Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Fresh Herb Chimichurri

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken skewers infused with a bright citrus marinade, finished with a vibrant chimichurri sauce bursting with fresh herbs and garlic. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 27 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined. Add 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch cubes and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: While chicken marinates, prepare chimichurri by combining 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil (reserved from marinade), 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside to let flavors meld.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the surface is slightly charred and caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve drizzled generously with fresh herb chimichurri sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Fresh Herb Chimichurri 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-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Fresh Herb 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 Fresh Herb 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 Fresh Herb 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 Fresh Herb Chimichurri?

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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