Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken Skewers with Tabbouleh Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken marinated in bright citrus and fresh herbs, grilled on skewers, and served with a refreshing bulgur tabbouleh salad. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 2 tbsp chopped mint, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds chicken thigh pieces to the marinade, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, cook 3/4 cup bulgur wheat according to package instructions, then fluff with a fork and let cool.
  4. Step 4: Combine cooled bulgur with 1 cup diced cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, and 3 sliced green onions in a large bowl. Toss with 3 tbsp olive oil and 3 tbsp lemon juice, seasoning with salt to taste.
  5. Step 5: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
  6. Step 6: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and charred at edges.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot chicken skewers alongside the fresh tabbouleh salad.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken Skewers with Tabbouleh Salad 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 Tabbouleh Salad?

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 freshly squeezed orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken Skewers with Tabbouleh Salad?

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 Tabbouleh Salad 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-Herb Chicken Skewers with Tabbouleh Salad?

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.