Grilled Citrus-Thyme Chicken Skewers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in bright citrus juice and fresh thyme, grilled to tender perfection with smoky char marks. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 60 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, chopped fresh thyme sprigs, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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: 50 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1 1/2-inch pieces and place in a bowl. Add 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to coat.
  2. Step 2: Cover the bowl and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes, allowing the citrus and thyme to infuse the meat.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Place the skewers on the grill grates and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Look for golden char marks and juicy texture.
  5. Step 5: Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for 3 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Thyme Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (50 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-Thyme Chicken Skewers?

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 chopped fresh thyme sprigs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Thyme Chicken Skewers?

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-Thyme Chicken Skewers 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-Thyme Chicken Skewers?

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.

Related recipes