Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers-Flavorful & Easy Grill Recipe

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are more than just a meal; they’re a vibrant fiesta on a stick! We all crave those irresistible flavors that transport us straight to summer gatherings and lively cookouts, and these skewers deliver that in spades. Imagin extracte tender, juicy chicken marinated in a zesty blend of smoky chipotle, bright lime, and a touch of earthy cumin, then grilled to perfection until slightly charred and impossibly flavorful. It’s this masterful balance of heat, tang, and savory goodness that makes Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers an absolute crowd-pleaser. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or your next backyard barbecue. Get ready to wow your taste buds with this quintessential summer delight.

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

There’s something incredibly satisfying about grilling, and these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a fantastic way to bring vibrant, smoky flavors to your backyard. They’re perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a lively weekend get-together, or even packed for a picnic. The combination of tender chicken, sweet bell peppers, and a zesty, smoky marinade is simply irresistible. Plus, using skewers makes them fun to eat and easy to serve. Let’s get started and create a taste of Mexico right in our own kitchen!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Marinade and Chicken

The heart of these skewers lies in the flavorful marinade. We want to infuse the chicken with a deep, smoky, and slightly spicy essence that’s characteristic of great Mexican barbecue. This process is straightforward and sets the stage for incredibly tasty results.

First, let’s get our marinade ingredients ready. We’ll start by finely mincing the garlic cloves. Don’t worry if you don’t have a fancy garlic press; a sharp knife and a steady hand will do the trick. Next, we need to prepare the jalapeño. Remember, we’re removing the seeds and membranes to control the heat. You can leave a few seeds in if you enjoy a spicier kick, but for a balanced flavor that everyone can enjoy, it’s best to remove them. Finely mince the jalapeño as well.

In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic and jalapeño. Add the tomato paste, which will provide a rich, savory base and a beautiful color to our marinade. Next, we’ll add the dry spices: cumin and paprika. Cumin offers that earthy, warm aroma, while paprika brings a touch of sweetness and depth. Don’t forget the oregano, which adds a subtle herbal note. Roughly chop the fresh coriander and add it to the bowl. The fresh herbs are crucial for brightening the marinade. Finally, squeeze in the juice of half a lime. The acidity from the lime will help to tenderize the chicken and cut through the richness of the marinade. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Now, it’s time to prepare the chicken. We’re using boneless chicken thighs because they are incredibly forgiving and stay moist and tender, even with grilling. Trim away any visible fat to ensure a cleaner flavor. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This ensures they cook evenly and fit nicely onto the skewers alongside the vegetables.

Add the cut chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands to really massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated. This is a great opportunity to really get in there and make sure the flavors are distributed evenly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For an even more intense flavor, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and penetrate the chicken beautifully.

Assembling and Grilling the Skewers

While the chicken is marinating, let’s prepare our vegetables. We want a colorful and flavorful medley to complement the chicken. Chop the red, green, and yellow bell peppers into square pieces, similar in size to the chicken pieces. This ensures they cook at a similar rate. Chop the white onion into comparable square pieces.

Now, if you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you plan to assemble your skewers. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Once soaked, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating them with the chopped bell peppers and onion. Don’t pack the ingredients too tightly; leave a little bit of space between each piece to allow for even cooking and good heat circulation. Aim for a visually appealing arrangement with a good mix of colors.

Cooking the Skewers

It’s time to get grilling! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is important for achieving those lovely char marks and ensuring the chicken cooks through without burning. Once the grill is hot, lightly spray the grill grates with cooking oil spray. This prevents the skewers from sticking.

Carefully place the assembled skewers onto the hot grill. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning them every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char on all sides. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on the vegetables; you want them to be tender-crisp, with a slight charring. If you notice some pieces cooking faster than others, you can rearrange them on the grill.

If you don’t have an outdoor grill, don’t worry! You can also cook these skewers under your oven’s broiler or in a grill pan on the stovetop. For the broiler, arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil and broil for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. For a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat, spray with cooking oil, and cook the skewers, turning regularly.

Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful meat. Garnish with a little extra fresh coriander if you like, and serve them hot off the grill. These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are absolutely delicious served with rice, a fresh salsa, or even just on their own as a fantastic appetizer. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a foolproof guide to creating absolutely delicious Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! This recipe is a winner because it’s packed with vibrant, zesty flavors that are both familiar and exciting. The smoky char from the grill, combined with the chili-lime marinade, creates a taste sensation that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual backyard cookouts to lively get-togethers. They’re incredibly versatile and relatively simple to prepare, making them a go-to for deliciousness.

For serving, I love pairing these skewers with a fresh corn salad, a creamy avocado salsa, or even just some fluffy cilantro-lime rice. They’re also fantastic tucked into warm tortillas for quick and easy tacos. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations! You could swap out the chicken for chunks of beef tenderloin or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adding colorful bell peppers and red onions to the skewers alongside the chicken adds both visual appeal and another layer of flavor.

I truly encourage you to give these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers a try. They’re a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied sighs. Get ready for your taste buds to do a happy dance!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight will actually enhance the flavors even further, allowing the zesty lime and chili to really penetrate the meat. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem at all! You can easily achieve a similar delicious result by baking these skewers in the oven. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at around 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. You can also broil them for the last few minutes for a bit of char.

How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

To prevent sticking, make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the skewers on them. You can oil the grates by dipping a wadded-up paper towel in cooking oil and carefully rubbing it over the hot grates with tongs. Also, avoid moving the skewers too much in the initial stages of grilling; let them form a nice sear first.

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Flavorful chicken skewers marinated in a smoky, spicy Mexican-inspired barbecue sauce, grilled to perfection with colorful bell peppers and onions.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
35 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

• 8 small boneless chicken thighs, any visible fat removed (approx 650g/22.5oz)
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed
• 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons of cumin
• 2 teaspoons of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
• handful of fresh coriander
• juice of half a lime
• salt and black pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped into square pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped into square pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into square pieces
• 1 white onion, chopped, chopped into square pieces
• cooking oil spray

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl.
2. Step 2
   Mince the garlic and jalapeño. Add to the chicken along with tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, chopped coriander, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken.
3. Step 3
   Thread the marinated chicken and chopped bell peppers and onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
4. Step 4
   Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly spray the skewers with cooking oil spray.
5. Step 5
   Grill the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Step 6
   Serve hot.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.