Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers – Smoky-Sweet Flavor
Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are about to become your new favorite weeknight hero, and I can’t wait for you to try them! There’s something undeniably captivating about the vibrant flavors and smoky char that define Mexican barbecue. These skewers capture that essence perfectly, transforming simple chicken into an explosion of taste that’s both familiar and exciting. What is it about these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers that makes them so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of tender, juicy chicken marinated in a zesty blend of lime, chilies, and spices, then kissed by the grill to achieve those irresistible crispy edges. They’re incredibly versatile – fantastic as a standalone meal with a side of rice and beans, or even tucked into warm tortillas for impromptu tacos. Get ready for a flavor fiesta that will have everyone beggin extractg for seconds!
Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a fantastic way to bring vibrant, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors to your grill. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The marinade is a punchy blend of classic Mexican-inspired spices and aromatics that will transform simple chicken thighs into something truly special. Plus, the colorful vegetables threaded onto the skewers add visual appeal and a lovely fresh crunch. Let’s get grilling!
Ingredients:
Preparing the Chicken and Marinade
The key to incredibly flavorful chicken skewers lies in the marinade. We’re going to create a bold and zesty blend that will penetrate the chicken, infusing it with delicious Mexican-inspired tastes.
1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Trim away any remaining visible fat from the boneless chicken thighs. This ensures a cleaner taste and prevents excessive flare-ups on the grill. Cut the chicken thighs into roughly 1-inch bite-sized pieces. This size is perfect for skewering and will ensure they cook evenly. Place these chicken pieces in a medium-sized bowl.
2. Now, for the magic of the marinade. Mince the 2 cloves of garlic and finely chop the seeded jalapeño pepper. If you prefer less heat, you can always remove more seeds or use a milder chili pepper. In a separate small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of cumin, 2 teaspoons of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano. Add the chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) – don’t be shy, it adds a wonderful freshness! Squeeze in the juice of half a lime for a touch of acidity that brightens everything up. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Pour this vibrant marinade over the chicken pieces in the bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 2-4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavor will be.
Assembling and Grilling the Skewers
While the chicken is marinating, we can prepare our colorful vegetables. This is also a good time to soak your wooden skewers in water if you are using them. Soaking prevents them from burning on the grill.
4. While the chicken marinates, prepare your vegetables. Chop the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and white onion into roughly 1-inch square pieces. Aim for pieces that are similar in size to the chicken pieces so that they cook at approximately the same rate. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaking in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
5. Now it’s time to assemble the skewers. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating them with the chopped bell peppers and onion pieces. Don’t pack the ingredients too tightly; leave a little space between them. This allows heat to circulate around each piece, ensuring even cooking and better charring. You’ll likely get about 4-6 skewers depending on the size of your chicken and vegetables.
Grilling the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is crucial for getting a nice sear on the chicken and slightly charred vegetables.
6. Lightly spray your grill grates with cooking oil spray or brush them with a little oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the assembled skewers onto the preheated grill. Cook for about 8-12 minutes, turning them every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a beautiful char on the outside, and the vegetables are tender-crisp. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on them, as grill temperatures can vary. You want them nicely browned and slightly smoky, not burnt to a crisp.
Serve these delicious Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers hot off the grill. They are wonderful served with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or some warm tortillas. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Conclusion:
There you have it – a recipe for delicious and vibrant Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers that’s sure to impress! These skewers are fantastic because they strike a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, all while being incredibly easy to make. The bright, fresh marinade infuses the chicken with authentic Mexican spices, and grilling them to perfection gives them that irresistible barbecue char. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual backyard gatherings to more festive celebrations. I absolutely love serving these alongside some fresh corn on the cob, a big bowl of cilantro-lime rice, and a simple pico de gallo for a complete and satisfying meal.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! You can easily swap out the chicken for chunks of beef tenderloin or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Feeling adventurous? Add some chunks of bell pepper and red onion to the skewers for extra color and flavor. I truly hope you give this recipe a try – I’m confident you’ll find it as enjoyable to make as it is to devour!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Once marinated, you can thread them onto the skewers and store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. Just bring them to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking for even grilling.
What can I serve with these skewers if I don’t have time for rice or corn?
No problem at all! These skewers are delicious served simply with a fresh green salad dressed with a lime vinaigrette, or even tucked into warm tortillas with shredded lettuce and your favorite salsa for an instant taco experience. They’re quite versatile!
Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant Mexican-inspired barbecue sauce, grilled to smoky perfection with colorful bell peppers and onions.
Ingredients
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8 small boneless chicken thighs, any visible fat removed (approx 650g/22.5oz)
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2 cloves of garlic, minced
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1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed, finely chopped
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3 tablespoons of tomato paste
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2 teaspoons of cumin
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2 teaspoons of paprika
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1/2 teaspoon of oregano
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1/4 cup of fresh coriander, chopped
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juice of half a lime
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salt and black pepper to taste
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1 red bell pepper, chopped into square pieces
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1 green bell pepper, chopped into square pieces
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1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into square pieces
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1 white onion, chopped into square pieces
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cooking oil spray
Instructions
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Step 1
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, chopped coriander, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes. -
Step 2
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with the chopped red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and white onion. -
Step 3
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly spray the grill grates or pan with cooking oil spray. -
Step 4
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, and the vegetables are tender-crisp. -
Step 5
Remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh coriander if desired.
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.
