Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Bell Peppers
Tender chicken skewers marinated in a bright citrus blend, grilled to juicy perfection alongside sweet bell peppers. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 52 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, orange juice, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 6 wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined and fragrant.
- Step 2: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and add to the marinade, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to absorb flavors.
- Step 3: Thread the marinated chicken cubes alternately with 1 red bell pepper and 1 yellow bell pepper pieces onto 6 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is opaque and registers 165°F internal temperature, and the peppers have slight char marks.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Bell Peppers 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-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Bell Peppers?
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-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Bell Peppers?
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-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Bell Peppers 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-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Bell Peppers?
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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