Zesty Cilantro-Orange Chicken Skewers Recipe for Summer Grilling

Sizzling summer evenings call for a zesty cilantro orange chicken skewers recipe that dances with vibrant flavors.

Tangy citrus and fresh herbs mingle on perfectly grilled meat, creating an instant crowd-pleaser.

Marinades can make or break a dish, and this combination guarantees a mouthwatering experience.

Each bite bursts with bright, sunny notes that transport you to a relaxed outdoor feast.

The blend of succulent chicken and aromatic cilantro promises a delightful twist on traditional grilling.

Marinating the meat allows deep flavor penetration, ensuring every piece is tender and delicious.

Fire up the grill and get ready to savor this simple yet spectacular summer dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Cilantro Orange Chicken Skewers

• Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb that adds vibrant green flavor and aromatic punch to the sauce.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that provides deep, robust undertone and enhances overall sauce complexity.
• Orange Juice and Zest: Brings sweet, tangy citrus brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and helps create beautiful golden-brown caramelization.
• Avocado Oil: Smooth, neutral oil that helps blend ingredients and provides silky texture.
• White Vinegar: Adds subtle tangy note and helps balance the sweetness.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that elevates and harmonizes all flavor profiles.

• Chicken Thighs: Tender, juicy cut with rich flavor that absorbs marinades beautifully, perfect for skewers.
• Skewers: Convenient tool for grilling and creating fun, easy-to-eat presentation.

• Yellow Rice: Quick, convenient base that complements the chicken's zesty flavors.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed side dish with creamy texture.
• Pineapple, Mango, Avocado: Fresh, colorful salsa ingredients that add tropical sweetness and creamy contrast.

Gear for Cilantro Orange Chicken Skewers

• Wood Skewers: Essential for threading chicken, soak in water to prevent burning.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing chicken with marinade.
• Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy cooking and cleanup.
• Broiler: High-heat cooking method for golden, crispy chicken.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting chicken and dicing fruit.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: For precise sauce and ingredient measurements.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling skewers and turning chicken.

Cooking Cilantro Orange Chicken Skewers

• Wood Skewers Preparation

Soak wooden skewers in cool water to prevent burning during cooking.

• Baking Surface Setup

Arrange parchment paper on baking sheet and position oven rack near heating element.

• Chicken Marinade

Coat chicken pieces generously with zesty cilantro orange sauce, ensuring complete coverage.

• Skewering Process

Carefully thread marinated chicken onto prepared wood skewers, creating even spacing.

• Broiling Magic

Place skewers under broiler, cooking until chicken turns golden and reaches perfect internal temperature.

• Flavor Boost

Create quick fruit salsa by mixing remaining sauce with fresh diced tropical fruits.

• Serving Style

Plate skewers alongside fluffy rice and creamy beans, topping with vibrant fruit salsa for a burst of color and flavor.

Adding Flavor to Cilantro Orange Chicken Skewers

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Skewer Smart: Soak wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking of the chicken.
• Marinade Magic: Let chicken marinate in the cilantro orange sauce for 2-4 hours before cooking to enhance flavor depth and tenderness.
• Grill Master Swap: Replace broiling with outdoor grilling for a smoky char, cooking chicken over medium-high heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Protein Pivot: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or turkey for a delightful protein variation that maintains the vibrant cilantro orange profile.
• Spice Adventure: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeño to the sauce for those craving extra heat and a zesty kick to the dish.

Serving Cilantro Orange Chicken Skewers

• Tropical Fiesta Plate: Serve these zesty skewers on a colorful platter with fluffy coconut rice and black beans for a vibrant Caribbean-inspired meal.
• Salsa Sensation: Elevate the dish by topping the skewers with the fresh fruit salsa, adding a bright, tangy burst of flavor that complements the citrusy chicken perfectly.
• Backyard BBQ Style: Pair the skewers with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn on the cob for a complete and satisfying summer dinner that screams outdoor dining.
• Picnic Perfect Lunch: Pack the cooled skewers in a portable container with the fruit salsa on the side for a delicious and easy-to-transport meal that's ideal for outdoor adventures or work lunches.

Keeping Cilantro Orange Chicken Skewers Fresh

• Smart Meal Prep: Chop chicken and marinate up to 24 hours before cooking, keeping ingredients sealed in airtight containers for maximum flavor intensity.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Pack cooked skewers in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, lasting up to 3 months for quick future meals.
• Leftover Magic: Shred remaining chicken and toss into salads, wraps, or grain bowls within 3-4 days for delicious quick lunch transformations.
• Sauce Saving Tip: Store extra cilantro orange sauce separately in a glass jar with tight lid, refrigerating for up to one week to use as marinade or quick dressing for multiple dishes.

Zesty Cilantro Orange Chicken Skewers

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent cilantro orange chicken skewers combine zesty citrus with herbal notes for a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dish. Marinated chicken pieces grill to perfection, offering you a simple yet impressive meal that delights dinner guests and family alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.25 lbs (567 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 4–5 tbsps orange juice
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• ¼ – ½ cup cilantro, finely chopped
• Orange zest
• 3 tbsps brown sugar
• 3 tbsps avocado oil
• 2 tbsps white vinegar
• 1 ½ tsps salt
• 1 (8.8 oz or 250 g) pouch pre-made yellow rice
• 1 (14 oz or 397 g) can refried or regular black beans
• 1–2 cups diced pineapple
• 1–2 cups diced mango
• 1–2 cups diced avocado
• Wood or metal skewers (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep Skewers and Equipment: Immerse wooden skewers in water and set aside. Position oven rack 6 inches from broiler element and line baking sheet with parchment paper for streamlined cooking and cleanup.
2. Marinate Chicken: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with half of the cilantro orange sauce in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring complete and even coverage of the marinade.
3. Arrange for Broiling: Thread marinated chicken onto pre-soaked skewers or spread directly on prepared baking sheet, maintaining uniform placement for consistent cooking.
4. Broil to Perfection: Slide skewers or chicken into preheated broiler, monitoring closely and rotating as needed. Cook for approximately 12 minutes until chicken achieves a rich golden-brown exterior and reaches optimal internal temperature.
5. Create Complementary Salsa: While chicken broils, transform remaining sauce into a vibrant fruit salsa by integrating freshly diced fruits, adding layers of complexity and refreshing texture.
6. Plate and Serve: Artfully arrange golden chicken skewers alongside fluffy rice and hearty beans, topping with zesty fruit salsa to create a harmonious, flavor-packed dining experience.

Notes

• Soak Skewers: Prevent burning by submerging wooden skewers in water while preparing ingredients.
• Broiler Prep: Position oven rack 6 inches from heating element and line baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.
• Marinate Thoroughly: Coat chicken generously with cilantro orange sauce, ensuring complete and even flavor distribution.
• Salsa Boost: Transform remaining sauce into vibrant fruit salsa to add complexity and freshness to the final dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg