Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Smoky Paprika Aioli

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-29 · Updated 2026-06-29

Tender chicken skewers marinated in a bright citrus blend and grilled to perfection, served with a smoky paprika aioli that adds depth and creaminess. This Mediterranean-inspired summer cookout recipe, ready in about 32 minutes, pairs 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 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 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for aioli)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 8 pieces wooden skewers

The instant-read thermometer we’d check this chicken with → Best Instant-Read Thermometers for 2026: Fast, Accurate Picks Under $100

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until fully combined to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Cut 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces, then add to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
3. Step 3: Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning, then thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the skewers.
4. Step 4: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges have light grill marks.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Mix well until smooth to create the smoky paprika aioli.
6. Step 6: Serve the hot grilled chicken skewers with a generous dollop of smoky paprika aioli on the side for dipping.