Quick & Zesty Cilantro Orange Chicken Skewers Recipe

Cilantro orange chicken skewers bring a vibrant burst of flavor to your dinner table, crafting ordinary poultry into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Zesty citrus notes and fragrant herbs dance together, creating a mouthwatering marinade that elevates simple ingredients.

Tender meat absorbs tangy orange juice and fresh cilantro, promising a delightful sensory experience with every bite.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing dish that balances bright, refreshing tastes with succulent protein.

The combination offers a perfect balance between sweet and herbal elements, making it an ideal choice for casual gatherings or weeknight meals.

Grilling infuses these skewers with smoky undertones that complement the citrusy marinade, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

You’ll find this recipe both simple to prepare and impressive to serve, guaranteeing smiles around the dinner table.

Why Cilantro Orange Chicken Skewers Are a Grill-Time Favorite

• Zest Up Your Meal: Bursting with vibrant cilantro and tangy orange flavors, these skewers transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering culinary adventure that dances with bright, refreshing tastes.
• Quick and Effortless Cooking: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires just 30 minutes from start to finish, with simple broiling technique that delivers golden-brown, juicy chicken without complicated cooking skills.
• Versatile Serving Options: Customize your meal by pairing skewers with rice and beans, or elevate the dish with a fresh fruit salsa that adds extra texture and a delightful sweet-savory combination perfect for casual dinners or summer gatherings.
• Healthy and Colorful Plate: Packed with lean protein and featuring a homemade sauce, these skewers offer a nutritious meal that looks as stunning as it tastes, making dinner both delicious and visually appealing for the whole family.

Ingredients for Citrusy Cilantro Chicken Skewers

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Tender meat with rich flavor, ideal for skewers and quick cooking with great texture.

• Cilantro, Garlic: Fresh herbs adding bright, zesty flavor profile to the sauce.
• Oranges (Juice and Zest): Provides sweet-tangy citrus base with natural brightness and depth.
• Brown Sugar: Creates balanced sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
• Avocado Oil: Neutral, high-heat cooking oil with smooth consistency.
• White Vinegar: Adds subtle acidity and helps tenderize chicken.
• Salt: Essential seasoning for enhancing overall recipe flavor.

• Yellow Rice: Convenient pre-made side dish with complementary color and texture.
• Black Beans: Protein-rich side with creamy consistency.
• Pineapple, Mango, Avocado: Fresh fruits for optional salsa, adding tropical freshness and varied textures.

• Wood or Metal Skewers: Optional cooking tool for grilling or presenting chicken.

How to Grill Chicken Skewers with Citrus Zing

Step 1: Prepare Skewers

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking. This helps protect the wood from charring and breaking while grilling or broiling.

Step 2: Create Marinade

• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Orange juice
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Honey

Step 3: Prepare Chicken

• Cut chicken breasts into uniform chunks
• Place chicken in marinade
• Gently coat each piece thoroughly
• Let marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature

Step 4: Assemble Skewers

• Thread marinated chicken pieces onto pre-soaked wooden skewers
• Leave small spaces between chicken chunks for even cooking
• Ensure chicken is securely attached

Step 5: Preheat Cooking Surface

• Set oven broiler to high
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper
• Position oven rack 6 inches from heating element

Step 6: Cook Chicken

• Place skewers on prepared baking sheet
• Broil for 10-12 minutes
• Rotate skewers halfway through cooking
• Chicken should be golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F

Step 7: Create Citrus Salsa

• Dice fresh oranges
• Chop additional cilantro
• Mix fruits with remaining marinade
• Add diced red onions for extra flavor

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

• Place chicken skewers on serving platter
• Drizzle with extra marinade
• Top with citrus salsa
• Serve with white rice or black beans

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 2-3

Tips for Tender Cilantro Orange Chicken Skewers

• Prevent Wooden Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading chicken to prevent charring and potential fire risks.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken sit in half the cilantro orange sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness of meat.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Create Balanced Sauce Distribution: Reserve half the sauce for basting during cooking and half for serving, ensuring rich flavor in every bite.
• Customize Fruit Salsa: Experiment with different fruits like mango, pineapple, or strawberries to complement the citrusy cilantro sauce and add vibrant freshness.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Chicken Skewers

• Refrigerate: Seal cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Warm chicken skewers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap skewers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Cilantro Chicken Skewers

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Salad: Create a light, refreshing side salad using orange segments, mixed greens, and a simple vinaigrette that echoes the cilantro and orange flavors in the chicken skewers.
• Chill with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the citrusy and herbal notes of the dish, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
• Boost with Coconut Rice: Prepare coconut rice as a creamy, tropical side that enhances the cilantro and orange marinade, providing a smooth textural contrast to the grilled chicken skewers.
• Match with Mango Mojito: Craft a mango mojito that mirrors the fruity and herbal elements of the dish, offering a cooling and vibrant beverage that elevates the overall dining experience.

Fresh Twists on Cilantro Orange Marinades

• Tropical Fusion Skewers: Swap orange for pineapple juice, add diced mango and coconut flakes for a Caribbean-inspired version that brings sunny beach vibes to your plate.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Replace cilantro with fresh rosemary and lemon zest, incorporate Greek yogurt into the marinade for a tangy Mediterranean-style chicken skewer experience.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in chipotle pepper, cumin, and replace orange with lime juice to create a bold, smoky skewer that delivers a zesty southwestern kick perfect for heat lovers.
• Asian Inspired Remix: Use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil instead of orange, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic Asian-inspired chicken skewer that packs incredible flavor.

Cilantro Orange Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent cilantro orange chicken skewers bring Mexican-inspired zest to your dinner table. Marinated chicken pieces glazed with tangy citrus and herbaceous notes create a mouthwatering experience you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• ¼ – ½ cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• Juice of 2 oranges (about 4–5 tablespoons juice)
• Orange zest

Seasonings and Liquid Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

Serving Options:

• 1 (8.8-ounce) pouch pre-made yellow rice
• 1 (14-ounce) 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. Submerge wooden skewers in water to prevent burning during cooking, allowing them to soak while preparing the remaining ingredients.
2. Preheat the broiler and position the oven rack approximately 6 inches from the heating element. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, coat chicken pieces generously with half of the vibrant cilantro orange sauce, ensuring each morsel is well-seasoned.
4. Carefully thread marinated chicken onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers, alternatively arrange chicken pieces directly on the prepared baking sheet for even cooking.
5. Transfer skewers or chicken pieces to the broiler, cooking for approximately 12 minutes until the meat transforms into a golden brown color and reaches complete doneness.
6. While the chicken cooks, transform the remaining sauce into a zesty fruit salsa by incorporating diced fresh fruits for added complexity and brightness.
7. Plate the sizzling chicken skewers alongside fluffy rice and hearty beans, complemented by the fresh, tangy fruit salsa for a balanced and flavorful meal.

Notes

• Prepare wood skewers by soaking them in water to prevent burning during high-heat cooking.
• Choose fresh chicken pieces and coat generously with vibrant cilantro orange sauce for maximum flavor infusion.
• Create optional fruit salsa by mixing remaining sauce with diced tropical fruits for a refreshing accompaniment.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg