Grilled Orange Chicken Thigh Skewers Recipe

Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless, these are perfect for skewers as they cook evenly and remain tender.

Orange juice: Freshly squeezed, it adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the marinade.

Soy sauce: Provides a savory umami taste that complements the sweetness of the orange juice.

Olive oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a subtle richness to the marinade.

Garlic: Minced, it infuses the marinade with a robust, aromatic flavor.

Black pepper: Ground, it adds a hint of spice and depth to the dish.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the marinade, making the chicken even more delicious.

When marinating the chicken thighs, ensure they are evenly coated by turning them occasionally in the marinade. This allows the flavors from the orange juice, soy sauce, and garlic to penetrate the meat more thoroughly, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy grilled chicken. Additionally, if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning on the grill.

• boneless, skinless chicken thighs - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are leaner and will cook faster, but they can be used if you prefer white meat.

• freshly squeezed orange juice - Substitute with pineapple juice: Pineapple juice provides a similar sweetness and acidity, adding a tropical twist to the dish.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a similar umami flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for grilling.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though it lacks the fresh, pungent flavor of minced garlic.

• ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used if you want a less pronounced pepper taste.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger grains and a cleaner taste, making it a good alternative for seasoning.

• Allow the grilled chicken thighs to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.

• Place the cooled chicken skewers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will help to maintain their flavor and moisture.

• Store the wrapped or containerized chicken skewers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. This ensures they remain fresh and safe to eat.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken skewers. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the chicken skewers to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of their storage time. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken skewers in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps to maintain their texture and flavor.

• Reheat the chicken skewers on a grill or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until they are heated through. This will help to restore their original grilled taste and texture.

• For a quick reheating option, use a microwave. Place the chicken skewers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power until warmed through. This helps to keep them moist.

• Serve the reheated grilled orange chicken thigh skewers with a fresh side of vegetables or a light salad to complement their flavors.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the grilled orange chicken thigh skewers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the skewers with another piece of foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through. This method helps retain the juiciness and flavor of the chicken.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the chicken skewers in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is heated through. This method gives a nice, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken skewers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. This is the quickest method but may slightly alter the texture of the chicken.

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the chicken skewers back on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through. This method helps to reintroduce that smoky, grilled flavor.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method keeps the chicken crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and salt to create the marinade.

• Whisk: This will help you thoroughly mix the marinade ingredients together.

• Knife: Use a sharp knife to mince the garlic cloves.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely mince the garlic.

• Measuring cups: These will ensure you use the correct amount of orange juice and soy sauce.

• Measuring spoons: These will help you measure out the olive oil, ground black pepper, and salt accurately.

• Tongs: Use these to handle the chicken thighs and to turn the skewers on the grill.

• Skewers: These will hold the marinated chicken thighs together for grilling. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning.

• Grill: Preheat this to medium-high heat for cooking the skewers.

• Grill brush: Use this to clean the grill grates before cooking.

• Plate: A clean plate to place the cooked skewers on once they are done grilling.

Marinate in advance: Prepare the marinade the night before and let the chicken thighs soak overnight for deeper flavor and time-saving.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic from the store to cut down on prep time.

Preheat the grill: Start preheating your grill while threading the chicken onto the skewers to save time.

Batch preparation: Double the recipe and freeze half of the marinated chicken for a quick meal later.

Use metal skewers: Metal skewers heat up and cook the chicken faster than wooden ones, saving grilling time.