Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken Skewers with Za'atar
Tender chicken skewers marinated in a vibrant citrus-honey glaze and fragrant za'atar, grilled to juicy perfection. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs olive oil, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 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 (450g), cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp za'atar seasoning
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tsp za'atar seasoning, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb (450g) cubed chicken breast to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, dividing evenly.
- Step 4: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and nicely charred on edges. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken Skewers with Za'atar 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-Honey Chicken Skewers with Za'atar?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken Skewers with Za'atar?
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-Honey Chicken Skewers with Za'atar 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-Honey Chicken Skewers with Za'atar?
Middle Eastern 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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