Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers-Easy Grill Recipe

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are more than just a meal; they’re a vibrant fiesta on a stick! Imagin extracte succulent pieces of chicken, marinated in a zesty blend of smoky chipotle, tangy lime, and aromatic cumin, then grilled to juicy perfection. It’s no wonder these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a perennial favorite for backyard gatherings and casual weeknight dinners alike. What truly sets them apart is the incredible depth of flavor achieved with minimal effort, creating a taste that’s both comforting and excitingly new. The irresistible char from the grill, combined with the bright, spicy marinade, makes each bite an adventure. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these flavor-packed skewers – they’re incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to be a huge hit!

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

There’s something undeniably festive about skewers. They’re fun to eat, easy to share, and a fantastic way to get a burst of flavor in every bite. These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are no exception. They’re packed with smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet notes that are absolutely irresistible, especially when grilled to perfection. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and onions add to their appeal, making them a perfect addition to any summer gathering or even a weeknight meal when you want to add a little excitement to your plate. The marinade is simple yet incredibly effective, infusing the chicken with authentic Mexican flavors. Get ready for a taste explosion!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Chicken and Marinade

The foundation of these delicious skewers lies in a flavorful marinade. We’ll start by preparing our aromatics. Mince the garlic cloves finely. For the jalapeño, remember to remove all the seeds and membranes to control the heat level. If you prefer a spicier skewer, you can leave a few seeds in, but be warned – it can pack a punch! Chop the seeded jalapeño very finely. In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic and chopped jalapeño. Add the tomato paste, which will give our marinade a rich, savory base and a lovely reddish hue. Next, measure out your spices: cumin and paprika for that smoky, earthy depth, and oregano for a touch of herbaceousness. Add these to the bowl. Roughly chop the fresh coriander; don’t worry about being too precise, as it will be blended into the marinade. Squeeze in the juice of half a lime; the acidity will help tenderize the chicken and brighten up all the flavors. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Now, it’s time to bring it all together. You can either use an immersion blender or a food processor to create a smooth paste. Add the coriander to the bowl with the other marinade ingredients and blend until everything is well combined into a vibrant, aromatic paste. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into an incredibly flavorful sauce.

Marinating the Chicken

Once your marinade is ready, it’s time to coat the chicken. Cut the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized cubes, about 1.5 to 2 inches in size. It’s important to remove any excess fat at this stage to ensure a cleaner barbecue flavor and prevent flare-ups on the grill. Place the chicken pieces into a resealable bag or a non-reactive bowl. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken with your hands to make sure every surface is covered. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 2 to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more deeply the flavors will penetrate, resulting in a more delicious final product. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will make a noticeable difference.

Preparing the Skewers and Vegetables

While the chicken is marinating, let’s get the vegetables ready. Chop the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and white onion into roughly the same size as your chicken pieces. This ensures they cook evenly on the skewers. Uniformity in size is key for a successful grilling experience. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you plan to assemble the skewers. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Once soaked, thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between chicken cubes and pieces of bell pepper and onion. Don’t pack the ingredients too tightly; leave a little bit of space between them to allow for even cooking and heat circulation. This also makes them easier to turn on the grill. Aim for a visually appealing arrangement, mixing the colors of the peppers.

Grilling the Skewers

Now for the best part: grilling! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature is ideal for searing the chicken and cooking the vegetables without burning them. Lightly spray the grill grates with cooking oil spray to prevent the skewers from sticking. Carefully place the assembled skewers onto the hot grill. Close the lid and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning the skewers every few minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through and slightly charred on the edges, and the vegetables to be tender-crisp and lightly caramelized. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook these skewers in a very hot oven or under the broiler, turning them frequently. For the oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Once the skewers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill. You can serve these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers immediately. They are delicious on their own, or you can serve them with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or some warm tortillas. A drizzle of extra lime juice or a dollop of sour cream or guacamole would also be fantastic accompaniments. The smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors will be a hit with everyone. Enjoy these vibrant and flavorful skewers!

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited about these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers as I am! They truly are a fantastic way to bring vibrant, smoky flavors to your grill. The combination of tender chicken, a zesty marinade, and that irresistible barbecue char creates a dish that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard parties, or even a fun family activity, these skewers are sure to become a go-to favorite.

For serving, I love pairing them with a fresh corn salsa, creamy avocado crema, or some cilantro-lime rice. They also make a wonderful addition to tacos or a large salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t hesitate to experiment with the marinade! Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth or a splash of pineapple juice for a touch of sweetness.

I truly encourage you to give these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers a try. They’re a testament to how delicious and approachable grilling can be. Let me know how yours turn out!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

A: Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight will infuse even more flavor into every bite. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: What can I substitute for the chili powder in the marinade?

A: If you don’t have chili powder, you can use a blend of equal parts cumin and paprika, or even a touch of cayenne pepper for heat, adjusting to your preference.

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

A: Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the skewers on them. You can also soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Flavorful chicken skewers marinated in a zesty Mexican-inspired barbecue sauce, 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
• cooking oil spray

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a blender, combine garlic, jalapeño, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, fresh coriander, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
2. Step 2
   Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken and the chopped bell peppers and onion into a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken and vegetables. Toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Step 3
   Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables.
4. Step 4
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly spray the grill grates with cooking oil spray.
5. Step 5
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
6. Step 6
   Remove skewers from the grill and let them 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.