Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Summer Vegetable Skewers
Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a zesty citrus blend, paired with colorful summer vegetable skewers bursting with smoky flavor. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large, cut into 1-inch pieces red bell pepper
- 2 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds zucchini
- 1 medium, cut into wedges red onion
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts to the marinade, coating well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to infuse citrus flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Thread 1 large red bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces, 2 medium zucchini sliced into 1/2-inch rounds, 1 medium red onion cut into wedges, and 1 cup cherry tomatoes onto the 8 soaked wooden skewers, alternating vegetables.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from marinade and grill over direct heat for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are nicely charred.
- Step 5: Grill vegetable skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until vegetables are tender and lightly charred.
- Step 6: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve sliced chicken alongside vegetable skewers for a vibrant summer meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Summer Vegetable Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 with Summer Vegetable Skewers?
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 orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Summer Vegetable Skewers?
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 with Summer Vegetable Skewers 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 with Summer Vegetable Skewers?
Mediterranean 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.