Grilled Chicken Skewers with Orange

My neighbor’s backyard barbecue last weekend had me scrambling for something impressive to bring, and honestly, I was tired of the same old potato salad routine.

That’s when I remembered these grilled chicken skewers with orange that my grandmother used to make every summer.

I grabbed some chicken breasts, squeezed fresh oranges until my hands were sticky, and threw together a marinade that smelled like sunshine.

Why You’ll Love My Grilled Chicken Skewers with Orange

I adore how these skewers transform ordinary weeknight dinners into something special without any fuss.

The orange marinade keeps the chicken incredibly tender while adding that bright, zesty flavor that makes your taste buds dance.

You’ll find yourself making these grilled chicken skewers with orange on repeat because they’re foolproof, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes of active cooking time.

When I’m planning a complete meal around these skewers, I often pair them with my grilled lemon herb chicken skewers for variety – having both citrus flavors on the table gives everyone options.

The combination creates a beautiful spread that feels both elegant and casual.

Ingredients You Need for Grilled Chicken Skewers with Orange

For the Chicken:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 8-10 wooden or metal skewers

For the Orange Marinade:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (I prefer this over Maggi for better control of saltiness)
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice (please squeeze your own – it makes all the difference!)
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable or avocado oil work beautifully)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced fine
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon white pepper (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce later)

Pro tip: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.

I learned this the hard way when my first batch looked like little torches!

How to Make Grilled Chicken Skewers with Orange

Step 1: Create the Marinade In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fresh orange juice, orange zest, oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and white pepper until well combined. The mixture should smell bright and savory.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Add your cubed chicken to the marinade and toss until every piece is coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though overnight is even better. I often prep this in the morning before work.

Step 3: Thread the Skewers Remove chicken from marinade and reserve the liquid – don’t throw it away! Thread 6-7 pieces of chicken onto each skewer, leaving small gaps between pieces for even cooking.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the grilled chicken skewers with orange for 8-10 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You’ll see beautiful char marks forming.

Step 5: Make the Glaze While the chicken rests, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then whisk in cornstarch until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy – about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve Brush the warm skewers with the thickened orange glaze and serve immediately.

How I Make My Grilled Chicken Skewers Perfect Every Time

The secret to juicy chicken is not overdoing the heat – medium-high gives you those gorgeous grill marks without drying out the meat.

I always keep a digital thermometer handy because guessing leads to either raw or rubbery chicken. Another trick: let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling so the juices redistribute.

Trust me, patience here pays off with incredibly tender grilled chicken skewers with orange.

Can I make these grilled chicken skewers ahead of time?

I often marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. You can even thread the skewers a few hours early and keep them refrigerated.

Just bring them to room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling.

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What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! I’ve made these successfully in a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat, and they turn out beautifully.

You can also bake them at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, turning once halfway through.

How do I store leftovers?

Remove the chicken from the skewers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat wonderfully in the microwave or a skillet with a splash of water.

Can I substitute the orange juice?

While fresh orange juice gives the best flavor, you can use bottled 100% orange juice in a pinch.

Avoid anything with added sugars, as it can cause the chicken to burn on the grill.

If you love these grilled chicken skewers with orange as much as I do, I’d be thrilled if you saved this recipe to your Pinterest boards! You can find more of my favorite recipes at Pinterest.

I’m always sharing new ideas for making weeknight dinners special.

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How I Love to Serve My Grilled Chicken Skewers with Orange

These skewers have become my go-to for summer entertaining and busy weeknights alike. I love serving them with coconut rice and a simple cucumber salad when we’re eating on the patio.

During cooler months, they’re perfect alongside roasted vegetables and quinoa.

The bright orange flavor makes everything feel a little more festive, whether it’s a Tuesday dinner or a weekend gathering with friends.