Grilled Citrus-Rubbed Chicken Skewers with Chimichurri

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

Tender chicken skewers marinated in a zesty citrus rub, char-grilled and served with vibrant herbaceous chimichurri sauce. This latin american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 50 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, fresh orange juice, fresh 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb chicken breast cubes and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp water. Stir until well blended and set aside as chimichurri sauce.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning until nicely charred and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from the grill and let rest for 3 minutes. Serve hot with the chimichurri sauce drizzled over or on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Rubbed Chicken Skewers with Chimichurri take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 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-Rubbed 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 fresh orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Rubbed 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-Rubbed 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-Rubbed Chicken Skewers with Chimichurri?

Latin American bbq & smoked 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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