Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers-Grill to Perfection

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are about to become your new favorite way to ignite your taste buds and elevate your grilling game. Imagin extracte tender, juicy chicken pieces marinated in a vibrant symphony of smoky chipotle, zesty lime, and aromatic cumin, then kissed by the open flame until perfectly charred. This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s an explosion of authentic Mexican flavors that will transport you south of the border with every single bite. What makes these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers so utterly irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spicy heat that creates an unforgettable culinary experience. They’re incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at your next backyard barbecue. Get ready to unlock a world of flavor with these sensational skewers!

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Get ready to fire up the grill for these incredibly flavorful Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue with friends and family. The vibrant, smoky marinade infused with a hint of spice and citrus will transform simple chicken thighs into something truly special. Plus, skewering them with colorful bell peppers and onions makes them as visually appealing as they are delicious. We’re going for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, and I promise, these skewers deliver on all fronts.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions:

The magic of these skewers lies in the marinade. It’s a simple yet potent blend that will penetrate the chicken and create a beautiful crust when grilled. Let’s get started by preparing this flavor powerhouse.

Marinating the Chicken

First, we need to create our vibrant marinade. In a food processor or blender, add the 2 cloves of garlic and the jalapeño pepper (make sure you’ve removed the seeds and membranes for a milder heat, or leave some in if you like it spicier!). Pulse them a few times until they’re finely minced. Then, add the 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of cumin, 2 teaspoons of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano. Toss in a generous handful of fresh coriander, reserving a little for garnish if you wish. Squeeze in the juice of half a lime. Finally, season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Blend until you have a relatively smooth paste.

Now, take your prepared chicken thighs. If they are particularly large, you might want to cut them into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1.5 to 2 inches in size, ensuring they’ll cook evenly and fit nicely on the skewers alongside the vegetables. Place the chicken in a bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat every piece thoroughly. Use your hands to really work the marinade into the chicken. Once coated, cover the bowl or seal the bag and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For even deeper flavor, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the lime juice to start tenderizing the chicken.

Preparing the Skewers

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Chop the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper into roughly 1-inch square pieces, similar in size to your chicken pieces. This ensures they’ll cook at the same rate. Chop your white onion into similar-sized square pieces. The goal here is for everything to cook evenly on the skewer.

If you are using wooden skewers, it’s crucial to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you start assembling. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Once soaked, you can begin extract threading the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between the marinated chicken pieces and the colorful vegetable chunks. Don’t pack them too tightly; leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking and to get those lovely grill marks. I like to start with a piece of onion, then a bell pepper, then a chicken thigh, and repeat. This creates a beautiful visual appeal and ensures a good mix of flavors in every bite.

Grilling the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is essential for achieving a good sear and nice char on the skewers without overcooking the chicken. Lightly oil your grill grates using a paper towel dipped in cooking oil and tongs, or use your cooking oil spray directly on the grates. This will prevent the skewers from sticking.

Carefully place the prepared chicken skewers onto the hot grill. You’ll likely want to do this in batches, depending on the size of your grill, so you don’t overcrowd it. Overcrowding can lower the grill temperature and lead to steaming rather than grilling, which we want to avoid. Grill the skewers for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning them every few minutes to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. You’re looking for a beautiful char on the chicken and vegetables, and for the chicken to be cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can check this with an instant-read thermometer.

Resting and Serving

Once the skewers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite. While they rest, you can quickly chop up a little extra fresh coriander to sprinkle over the top for a burst of freshness and color.

Serve these delicious Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers hot off the grill. They are fantastic on their own, but I also love serving them with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or some warm tortillas. You could even whip up a simple avocado crema or a salsa verde to accompany them for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy the smoky, spicy, and citrusy goodness!

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into these delicious Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! This recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to the vibrant chili-lime marinade and smoky barbecue sauce, and it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. These skewers are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a backyard barbecue, or even a fun party appetizer. They offer that satisfying grilled char and a delightful kick that will have everyone asking for seconds. We’ve talked about how they pair wonderfully with classic sides like grilled corn on the cob, fresh salsa, or a creamy guacamole, but don’t be afraid to get creative!

Consider swapping the chicken for shrimp or firm tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian twist. You could also experiment with different barbecue sauce flavors or add some diced bell peppers and onions to the skewers for extra color and texture. The beauty of these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers is their adaptability. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and give these a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these indoors?

Absolutely! While grilling offers a wonderful smoky flavor, you can achieve similar results indoors. You can pan-sear the marinated chicken pieces in a hot skillet until cooked through and slightly caramelized, then toss them with barbecue sauce. Alternatively, you can thread the marinated chicken onto skewers (even without the stick to create “kabobs” in a pan) and bake them in a hot oven (around 400°F or 200°C) until cooked, basting with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes. You might even finish them under the broiler for a little char.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, for an even more intense taste experience, you can let it marinate for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Anything longer than that might start to affect the texture of the chicken due to the acidity in the lime juice.

Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can marinate the chicken and thread it onto the skewers a few hours in advance. Store the assembled skewers in the refrigerator. It’s best to add the barbecue sauce just before grilling to prevent it from burning. This makes them super convenient for entertaining!

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Flavorful chicken skewers marinated in a smoky 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 the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Finely mince the garlic and jalapeño pepper.
2. Step 2
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, jalapeño, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, chopped coriander, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
3. Step 3
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or longer in the refrigerator for more flavor.
4. Step 4
   While the chicken marinates, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with the chopped red, green, and yellow bell peppers, and white onion pieces.
5. Step 5
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly spray the grill grates with cooking oil spray.
6. Step 6
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks, and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
7. Step 7
   Remove the 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.