatically increases the fat and calorie content. For grilling, be mindful of charring, as high heat can produce harmful compounds; using a marinade can help reduce their formation.

Added Vegetables

Including vegetables on your skewers is an excellent way to add nutrients and fiber while keeping calories low. Options like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions are low in calories and pack additional vitamins and antioxidants. The added bulk from the vegetables can also help you feel full and satisfied with a smaller portion of meat.

How to Create Healthier Chicken Skewers

Here are some practical tips for preparing delicious and healthy chicken skewers:

Choose the right cut: Always opt for skinless, boneless chicken breast to minimize fat and calories.
Make a light marinade: Use a base of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, or vinegar with fresh herbs and spices for maximum flavor without excess calories.
Add plenty of vegetables: Alternate pieces of lean chicken with colorful, low-calorie vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes.
Select a healthy cooking method: Grill or bake your skewers instead of frying them. If grilling, place them a little higher above the flame to avoid burning.
Control the sauce: If you must use a finishing sauce, use it sparingly. Better yet, create your own low-sugar, yogurt-based dipping sauce.

Comparison of Skewer Preparations


Skewer Type	Approximate Calories (2 skewers)	Key Macronutrients	Nutritional Considerations
Lean Grilled Chicken Breast	150-200 kcal	High protein, very low fat	Excellent for weight management, high protein for muscle support
Yogurt-Marinated Chicken	180-250 kcal	Moderate protein, moderate fat	Yogurt helps tenderize the meat, adds moisture without high fat
BBQ Sauce Skewers	250-300+ kcal	Moderate protein, higher carbs/sugar	High sugar content from BBQ sauce adds considerable calories

Pairing Chicken Skewers for a Balanced Meal

To build a well-rounded meal, serve your chicken skewers with nutritious and flavorful side dishes.

Quinoa Salad: Combine cooked quinoa with chopped cucumber, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a fiber-rich, complete protein side.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss colorful veggies like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes with herbs and roast them alongside your skewers for a delicious and nutrient-packed side.
Brown Rice Pilaf: Use brown rice instead of white for a higher-fiber carbohydrate base.
Greek Salad: A simple salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and a light lemon dressing complements the chicken perfectly.
Healthy Dips: Offer a side of tzatziki or hummus for dipping to add flavor and healthy fats.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices for Your Diet

Determining how many calories are in 2 chicken skewers ultimately comes down to your personal food choices. By selecting lean cuts of chicken, opting for light marinades, and choosing healthy cooking methods, you can create a meal that is not only delicious but also supports your nutritional goals. Focusing on whole-food ingredients and pairing your skewers with nutrient-dense side dishes ensures a balanced and satisfying dining experience. When in doubt, a homemade version is the best way to control all nutritional variables. For more information on portion control and healthy recipes, consult a reliable source like the Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Skinless, boneless chicken breast is significantly leaner than chicken thigh meat. Skewers made with breast meat will have fewer calories and less fat compared to those made with thigh meat.

Not necessarily. Store-bought options can have a wide range of calorie counts and may contain high-sodium marinades or added sugars. Homemade skewers allow you full control over the ingredients, typically resulting in a healthier option.

A sugary marinade can drastically increase the calorie count, as sugar is a concentrated source of carbohydrates. A simple marinade with citrus or yogurt is a much healthier, lower-calorie alternative.

Both grilling and baking are healthier than frying. Grilling is particularly effective because excess fat can drip away from the meat as it cooks, reducing the overall calorie content.

Low-calorie sauce options include a homemade yogurt-based tzatziki, a simple lemon-herb sauce, or a light vinaigrette. These add flavor without the high sugar and fat found in many store-bought sauces.

Yes, adding low-calorie vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms is an excellent way to boost the nutrient content and fiber of your meal.

You can use flavorful, low-calorie marinades made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and a variety of spices. This tenderizes the meat and adds depth of flavor without the need for excess fat.

Reduce the sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce or broth in your marinade, and be mindful of how much salt you add. Flavor can also come from fresh herbs and spices instead.