Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb Salsa

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-26 · Updated 2026-04-26

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 blends freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic cloves 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 1.5-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh mint
• 1 small, finely diced red onion
• 1 cup, quartered cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes

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.