Grilled Citrus-Chili Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa

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

Juicy chicken marinated in a zesty citrus and chili blend, grilled to perfection and served with a fresh mango salsa for a vibrant, colorful meal. This Caribbean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 52 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add chicken cubes, toss to coat, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare mango salsa by combining 1 large diced mango, 1/2 medium diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 small minced jalapeño in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is nicely charred on edges.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot chicken skewers topped with fresh mango salsa for a bright and flavorful lunch or dinner.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Chili Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 52 minutes (40 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-Chili Chicken Skewers with Mango 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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Chili Chicken Skewers with Mango 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 Grilled Citrus-Chili Chicken Skewers with Mango 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 Grilled Citrus-Chili Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa?

Caribbean 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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