Spicy Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers- Easy Grill Recipe

Mexican barbecue chicken skewers are the undisputed cbeef hampions of summer grilling, and for good reason! Imagin extracte tender, juicy chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of smoky chipotle, zesty lime, and aromatic cumin, then grilled to smoky perfection on skewers. This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser, delivering an explosion of authentic Mexican flavors with every bite. What makes these Mexican barbecue chicken skewers so special is the incredible balance: a little bit of heat from the chilies, a bright tang from the citrus, and a depth of flavor that only barbecue can provide. They’re perfect for backyard parties, casual weeknight dinners, or even just satisfying a craving for something undeniably delicious and easy to make. Get ready to fire up the grill!

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Looking for a vibrant and flavorful grilling experience? These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are an absolute winner! They’re bursting with smoky, spicy, and tangy notes that perfectly complement the tender chicken and colorful vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving a delicious weeknight meal, these skewers are sure to impress. The marinade is the star of the show, infusing the chicken with authentic Mexican flavors, while the bell peppers and onions add a delightful sweetness and texture when grilled. Get ready to fire up the grill and bring a taste of Mexico to your table!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Marinade

The key to incredibly tasty chicken skewers lies in a well-crafted marinade. Let’s get started by creating this flavor powerhouse. In a food processor or blender, combine the peeled garlic cloves and the deseeded jalapeño pepper. Give them a quick pulse until they are finely minced. If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely mince the garlic and jalapeño by hand, but be sure to use gloves when handling the jalapeño if you have sensitive skin.

Next, add the tomato paste, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and a generous handful of fresh coriander leaves to the food processor. Don’t forget the juice of half a lime for that essential zesty brightness. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse everything together until you have a relatively smooth paste. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Now it’s time to introduce the chicken to this aromatic blend. Trim any remaining visible fat from the boneless chicken thighs. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and absorb the marinade effectively. Place the cut chicken pieces into a medium-sized bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat every piece thoroughly.

Massage the marinade into the chicken with your hands to ensure maximum flavor penetration. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or seal the plastic bag. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for the most impactful flavor, I recommend marinating it for 2 to 4 hours. You can even marinate it overnight for an even deeper flavor profile. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and delicious it will become.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Skewers

While the chicken is marinating, let’s get our colorful vegetables ready. Wash the red, green, and yellow bell peppers. Remove the stems and seeds. Cut the bell peppers into roughly 1-inch square pieces. This size is ideal for threading onto skewers alongside the chicken and will allow them to cook to a tender-crisp perfection without falling apart. Chop the white onion into similar-sized square pieces. Aim for consistency in your vegetable cuts so they cook at a similar rate to the chicken.

If you are using wooden skewers, it’s crucial to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the ingredients onto them. This prevents the wooden skewers from burning on the grill. Metal skewers do not require soaking. Once everything is prepped, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Take a soaked wooden skewer or a metal skewer. Begin extract by threading a piece of marinated chicken, followed by a piece of bell pepper, then a piece of onion. Continue alternating chicken and vegetables, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Try to distribute the colors evenly for an appealing presentation. Don’t pack the ingredients too tightly, as this can hinder heat circulation.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. You can use a grill brush to clean them and then apply cooking oil spray or brush on a little oil.

Lightly spray the assembled skewers with cooking oil spray. This helps them to develop a nice sear and prevents them from sticking to the grill. Carefully place the skewers onto the preheated grill. You’ll likely need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your grill, to avoid overcrowding.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Grill the skewers for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning them every few minutes. The goal is to achieve nicely charred edges on the chicken and slightly tender, caramelized vegetables. The chicken should be cooked through, with no pinkness inside. You can check for doneness by cutting into a piece of chicken or using a meat thermometer – it should register an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Be mindful of flare-ups from any dripping marinade or chicken fat. If you notice excessive flames, move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill for a moment. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, resulting in more tender and moist meat. Serve these delicious Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers hot, perhaps with a side of rice, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the vibrant explosion of flavors!

Conclusion:

These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are an absolute winner for any gathering or a simple weeknight meal! The combination of smoky char from the grill, the vibrant, zesty marinade, and the tender chicken creates a flavor explosion that’s both familiar and excitingly new. They’re incredibly easy to assemble, making them perfect for even novice cooks, and the presentation on skewers is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving something delicious and relatively healthy, these skewers deliver. I genuinely encourage you to give them a try – you won’t be disappointed!

For serving, these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are fantastic alongside a fresh corn salad, cilantro-lime rice, or a simple green salad. They also make a great addition to tacos or burritos if you want to repurpose any leftovers. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! You could swap chicken thighs for breasts for extra juiciness, or add chunks of bell pepper and onion to the skewers for more color and texture. A sprinkle of cotija cheese or a dollop of avocado crema before serving takes them to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in advance. You can even thread the skewers a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.

What can I serve with these skewers if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! You can easily cook these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers under your oven broiler. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for about 4-5 minutes per side, watching them closely to prevent burning.

Are there any vegetarian or vegan alternatives?

Yes! For a vegetarian option, try using firm tofu or halloumi cheese. For a vegan version, extra-firm tofu or tempeh marinated in the same delicious sauce works wonderfully. Just adjust grilling or broiling times accordingly.

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Juicy and flavorful chicken skewers marinated in a vibrant Mexican-inspired barbecue sauce, perfect for grilling.

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, minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
• 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons of cumin
• 2 teaspoons of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
• handful of fresh coriander, chopped
• juice of half a lime
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 white onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• cooking oil spray

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
2. Step 2
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, minced jalapeño, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, chopped coriander, lime juice, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
3. Step 3
   Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
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 or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly spray the skewers with cooking oil spray.
6. Step 6
   Grill the skewers for 10-15 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.