Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers-Flavorful Grill Recipe

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are your ticket to a fiesta of flavor, and trust me, they’re about to become your new grilling obsession. We all love barbecue chicken for its smoky, tender goodness, but what happens when you infuse it with the vibrant, zesty heart of Mexican cuisine? You get something truly spectacular. Imagin extracte succulent pieces of chicken marinated in a bold blend of chilies, lime, cilantro, and warm spices, then grilled to perfection until they’re beautifully charred and bursting with irresistible aromas. These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. They’re the perfect way to liven up any backyard gathering, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unforgettable twist on a classic favorite.

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Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Get ready to fire up the grill and transport your taste buds south of the border with these vibrant and flavorful Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! These skewers are an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively backyard barbecue. The combination of tender chicken, sweet and smoky peppers, and a zesty, homemade marinade creates a symphony of deliciousness that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Forget boring, bland chicken; these skewers are bursting with authentic Mexican flair, offering a delightful balance of heat, spice, and freshness.

The magic of these skewers lies in the simple yet powerful marinade. We’re building layers of flavor with fresh garlic, a touch of heat from the jalapeño, rich tomato paste, and a blend of classic Mexican spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano. The fresh coriander and lime juice add a bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the richness and elevates the entire dish. Paired with colorful, crisp bell peppers and sweet onion, grilled to perfection, these skewers are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat. Let’s get started on creating this culinary masterpiece!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Marinade

The foundation of these incredible skewers is the vibrant marinade. To begin extract, we’ll create a flavor-packed paste that will infuse the chicken with delicious Mexican essence. First, peel and roughly chop the 2 cloves of garlic. For the jalapeño, it’s important to wear gloves if you have sensitive skin, and then carefully remove the seeds and membranes to control the heat. You can leave some seeds in if you prefer a spicier kick. Chop the seeded jalapeño into smaller pieces.

Now, in a food processor or blender, combine the chopped garlic and jalapeño. Add the 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, which will lend a rich, slightly sweet base to our marinade. Next, introduce the fragrant spices: 2 teaspoons of cumin for its earthy warmth, 2 teaspoons of paprika for a hint of smoky sweetness and vibrant color, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano for that characteristic Mexican herbaceousness. Don’t forget a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all the flavors. Finally, add a handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped, for a burst of freshness, and the juice of half a lime to add a crucial zesty brightness.

Pulse or blend these ingredients until a relatively smooth paste forms. You might need to scrape down the sides of the processor a couple of times to ensure everything is well incorporated. This is your magic potion for incredibly flavorful chicken!

Marinating the Chicken and Veggies

Once your marinade is ready, it’s time to get everything coated and ready for skewering. Take your boneless chicken thighs, ensuring any excess fat has been trimmed away for a cleaner bite. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and are easy to handle on the skewers. Place the chicken pieces in a medium bowl.

Now, pour about two-thirds of your prepared marinade over the chicken. Use your hands (preferably with gloves) or a spoon to thoroughly toss the chicken, making sure every piece is generously coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, for 1 to 2 hours. This marinating time is crucial for the flavors to penetrate the chicken, making it incredibly tender and delicious.

While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare your vegetables. Chop the red, green, and yellow bell peppers into similarly sized square pieces, roughly the same size as your chicken cubes. Chop the white onion into square pieces as well. You can lightly toss these vegetables with the remaining marinade in a separate bowl, or you can simply set them aside and thread them onto the skewers in alternation with the chicken. I personally like to give them a light coating of the marinade for extra flavor.

Assembling and Grilling the Skewers

Now comes the fun part: assembling your colorful and delicious skewers! If you are using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken pieces and the chopped vegetables onto the soaked skewers, alternating between the chicken, bell peppers, and onion. Try to pack them somewhat snugly but not so tightly that they won’t cook evenly. Leaving a little space between the pieces allows for better air circulation and even cooking.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, lightly spray the grill grates with cooking oil spray. This will prevent the skewers from sticking. Carefully place the assembled skewers onto the hot grill.

Cooking to Perfection

Cook the skewers for approximately 12-15 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through, with no pinkness in the center, and for the vegetables to be tender-crisp and slightly charred. The exact cooking time will depend on the heat of your grill and the size of your chicken pieces. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C).

As the skewers cook, you can brush them with any leftover marinade (ensure it’s been brought to a boil and simmered for a minute if you plan to use it as a glaze after the initial cooking, to kill any bacteria). This will add another layer of glossy flavor and deliciousness. Keep an eye on the vegetables; you want them to be nicely caramelized and slightly softened, but not mushy.

Once the skewers are cooked to your liking, carefully remove them from the grill using tongs. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring a more tender and flavorful bite. Garnish with a little extra fresh coriander if desired. These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are absolutely fantastic served with rice, a fresh salad, or even some warm tortillas. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Conclusion:

These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are an absolute winner for any gathering or even a weeknight meal! The vibrant marinade, packed with smoky chipotle, zesty lime, and fragrant cumin, infuses the chicken with incredible flavor. Grilling them on skewers ensures tender, juicy chicken with beautifully charred edges, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious. They’re quick to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your guests and less time in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and yields fantastic results every time.

For serving, I love pairing these skewers with a fresh corn and black bean salsa, creamy guacamole, and warm tortillas for a complete Mexican fiesta. They also make a fantastic addition to a grilled salad or rice bowl. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! You could add chunks of bell pepper and red onion to the skewers for extra color and crunch, or try a spicier marinade by increasing the chipotle peppers. Give these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers a try; I’m confident you’ll be adding them to your regular rotation!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Thread the chicken onto the skewers a few hours before grilling, or even the night before, and keep them covered and chilled. This allows the flavors to meld even further.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill?

A: No problem! You can achieve similar results by broiling the skewers in your oven or cooking them in a hot grill pan on the stovetop. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, and turn them frequently for even cooking.

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a smoky, spicy 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 and 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 evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer in the refrigerator).
4. Step 4
   Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with pieces of red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and white onion.
5. Step 5
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly spray the grill grates or the skewers with cooking oil spray.
6. Step 6
   Grill the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred, and the vegetables are tender-crisp.

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.