Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken skewers marinated in bright citrus and grilled to perfection, topped with a fresh summer herb salsa 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 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.

★ 4.6 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk to combine.
  2. 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, up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
  5. Step 5: While the chicken cooks, mix 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1 small finely diced red onion, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes in a bowl for the summer herb salsa.
  6. Step 6: Serve the grilled chicken skewers topped with the herb salsa for a bright, fresh finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb Salsa 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 Salsa?

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 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 Grilled Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb 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 Grilled Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb Salsa?

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.

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