Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers- Flavorful Grill Recipe

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are about to become your new favorite way to grill! Forget boring burgers and predictable chicken breasts; these vibrant skewers are bursting with smoky, zesty, and unbelievably delicious flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a lively fiesta. Who doesn’t love a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make? The magic of these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers lies in their incredible versatility and the irresistible char from the grill, perfectly complemented by a bold, homemade marinade. They’re perfect for backyard gatherings, quick weeknight dinners, or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Get ready to ignite your grill and your appetite with this sensational recipe!

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these vibrant Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! They’re incredibly easy to make, packed with smoky, spicy, and tangy notes, and perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or your next backyard gathering. The chicken thighs stay wonderfully juicy, and the medley of colorful bell peppers and onions adds a delightful sweetness and crunch. We’re using fresh, bold ingredients to create a marinade that’s truly unforgettable. So, let’s get started and transform simple ingredients into a fiesta on a stick!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Marinade

The heart of these skewers lies in their delicious marinade. It’s a simple yet potent blend that will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor. First, let’s get our aromatics ready. Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves. For the jalapeño, after removing the seeds, give it a rough chop as well. Remember, the seeds are where most of the heat resides, so if you prefer a milder flavor, ensure you’ve removed them thoroughly.

Now, in a food processor or blender, combine the chopped garlic and jalapeño. Add the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, the roughly chopped fresh coriander, and the juice of half a lime. Don’t forget to season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a good pulse until you have a relatively smooth paste. If it seems a bit too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water to help it blend. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You’re looking for a balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy.

Marinating the Chicken

Once your marinade is ready, it’s time to coat the chicken. Cut the boneless chicken thighs into roughly 1-inch cubes. This size is perfect for skewering and ensures they cook evenly. Place the chicken pieces in a medium-sized bowl. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Use your hands or a spoon to gently toss the chicken until it’s thoroughly covered.

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more the flavors will penetrate the chicken, making it incredibly tender and delicious. While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare your vegetables.

Preparing the Vegetables and Skewering

Chop your red, green, and yellow bell peppers, along with the white onion, into roughly 1-inch square pieces. Aim for pieces that are similar in size to the chicken cubes. This uniformity will help everything cook at roughly the same rate.

If you are using wooden skewers, it’s a good idea to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you plan to use them. This prevents them from burning on the grill or in the oven. 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 between them. You can arrange them in any pattern you like, but a good strategy is to start with a piece of onion, then a bell pepper, then chicken, and repeat. This ensures that the flavors and textures are distributed nicely across the skewer. Don’t pack the ingredients too tightly; leave a little space between them to allow for even cooking.

Cooking the Skewers

You have a couple of fantastic options for cooking these skewers: grilling or baking.

Grilling:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Once the grill is hot, place the skewers onto the grates. Cook for approximately 8-12 minutes, turning them every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks, and the vegetables are tender-crisp. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Baking:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking oil spray. Arrange the assembled skewers on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. For an extra touch of char, you can finish them under the broiler for a minute or two at the end, keeping a very close eye on them to prevent burning.

Regardless of your cooking method, you’ll know they’re done when the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the vegetables are vibrant and slightly softened.

Serving Your Delicious Skewers

Once your Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the heat. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.

These skewers are fantastic served on their own, or you can pair them with a side of rice, black beans, or a fresh salsa. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole also makes a wonderful accompaniment. Enjoy the bright, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors of your homemade Mexican barbecue!

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited to try these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers as I am to share them! They are a fantastic way to bring vibrant, smoky flavors to your next gathering, or even just a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender chicken, the sweet and smoky barbecue sauce with a hint of lime and chili, and the simple grilling process makes this recipe a definite winner. They are incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion where you want something delicious and fun to eat.

For serving, I love to pair these skewers with a fresh corn salsa, some fluffy cilantro lime rice, or even just a simple side salad. They also make a wonderful addition to taco night, just remove the chicken from the skewers and serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings! Don’t be afraid to experiment with the marinade; for instance, you could add a touch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of depth, or a pinch of cayenne for more heat. Give these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in advance. You can also assemble the skewers a few hours before grilling and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even results.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill?

A: No problem! You can achieve a similar smoky flavor using your oven broiler. Place the assembled skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil and broil them, turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely charred. Alternatively, a grill pan on the stovetop works beautifully too.

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Flavorful chicken skewers marinated in a smoky, spicy 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 or food processor, combine garlic, jalapeño, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
2. Step 2
   Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Step 3
   While the chicken marinates, 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. Lightly spray the grill grates with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5
   Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
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.