Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in bright orange and lemon juice, grilled to smoky perfection, and paired with a vibrant herbaceous sauce to celebrate warm summer evenings. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch pieces with 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; stir well to coat and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto soaked wooden skewers.
  3. Step 3: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges develop a smoky char.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the herb sauce by combining 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, and 1 tsp lemon zest in a small bowl; stir until smooth and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Serve the hot grilled chicken skewers with a generous dollop of the fresh herb sauce for a bright, summer-inspired entrée.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Summer Herb Sauce?

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 Summer Herb Sauce 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 Summer Herb Sauce?

Mediterranean 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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