Are you looking to add a zesty twist to your weeknight dinner routine? These Cilantro Orange Chicken Skewers are just what you need to brighten up your meals. The combination of fresh cilantro, zesty orange, and tender chicken will transport your taste buds to a culinary paradise, making this dish a hit among both adults and children. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it’s also easy to prepare, ensuring a delightful dining experience without the hassle. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring this vibrant dish to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cilantro Orange Sauce:
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, grated
- Juice of 2 oranges (about 4–5 tablespoons) plus zest
- 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons of avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
For the Chicken:
- 1.25 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Wood or metal skewers (optional)
Optional / For Serving:
- One 8.8-ounce pouch of pre-made yellow rice (or homemade)
- One 14-ounce can of refried or regular black beans
- 1–2 cups of diced pineapple, mango, and/or avocado (for salsa)
Directions:
- Prep the Skewers: If you’re using wood skewers, start by soaking them in water. This prevents them from burning under the broiler.
- Prepare for Broiling: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Preheat your broiler and position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heating element.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with half of the cilantro orange sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. The other half of the sauce will be reserved for later use.
- Thread the Chicken: If you’re using skewers, now’s the time to thread the marinated chicken onto them. If not, you can place the chicken pieces directly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Broil to Perfection: Broil the chicken for approximately 12 minutes, or until it’s thoroughly cooked and has a golden brown appearance. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Make the Salsa (Optional): For an added burst of flavor, mix the remaining cilantro orange sauce with diced fruit to create a refreshing salsa.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pair the chicken skewers with yellow rice and beans for a complete meal. The fresh fruit salsa makes a delicious topping or side.
Cooking Tips:
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cilantro orange sauce.
- Grill Option: These skewers can also be grilled over medium heat for a smoky flavor.
- Customize Your Salsa: Feel free to experiment with the salsa ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
Conclusion
The Cilantro Orange Chicken Skewers recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious, vibrant meals don’t have to be complicated. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes, you can have a mouth-watering dish ready in about 30 minutes. This recipe serves 2-3 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a special treat for yourself. Dive into this culinary adventure and enjoy the symphony of flavors that this dish brings to your dinner table.
Cilantro Orange Chicken Skewers
Ingredients:
Cilantro Orange Sauce:
1/4 – 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, grated
Juice of 2 oranges (about 4–5 tablespoons juice) + zest
3 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons avocado oil
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Chicken:
1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Wood or metal skewers (optional)
Optional / For Serving:
One 8.8-ounce pouch pre-made yellow rice (or homemade)
One 14-ounce can refried or regular black beans
1–2 cups diced pineapple, mango, and/or avocado (for salsa)
Directions:
If using wood skewers, begin by soaking them in water.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and preheat the broiler. Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heating element.
In a large mixing bowl, toss chicken pieces with half of the cilantro orange sauce, reserving the rest for later. Thread chicken onto skewers if using, or place directly on the prepared baking sheet.
Broil for about 12 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and golden brown.
Optionally, mix remaining sauce with diced fruit to create a salsa.
Serve the chicken skewers with rice, beans, and the fresh fruit salsa.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 2-3