Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers- Easy & Flavorful

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are about to become your new summer obsession. Imagin extracte succulent pieces of chicken, bursting with vibrant, smoky flavors, threaded onto skewers and kissed by the grill. There’s something undeniably captivating about these skewers; they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for backyard gatherings, Cinco de Mayo fiestas, or simply a weeknight dinner that feels special. What truly sets these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers apart is the irresistible marinade – a harmonious blend of zesty lime, warm chili powders, earthy cumin, and a hint of sweet agave that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating tender, juicy chicken with an incredible depth of flavor. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy yet incredibly delicious recipe.

Why You’ll Love These:

Perfectly Marinated & Grilled

Flavor-Packed & Kid-Friendly

Effortless Entertaining

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Packed with smoky, spicy, and tangy notes, they’re perfect for grilling season, a backyard party, or even a weeknight treat. The vibrant colors of the peppers and onions make them as visually appealing as they are delicious. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken marinated in a zesty blend and then grilled to perfection alongside sweet, slightly charred vegetables. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these fantastic skewers.

Ingredients:

Marinating the Chicken

The secret to incredibly flavorful chicken lies in a good marinade. For these skewers, we’re creating a vibrant Mexican-inspired blend that will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with deliciousness.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade Base

First, let’s get our marinade ingredients ready. Finely mince the 2 cloves of garlic. For the jalapeño, make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes to control the heat level; mince it finely as well. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can leave some seeds in, but be warned! In a bowl, combine the minced garlic and jalapeño.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Profile

To the garlic and jalapeño mixture, add the 3 tablespoons of tomato paste. This will form the rich, savory base of our marinade. Next, sprinkle in the 2 teaspoons of cumin, 2 teaspoons of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano. These spices are essential for that authentic Mexican barbecue flavor. Add a generous pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Finally, chop the handful of fresh coriander roughly and add it to the bowl. The fresh herbaceousness of the coriander is crucial for brightening up the marinade.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Now, it’s time to introduce the star of the show: the chicken. Cut the 8 boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. Ensure you’ve removed any visible fat for a cleaner flavor and better grilling. Place the chicken pieces into the bowl with the marinade. Squeeze in the juice of half a lime; the acidity from the lime will help tenderize the chicken even further and add a lovely tang. Using your hands or a spoon, thoroughly toss the chicken pieces to ensure they are completely coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 2-4 hours. For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate it overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more the flavors will penetrate.

Assembling and Grilling the Skewers

While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the colorful vegetables that will make our skewers a visual and culinary delight.

Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables and Skewers

While the chicken is marinating, let’s get our veggies ready. Chop the 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 yellow bell pepper into roughly 1-inch square pieces, similar in size to your chicken pieces. This ensures they will cook evenly on the grill. Chop the 1 white onion into similar-sized square pieces as well. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling the skewers. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Once your chicken has finished marinating and your vegetables are prepped, begin extract threading the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between chicken pieces and the chopped bell peppers and onion. Aim for a good balance of ingredients on each skewer. Don’t pack them too tightly, as this can prevent even cooking. Leave a small gap between each piece.

Step 5: Grilling to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates with a bit of cooking oil spray or a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking. Once the grill is hot, carefully place the assembled skewers onto the grill. Cook for approximately 8-12 minutes, turning the skewers every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred, and the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized. The exact cooking time will depend on the heat of your grill and the size of your chicken pieces. You’ll know the chicken is cooked when it’s no longer pink in the center and its juices run clear.

Step 6: Resting and Serving

Once your skewers are perfectly grilled, 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 serve these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers as is, or with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or some warm tortillas. They are also delicious with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra fresh coriander. Enjoy the vibrant flavors!

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited about making these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers as I am! This recipe truly delivers a fiesta of flavors. The tender chicken, infused with smoky barbecue notes and a hint of Mexican spice, makes for an incredibly satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. They are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a backyard barbecue, or even a potluck. The vibrant colors and delicious aroma are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.

For serving, I love pairing these skewers with a fresh cilantro-lime rice or some grilled corn on the cob. A dollop of avocado crema or a side of pickled red onions adds another layer of deliciousness. Feel free to get creative with your own favorite accompaniments! If you’re feeling adventurous, consider marinating some chunks of bell pepper and onion alongside the chicken for a complete veggie skewer experience. You can also experiment with different chili powders to adjust the heat level to your preference.

Don’t hesitate to give these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers a try. They are a fantastic way to bring a taste of summer and delicious Mexican-inspired flavors to your table. I’m confident you’ll love them!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in advance. Once marinated, thread them onto the skewers and store them covered in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even further, making them even more delicious when grilled.

What kind of wood chips are best for smoking these skewers?

For a fantastic smoky flavor that complements the Mexican barbecue profile, I recommend using mesquite or hickory wood chips. If you don’t have a grill with a smoker box, you can soak wood chips in water for about 30 minutes, drain them, and add them to your charcoal when it’s ready to cook.

Are there any vegetarian options?

Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe for vegetarians by using firm tofu or large chunks of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and pineapple. Marinate them in the same delicious sauce, and adjust the grilling time accordingly.

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Flavorful Mexican-inspired chicken skewers marinated in a zesty and smoky sauce, grilled to perfection with colorful vegetables.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
45 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 the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, jalapeño pepper, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, fresh coriander, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
2. Step 2
   Place the chicken pieces in a bowl, pour the marinade over them, and toss to ensure all pieces are well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Step 3
   Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with the chopped red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and white onion pieces.
4. Step 4
   Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Lightly spray the grill grates or broiler pan with cooking oil spray.
5. Step 5
   Grill or broil the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Step 6
   Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh coriander if desired.

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.