Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken pieces marinated in a zesty citrus blend, grilled over charcoal for a smoky, bright backyard feast. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 27 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, orange juice, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until fully combined.
- Step 2: Cut 1.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch cubes and add them to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 6 hours to let the citrus flavors penetrate.
- Step 3: Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small space between pieces for even cooking.
- Step 4: Place the skewers directly over the heat and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has visible grill marks with a slight char.
- Step 5: Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers?
American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
