Grilled Citrus Chicken Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in a zesty half lemon, half orange citrus sauce for a bright, tangy flavor. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, pairs boneless chicken thighs, lemon juice, orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cut boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 6 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until chicken is cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the skewers before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus Chicken Skewers 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 Grilled Citrus Chicken 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus Chicken 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 Grilled Citrus Chicken 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 Grilled Citrus Chicken 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.

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