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Grilled Orange Chicken Skewers

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes

Bold, citrus-forward flavors shine in these grilled orange chicken skewers. Chicken breast cubes soak up a vibrant blend of freshly squeezed orange juice, zesty peel, soy sauce, and plenty of garlic before being threaded onto skewers for flame-grilling. The grilling locks in moisture and delivers a touch of smokiness. As a finishing touch, the thickened reserved marinade becomes a sticky-sweet glaze that clings beautifully to each bite. This protein-packed dish is quick to prepare, especially if you marinate ahead, and feeds a family or crowd with ease. Serve with steamed rice, crunchy vegetables, or a fresh summer salad for a balanced meal bursting with flavor.

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Authored By Tyla
Updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 20:12:16 GMT
Une assiette de grilled orange chicken skewers avec des oranges et des herbes vertes. Save
Une assiette de grilled orange chicken skewers avec des oranges et des herbes vertes. | savorieswithtyla.com

Flame-kissed grilled orange chicken skewers pack bold citrus flavor into every juicy bite with a sticky sauce that clings irresistibly to each piece of tender chicken. This is a summertime favorite at our house and it never fails to impress guests or satisfy a weeknight craving.

I first tried this dish at a backyard party and have made it countless times since. The flavor always transports me to summer evenings with family around the table.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: boneless and skinless essential for tenderness and quick cooking look for plump fresh pieces without discoloration
  • Maggi sauce or soy sauce: creates a salty umami depth opt for low sodium if you prefer
  • Orange juice: freshly squeezed from bright ripe oranges for that punch of citrus
  • Orange zest: this adds intense orange aroma be sure to use unwaxed oranges and zest only the brightly colored part
  • Vegetable oil: keeps the chicken moist use something neutral like canola or grapeseed
  • Garlic: minced fresh garlic brings a savory kick
  • White pepper: optional for a gentle heat and mild complexity
  • Black pepper: provides a classic background spice
  • Cornstarch: thickens the sauce making it glossy and able to cling to the chicken

Always use fresh citrus and chicken for best results the marinade is where all the flavor magic happens.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
Combine Maggi sauce or soy sauce freshly squeezed orange juice orange zest vegetable oil minced garlic white pepper if using and black pepper in a medium bowl. Stir in the chicken cubes ensuring every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour for best results marinate overnight.
Prep the Skewers:
If you are using wooden skewers soak them in water for at least thirty minutes to keep them from burning. Thread about six to seven pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer spacing them a bit apart for even cooking.
Heat the Grill:
Brush your grill or grill pan lightly with olive oil to avoid sticking. Preheat over medium high heat until the oil shimmers about three minutes.
Grill the Chicken:
Place the skewers evenly on the hot grill without overlapping. Cook for eight to ten minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. A thermometer should read one hundred sixty five degrees F in the thickest part. Turn skewers to get even char marks and juicy centers.
Make the Orange Sauce:
Pour the reserved marinade into a small pot and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add cornstarch and stir continuously until dissolved and the sauce thickens to a glossy coat. Remove from heat once it has a smooth texture.
Serve:
Transfer skewers to a serving platter and drizzle a little orange sauce over each. Enjoy hot with sides or over rice.
Des brochettes de poulet grillé avec des citrons. Save
Des brochettes de poulet grillé avec des citrons. | savorieswithtyla.com

My favorite part is the glossy orange sauce I love using freshly squeezed juice for the brightest flavor. The smell always reminds me of my kids rushing to the table ready for dinner as soon as the skewers come off the grill.

Storage Tips

To store leftovers unthread the chicken from skewers once cooled and place in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep well for up to three days. For best results reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Maggi sauce you can use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten free option. If fresh orange juice is not available bottled will work but the flavor is not as vibrant. Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breast for extra juiciness although they require a few more minutes on the grill.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these chicken skewers over steamed rice or with a fresh summer salad for a complete meal. They also pair well with grilled vegetables or slipped into flatbreads with crunchy slaw. I love making a big platter for parties with pickled vegetables and extra orange sauce on the side.

Des brochettes de poulet grillé avec des oranges. Save
Des brochettes de poulet grillé avec des oranges. | savorieswithtyla.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Orange and chicken is a classic pairing in Asian inspired cuisine especially Chinese recipes that feature citrus marinades. This dish takes the best of those flavors but makes it easy and accessible for home grilling. The sweet savory and tangy notes highlight the fusion of global influences that have become part of our summer cookouts.

Recipe Questions

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

It's best to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight gives the most flavorful and juicy results.

→ Can I use wooden skewers for grilling?

Yes, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning on the grill.

→ What internal temperature should the chicken reach?

Chicken should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it's safe and juicy.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes—just choose a gluten-free soy sauce or Maggi alternative for the marinade to ensure it's gluten free.

→ Can I cook these skewers without a grill?

Absolutely! Use an oven at 480°F or an air fryer at 350°F. Both methods result in juicy chicken with slight variations in texture.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Unthread the chicken from the skewers and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Grilled Orange Chicken Skewers

Marinated chicken skewers grilled and finished with a tangy orange glaze. Great for warm evenings or casual gatherings.

Prep Duration
10 mins
Cooking Duration
16 mins
Overall Time
26 mins
Authored By: Tyla

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Type: Asian

Serves: 6 Portions (6 skewers)

Diet Preferences: Low-Carbohydrate, Gluten-Free Option, Dairy-Free Alternative

What You Need

→ Marinade

01 60 ml Maggi sauce or reduced sodium soy sauce
02 60 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
03 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
04 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
05 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
06 0.5 tablespoon ground white pepper (optional)
07 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Chicken

08 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 4 cm cubes

→ Sauce Thickener

09 0.5 tablespoon cornstarch

How to Make It

Step 01

In a medium bowl, whisk together Maggi sauce (or soy sauce), freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, vegetable oil, minced garlic, white pepper (if using), and black pepper until fully combined.

Step 02

Add chicken cubes to the marinade, stir to evenly coat, then cover with cling film and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow full flavour infusion.

Step 03

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Thread about 6-7 chicken pieces onto each skewer.

Step 04

Lightly brush grill or grill pan with olive oil. Preheat over medium-high heat for 3 minutes until the oil shimmers.

Step 05

Arrange skewers spaced apart on the grill, grilling for 8-10 minutes per side until chicken turns golden and the internal temperature reaches 74°C. Avoid overlapping skewers for even cooking.

Step 06

Transfer reserved marinade to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add cornstarch while stirring continuously until it dissolves and the sauce thickens to a glossy, smooth consistency.

Step 07

Arrange skewers on a plate and drizzle with orange sauce just before serving.

Important Notes

  1. For maximum juiciness, marinate the chicken for as long as possible, up to overnight.
  2. A digital meat thermometer ensures chicken is properly cooked without overcooking.
  3. To cook in the oven, roast skewers at 250°C for 12–13 minutes, finishing under the broiler for charring.
  4. For air fryer preparation, cook 10 chicken cubes at 175°C for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
  5. Store leftovers unthreaded from skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Tools You’ll Need

  • metal or wooden skewers
  • tongs
  • grill or grill pan
  • medium mixing bowl
  • cling film
  • small saucepan
  • digital meat thermometer

Allergy Details

Always check the ingredients for allergens and consult an expert if necessary.
  • Contains soy if using soy sauce or Maggi sauce

Nutritional Details (Each Serving)

This nutrition info is for reference only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Calorie Count: 203
  • Total Fat: 5.9 grams
  • Total Carbs: 3.7 grams
  • Protein Content: 32.1 grams