Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa
Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in bright citrus with a fresh mango salsa for a vibrant summer meal. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 52 minutes blends fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, honey into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1 cup diced ripe mango
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb cubed chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: While chicken marinates, combine 1 cup diced ripe mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 minced jalapeño, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with 1/4 tsp salt. Toss gently and refrigerate.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with leftover marinade, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is nicely charred.
- Step 5: Serve the hot chicken skewers topped with chilled mango salsa for a colorful summer feast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 52 minutes (40 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa?
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-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa 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-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa?
Caribbean 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.
