Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb Relish
Tender grilled chicken skewers marinated in a zesty citrus blend, topped with a fresh summer herb relish bursting with flavor. This mediterranean-inspired summer cookout ready in about 30 minutes pairs freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly 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 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup, freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb chicken thigh cubes and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 45 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken cubes onto soaked wooden skewers and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, and 1 tbsp red wine vinegar in a small bowl. Mix well to create the herb relish.
- Step 4: Serve the grilled chicken skewers hot, topped generously with the fresh summer herb relish for a bright finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb Relish take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Relish?
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 freshly squeezed orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb Relish?
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 Relish 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 Relish?
Mediterranean summer cookout 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved the fresh flavors—marinade didn’t overpower, and the relish was bright. My kids even ate the veggies! Easy to scale for crowds.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for summer! The chicken stayed moist even on the grill, and the relish cut through the richness beautifully. Will make this weekly.
- ★★★★★
The citrus marinade made the chicken so juicy, and the herb relish was a game-changer. Served it at my backyard barbecue and got endless compliments!