Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just enjoying a beautiful summer day, cookouts offer a great opportunity to spend time with loved ones, spend time outside, and of course, eat some delicious foods. However, some of the most popular cookout foods can take a toll on your health—but it doesn’t have to be that way. As it turns out, there are plenty of healthy foods you can serve up next time you invite friends and family over for a backyard barbecue, from weight loss-friendly dips to low-calorie sweet treats. And of course, no cookout would be complete without some tasty protein.
To discover the healthiest meat to throw on the grill this summer, we spoke to Joanna Wen, health coach at Spices & Greens. She sang the praises of chicken and even shared some tips for preparing it. Find all of her expert insight below!
Why chicken is the healthiest meat for cookouts
While burgers, hot dogs, and steaks may all be popular meats to cook up on the grill, it's important to remember that red meat can have serious consequences on your health when eaten in excess. For this reason, opting for lean meats is always the best option. And according to Wen, it doesn't get much better than chicken.
"When it comes to choosing the healthiest type of meat for summer cookouts, chicken is a clear winner," she tells us. "Whether you prefer the taste of white or dark meat, chicken is a lean protein that's packed with nutrients." Not to mention delicious!
She points out that this tasty meat is also lower in saturated fat and calories than beef or pork, "which can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of chronic diseases." Nice!
How to prepare healthy chicken for a cookout
One of the great things about chicken, in addition to its health benefits, is the fact that it's highly versatile. "When it comes to preparing chicken for a cookout, there are so many delicious options—from marinated grilled chicken breasts to juicy thighs coated in a spicy rub," Wen says. There are so many yummy, healthy recipes to choose from.
"To ensure optimal flavor and tenderness, I recommend marinating your chicken overnight before grilling it to perfection," she recommends. "Not only will this add some extra flavor, but the acidity in the marinade will also help to tenderize the meat, resulting in a perfectly cooked dish that is both healthy and delicious." Perfect! We can't wait to try.
READ MORE: Health Experts Say These American Barbecue Dishes Are So Bad For Your Overall Health
