Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb Chimichurri
Tender chicken skewers soaked in a zesty citrus marinade and served with a vibrant herbaceous chimichurri sauce perfect for summer grilling. This latin american-inspired grilling ready in about 27 minutes pairs fresh squeezed orange juice, fresh squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup, fresh squeezed orange juice
- 2 tbsp, fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp, freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Whisk to create the citrus marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to infuse flavors.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the chimichurri by mixing 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside.
- Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
- Step 5: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 6: Remove skewers from the grill and let rest for 3 minutes. Serve hot with a generous spoonful of the summer herb chimichurri drizzled on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb Chimichurri 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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb Chimichurri?
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 squeezed orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb Chimichurri?
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 Grilled Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb Chimichurri 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 Grilled Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb Chimichurri?
Latin 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.
