Grilled Citrus-Garlic Chicken Skewers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken pieces marinated in a zesty citrus-garlic blend and grilled to juicy perfection, perfect for summer evenings. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 52 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh 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: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place in a medium bowl. Add 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
  3. Step 3: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges are lightly charred with grill marks.
  4. Step 4: Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Garlic Chicken Skewers 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-Garlic 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 fresh lemon juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Garlic 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-Garlic 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-Garlic Chicken Skewers?

Mediterranean grilling 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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