Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Chimichurri
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in zesty orange and garlic, grilled to perfection, and served with vibrant herb chimichurri sauce. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs orange juice, lime juice, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless skinless, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/3 cup olive oil (for chimichurri)
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs chicken thigh cubes to the marinade, toss well to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the chimichurri by mixing 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/3 cup olive oil, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside.
- Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 5: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 6: Remove from the grill and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.
- Step 7: Serve the chicken skewers drizzled generously with the fresh chimichurri sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Chimichurri take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Chimichurri?
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 Chimichurri?
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 Chimichurri 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 Chimichurri?
Brazilian 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.
