This marinated chicken skewers recipe is about to become your new best friend. Tender chicken thighs soaked in a flavor-packed marinade of zesty orange juice, fragrant cilantro, and punchy garlic. And the best part? They’re baked in the oven, so there’s no messy cleanup. Pair them with avocado and mango salsa or creamy avocado lime dressing and some fluffy basmati rice for a quick and wholesome dinner. Let’s get cooking!

Five delicious looking chicken skewers on a plate served with mango salsa in a small bowl.

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Why you should try this recipe?

Convenience is key. I adore this easy recipe for its simplicity. With minimal effort required, you can achieve an explosion of flavors in just 10 minutes of marinating time. It’s become a staple in my household, gracing our dinner table at least once a week. With just a quick marinade and 20 minutes in the oven, dinner is served in a mere 30 minutes.
Budget-friendly brilliance. Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also gentle on the wallet. Chicken thighs, with their juicy tenderness, offer an affordable alternative to pricier cuts like chicken breasts.
Easy clean-up. Baking the chicken on a lined baking tray—first with aluminum foil, then parchment paper—means there’s virtually no mess to contend with. Enjoy the meal without the hassle of extensive cleanup afterward.

Make sure to try my other quick and easy to make baked chicken recipes such as:

Recipe Ingredients:

ingredients needed to make marinated chicken skewers

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Wooden skewers (or metal skewers if available)

Chicken marinade ingredients:

All the flavors come from the marinade, which is both flavor-packed and simple to make. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh cilantro leaves (known as coriander in Australia)
Fresh orange juice (preferably)
Garlic clove (fresh, not garlic powder)
White vinegar
Sugar (I use raw organic sugar)
Olive oil

Variations

Feel free to substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the chicken thighs.
You can marinate the chicken thighs without cutting and skewering them to save time. They will still taste delicious; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
This is also an excellent recipe for grilling on the barbecue. Serve the chicken kebabs with some summer veggies for a fantastic Sunday dinner.
Add half a teaspoon of chili powder if you like the chicken to be a bit spicy.

Find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below 👇

How to Make It:

If using bamboo skewers or any other wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Make the Marinade:

This simple marinade is bursting with flavors. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days to use later in the week.

orange cilantro marinade in a large glass bowl

Step #1: Chop the cilantro leaves and place them in a large bowl. Add sugar, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, and white vinegar, and mix well to combine.

chicken pieces marinating in a marinade in glass bowl

Step #2: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes before threading them onto the skewers.

Bake the Chicken:

Step #3: Prepare the baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil followed by parchment paper. Ensure you use just enough paper to place the chicken.

raw chicken skewers on a white square plate

Step #4: Thread Chicken onto Skewers: After marinating, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers before proceeding with baking.

4 chicken kebabs on a parchment paper ready for cooking

Step #5: Place the marinated chicken skewers on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each skewer to ensure even cooking.

Step #6: Cook for 15 minutes, turning the skewers at the 10-minute mark.
Step #7: Turn on the broiler function of the oven. Position the baking sheet under the broiler and broil the chicken until browned, for approximately 1 minute.

Pro Tips

Ensure the parchment paper doesn’t hang over the edges or touch the oven walls to prevent burning.
You can marinate the chicken for a couple of hours or overnight.
Don’t forget to soak the wooden skewers before using them.
The cooking time might vary depending on your oven temperature, so please make sure to keep an eye on the chicken. It is cooked through when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

How to serve

We love pairing these juicy chicken kebabs with mango avocado salsa and some freshly cooked basmati rice. If you have an extra 5 minutes to spare, whip up some black bean dip to create a delicious and nourishing bowl.

Alternatively, you can serve them with Mexican red rice, creamy mashed cauliflower, Greek salad, simple coleslaw, or spiced chickpea salad. For a heartier meal, pair them with creamy pesto pasta.

These baked chicken skewers taste just as good the next day and make a delicious lunch. Try them as a filling for my viral cottage cheese wrap or pita bread.

Or simply serve them with your favorite veggies and fresh herbs for a light and satisfying meal.

How to store

Once the baked chicken has cooled down completely, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.

You can also freeze the baked chicken by placing it in a freezer-safe container or zip bag for up to 3 months. Simply defrost it overnight and reheat it as described below 👇

How to Reheat:

To reheat the baked chicken skewers, there are a few methods you can use:

Microwave: Place the chicken skewers on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat them in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed to your liking.
Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Place the chicken skewers in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until heated through.

Here are more delicious easy chicken recipes to try:

The marinade in this recipe is adapted from Pinch of Yum blog

If you tried this Marinated Oven-Baked Chicken Skewers Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!

Marinated Oven-Baked Chicken Skewers Recipe