Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers – Easy Grill Recipe

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are your passport to a vibrant, flavor-packed grilling experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of a lively fiesta. There’s something undeniably magical about tender, juicy chicken marinated in a symphony of smoky, spicy, and zesty Mexican-inspired spices, then grilled to perfection. These aren’t just any skewers; they’re a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold tastes that make them an instant crowd-pleaser for any backyard gathering or weeknight dinner. What truly sets our Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers apart is the irresistible sweet and smoky char that develops on the grill, perfectly complementing the bright citrus and chili notes in the marinade. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this effortlessly delicious recipe!

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

There’s something incredibly satisfying about grilling, and these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a fantastic way to bring vibrant, smoky flavors to your next outdoor gathering or even just a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender chicken, sweet bell peppers, and a zesty, slightly spicy marinade makes these skewers a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re relatively simple to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the sunshine (or just the delicious aroma wafting from your grill!). The secret lies in the marinade, which infuses the chicken with authentic Mexican-inspired flavors that are both bold and balanced.

Ingredients:

Preparation and Marination

Our journey to delicious Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers begin extracts with creating the flavorful marinade. This is where all the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Trim any excess fat from your boneless chicken thighs. This ensures a cleaner flavor and a more pleasant eating experience. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1.5 to 2 inches in size. This uniform size is important for even cooking on the skewers.

Next, we’ll prepare the flavor base for our marinade. In a food processor or blender, combine the 2 cloves of garlic and the deseeded jalapeño pepper. Give it a quick pulse until finely minced. Now, add the 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of cumin, 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, a generous handful of fresh coriander leaves and tender stems, and the juice of half a lime. Season with a good pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper.

Once all the marinade ingredients are in the processor, blend until you have a smooth, vibrant paste. If it seems a little too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water or a splash of olive oil to achieve a pourable consistency. Now, in a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with this glorious marinade. Make sure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 2 to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavor will penetrate the chicken. While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables.

Assembling the Skewers

This is the fun, visual part of the process! We’re going to alternate pieces of marinated chicken with colorful chunks of vegetables. Cut your red, green, and yellow bell peppers into roughly 1-inch square pieces. Chop your white onion into similarly sized pieces. These vegetables will not only add color and texture but also a delightful sweetness when they caramelize on the grill.

If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand. This crucial step prevents them from burning on the grill. Once soaked, thread the marinated chicken pieces and the chopped vegetables onto the skewers, alternating as you go. Aim for a good balance of chicken and veggies on each skewer. Don’t pack them too tightly, as this will hinder even cooking. Leave a little space between each piece to allow the heat to circulate effectively. You should be able to make approximately 6-8 skewers depending on the size of your pieces and skewers.

Grilling Perfection

Now it’s time to bring these beauties to life on the grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. It’s important to have a consistently hot grill for that beautiful char and quick cooking. Once the grill is hot, lightly spray the grill grates with cooking oil spray. This prevents the skewers from sticking, which can be a frustrating culinary mishap.

Carefully place the assembled skewers onto the hot grill grates. You’ll want to cook them for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning them every few minutes to ensure even cooking and to develop those coveted grill marks. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary depending on the heat of your grill and the size of your chicken pieces. The chicken is cooked through when it’s no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. The vegetables should be tender-crisp, with a slight char. You’re looking for that perfect balance of cooked-through chicken and slightly softened, caramelized vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are beautifully grilled and fragrant, remove them from the heat. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor. You can serve these skewers on their own as a light meal or appetizer. They also pair wonderfully with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or some warm tortillas. A dollop of guacamole or a sprinkle of extra fresh coriander would also be fantastic additions. Enjoy the delicious taste of your homemade Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers!

Conclusion:

There you have it – the recipe for delicious Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! I’m so excited for you to try these. They are an absolute winner for a reason: the perfect balance of smoky char from the grill, the zesty kick of Mexican spices, and the tender, juicy chicken create an unforgettable flavor explosion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for a fun weeknight meal, or just craving something incredibly tasty, these skewers deliver. Serve them up with your favorite sides like cilantro-lime rice, a fresh corn salsa, or some grilled pineapple for an extra tropical touch. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You can swap chicken thighs for breasts, add chunks of bell peppers and onions to the skewers for extra color and texture, or even try a spicy marinade if you like things extra hot. I truly encourage you to give these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers a go – they are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in advance. It’s best to assemble the skewers just before grilling to prevent the wooden skewers from getting too soggy and to ensure the best texture.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem at all! You can achieve a similar smoky flavor and char by broiling the skewers in your oven. Place them on a baking sheet lined with foil and broil for a few minutes per side until cooked through and nicely browned. You can also pan-fry them in a hot skillet.

How spicy are these skewers typically?

The spice level can be adjusted to your preference. The base recipe uses chili powder and cumin for a warm, mild heat. If you prefer more spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or serve with a spicier salsa.

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Flavorful chicken skewers marinated in a smoky, spicy Mexican-inspired barbecue sauce and grilled to perfection with colorful bell peppers and onion.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
12 Minutes

Total Time
42 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
   Prepare the marinade: In a food processor, combine the garlic, jalapeño pepper (seeds removed), tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, fresh coriander, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Step 2
   Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a bowl, pour the marinade over it, and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
3. Step 3
   Chop the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and white onion into square pieces, similar in size to the chicken pieces.
4. Step 4
   Thread the marinated chicken pieces and chopped vegetables alternately onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
5. Step 5
   Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly spray the grill grates or pan with cooking oil spray.
6. Step 6
   Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly 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.