Citrus-Glazed Chicken Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breast marinated in a zesty lemon-herb mixture, then grilled to perfection with a golden glaze that shines with fresh citrus flavor. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken breast, large lemon, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 35 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, zest and juice of 2 large lemons, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs chicken breast cubes and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Thread marinated chicken cubes, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 diced red bell pepper onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
  3. Step 3: Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F) and vegetables are tender with slight charring. Rest 3 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Glazed Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (35 min prep + 10 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-Glazed 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 chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Glazed 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-Glazed 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-Glazed Chicken Skewers?

Mediterranean 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.

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