Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers-Flavorful Grill Recipe

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are about to become your new favorite way to grill! Imagin extracte tender, juicy chicken pieces, marinated in a vibrant blend of smoky chipotle, zesty lime, and fragrant cilantro, then grilled to caramelized perfection. These aren’t just any chicken skewers; they’re a flavor explosion that captures the heart of Mexican barbecue. Everyone loves a good skewer – they’re inherently fun, easy to eat, and perfect for sharing, whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or enjoying a weeknight meal. What truly sets these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers apart is the irresistible balance of heat and tang, creating a taste sensation that’s both comforting and exciting. Get ready to fire up the grill and transport your taste buds south of the border!

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a fiesta on a stick! Bursting with vibrant flavors, they’re perfect for grilling season, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a backyard party. The marinade is inspired by classic Mexican ingredients, creating a smoky, slightly spicy, and utterly delicious coating for tender chicken and colorful vegetables. We’re going to build layers of flavor, starting with a zesty marinade that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with authentic Mexican goodness. Then, we’ll thread everything onto skewers with vibrant bell peppers and sweet onion, ready for the grill. Get ready for a taste of Mexico that’s incredibly easy to make and even more enjoyable to eat!

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions:

First, we need to prepare our flavorful marinade. This is where all the magic begin extracts, infusing the chicken with those irresistible Mexican barbecue notes.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a food processor or blender, combine the 2 cloves of garlic and the seeded jalapeño pepper. Pulse until they are finely minced. If you prefer a milder heat, you can remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño, or even use half a pepper. Next, add the 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, which will provide a rich, slightly sweet base and a beautiful color. Follow this with the 2 teaspoons of cumin and 2 teaspoons of paprika. These spices are the heart of many Mexican dishes, bringin extractg warmth and smokiness. Add the 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, which adds an earthy, aromatic depth. Finally, add a generous handful of fresh coriander (cilantro) and the juice of half a lime. The lime juice not only adds a bright, zesty tang but also helps to tenderize the chicken. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Pulse until everything is well combined and you have a relatively smooth paste.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Cut the boneless chicken thighs into roughly 1.5-inch (4cm) pieces. Try to keep the pieces as uniform in size as possible so they cook evenly. Place the chicken pieces in a medium-sized bowl. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken. Using your hands or a spoon, ensure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for up to 4 hours. The longer you marinate, the more the flavors will penetrate the chicken, making it even more delicious. If you’re marinating for longer than an hour, it’s a good idea to give the chicken a stir halfway through to ensure even coating.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Skewers

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Chop the red, green, and yellow bell peppers into square pieces, similar in size to the chicken pieces. This will ensure they cook at roughly the same rate as the chicken. Chop the white onion into similarly sized squares. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you plan to grill. This prevents them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you don’t need to soak them.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Once the chicken has finished marinating and your vegetables are prepped, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Thread the marinated chicken pieces and the chopped vegetables onto the skewers, alternating them as you go. A good pattern might be chicken, bell pepper, onion, chicken, bell pepper, onion, and so on. Don’t pack the ingredients too tightly onto the skewers; leave a little bit of space between each piece. This allows for better air circulation and ensures that everything cooks evenly and gets a nice char. Aim for a good balance of chicken and vegetables on each skewer. You should have enough ingredients to make approximately 4-6 skewers, depending on their size.

Step 5: Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a gas grill, this is typically around 400-450°F (200-230°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, you’ll want to have a good bed of hot coals. Lightly spray the grill grates with cooking oil spray or brush them with oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the assembled skewers onto the hot grill. Grill for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning the skewers every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has developed nice char marks, and the vegetables are tender-crisp. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary depending on your grill. If the skewers are browning too quickly, you can move them to a slightly cooler part of the grill.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the skewers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, resulting in more tender and moist meat. You can garnish them with a little extra fresh coriander if you like. These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are fantastic served with rice, a fresh salad, or even some warm tortillas. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the taste of summer!

Conclusion:

I truly hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make these incredible Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! This recipe is a fantastic way to bring vibrant, smoky flavors right into your backyard. The combination of zesty lime, warm chili spices, and sweet barbecue sauce creates a truly irresistible marinade that infuses the chicken with an amazing depth of flavor. Plus, cooking them on skewers makes them super fun to eat and perfect for any gathering, from casual weeknight dinners to lively weekend parties. They’re also wonderfully versatile and quite forgiving, meaning you can easily adjust the spice levels to your liking.

For serving, these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a dream! I love pairing them with fluffy cilantro-lime rice, a crisp corn and black bean salad, or even some warm tortillas for making little chicken tacos. They also make a fantastic addition to a larger barbecue spread alongside grilled vegetables or a simple green salad.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying some variations! You could easily substitute the chicken with cubes of beef tenderloin or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Experiment with adding chunks of bell peppers and red onion directly onto the skewers with the chicken for a complete meal in one. Don’t hesitate to play around with different barbecue sauce flavors too – a smoky chipotle or a spicy habanero would be amazing!

I wholeheartedly encourage you to give these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers a try. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with their bold flavors and easy preparation. Happy grilling!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. If you’re preparing them a day in advance, it’s best to thread them onto the skewers just before grilling to prevent the wood from becoming too saturated.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! You can easily achieve a similar smoky flavor by broiling the skewers in your oven. Place them on a baking sheet lined with foil (for easy cleanup!) and broil for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred. You can also cook them in a hot cast-iron skillet on the stovetop.

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Flavorful and smoky chicken skewers with a vibrant Mexican-inspired marinade, perfect for grilling.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
12 Minutes

Total Time
32 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

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl.
2. Step 2
   Finely mince the garlic and jalapeño. Add to the bowl 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 pieces onto skewers, alternating with pieces of red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and white onion.
4. Step 4
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly spray the grill grates with cooking oil spray.
5. Step 5
   Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Step 6
   Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

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.