Citrus Basil Chicken Skewers
Bright and tangy grilled chicken skewers infused with fresh basil and zesty citrus, perfect for an engaging appetizer or light meal. This chicken recipe, ready in about 52 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 pieces wooden skewers
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place them in a medium bowl.
- Step 2: Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the chicken. Mix thoroughly and marinate covered in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Step 4: Thread the marinated chicken cubes evenly onto the skewers.
- Step 5: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has nice grill marks.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus Basil Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 52 minutes (40 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 Citrus Basil 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 fresh basil leaves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus Basil 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 Citrus Basil 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 Citrus Basil Chicken Skewers?
International chicken 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.
