Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken Skewers with Summer Vegetables
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a bright citrus and herb blend, grilled alongside colorful summer vegetables for a vibrant meal. This mediterranean-inspired grilling (high protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs fresh lemon juice, fresh orange 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
- 1 lb, cut into 1.5-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp, fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, fresh orange juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds zucchini
- 1 large, cut into 1.5-inch pieces red bell pepper
- 1 small, cut into wedges red onion
- 6, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary, 1 tablespoon finely chopped thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound of 1.5-inch cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, toss well to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to absorb flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Step 4: Thread the marinated chicken pieces alternately with 1 medium sliced zucchini rounds, 1 large red bell pepper cut into 1.5-inch pieces, and 1 small red onion cut into wedges onto six soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 5: Grill the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks, and vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
- Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken Skewers with Summer Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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-Herb Chicken Skewers with Summer Vegetables?
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-Herb Chicken Skewers with Summer Vegetables?
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-Herb Chicken Skewers with Summer Vegetables 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.
Is Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken Skewers with Summer Vegetables high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.