Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers-Flavorful Grill!

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are an absolute game-changer for your next backyard gathering. Imagin extracte succulent, tender chicken infused with the vibrant, smoky flavors of Mexican spices, grilled to perfection on a skewer. Who can resist that irresistible aroma wafting through the air? These aren’t just any grilled chicken; they’re a fiesta on a stick! What truly sets these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers apart is the harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spicy, all coming together in each bite. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces and prompts everyone to ask for the recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration or the star of your summer cookout, these skewers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these vibrant and utterly delicious Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! Perfect for grilling season, a weeknight dinner, or a fun gathering, these skewers are bursting with smoky, spicy, and tangy notes that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico. The combination of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a zesty marinade makes these skewers a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget boring chicken; we’re about to spice things up!

Ingredients:

Marinade Magic: Preparing the Flavor Base

The secret to unbelievably tasty chicken lies in a killer marinade. We’re going to create a rich, aromatic blend that infuses the chicken with all the best Mexican-inspired flavors.

First, let’s get our aromatics ready. Mince the 2 cloves of garlic finely. For the jalapeño, remember to remove all the seeds and membranes to control the heat. If you prefer a spicier kick, leave a few seeds in, but for a balanced flavor, it’s best to remove them. Finely mince the jalapeño as well. Now, gather your dried spices: 2 teaspoons of cumin and 2 teaspoons of paprika. Cumin brings that earthy, smoky depth, while paprika adds a touch of sweetness and beautiful color. Don’t forget the 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, which offers a subtle herbaceous note that complements the other spices perfectly. Finally, for that fresh, vibrant finish, we’ll chop a generous handful of fresh coriander.

In a bowl, combine the minced garlic and jalapeño. Add the 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, which will act as a fantastic base and provide a lovely richness. Next, add the cumin, paprika, and oregano. Squeeze in the juice of half a lime. The acidity from the lime juice will help to tenderize the chicken and brighten all the flavors. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Now, it’s time to mix everything together. Use a spoon or a whisk to thoroughly combine all the marinade ingredients until you have a smooth, fragrant paste.

Chicken Preparation and Marinating

Now that our marinade is ready, let’s get the chicken prepared. Trim any excess fat from your 8 small boneless chicken thighs. We want clean, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Cut each chicken thigh into roughly 1-inch cubes. Consistency in size is important so that all the pieces cook at the same rate on the grill.

Place the chicken cubes into a resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive bowl. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat every single piece. Gently massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure even distribution. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, for 2 to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more deeply the flavors will penetrate, resulting in an even more delicious outcome. If you’re marinating for a longer period, keep an eye on it; the lime juice can start to “cook” the chicken if left for too long (overnight), leading to a slightly mushy texture.

Vegetable Prep and Skewering

While the chicken is doing its flavor-building magic, let’s prepare our colorful array of vegetables. We have a beautiful mix of 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 yellow bell pepper. Chop each bell pepper into roughly 1-inch square pieces, similar in size to your chicken cubes. This ensures they’ll cook at a similar pace and look visually appealing on the skewers. Next, take your 1 white onion and chop it into similarly sized pieces. The onion will caramelize slightly on the grill, adding a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor.

Once everything is chopped, you can either thread the chicken and vegetables onto skewers in alternating patterns, or you can keep them separate and thread them as you go, depending on your preference. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken pieces and the prepared bell pepper and onion pieces onto the skewers. Don’t pack them too tightly; leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking and heat circulation.

Grilling to Perfection

It’s time to fire up the grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean. A quick brush with a wire brush followed by a light coating of cooking oil spray can prevent sticking.

Grilling Instructions:

1. Grill the Skewers: Carefully place the prepared chicken and vegetable skewers onto the preheated grill. You may want to do this in batches if your grill is small, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the surface.
2. Cook and Turn: Grill the skewers for about 8-12 minutes, turning them every 2-3 minutes. This continuous turning ensures that all sides of the chicken and vegetables get beautifully charred and cooked through. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through with no pinkness inside, and the vegetables to be tender-crisp with a slight char. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Watch for Flare-ups: Keep an eye out for any flare-ups, especially if there’s any remaining marinade dripping onto the coals. Move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill if you encounter excessive flames.
4. Resting Period: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes on a clean plate or cutting board. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it even more tender and moist.
5. Serving Suggestions: Serve your vibrant Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers hot off the grill. They are absolutely delicious on their own, or you can pair them with your favorite Mexican sides like rice, beans, guacamole, or a fresh salsa. A final sprinkle of fresh coriander and a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving will elevate them even further.

Enjoy these flavorful, easy-to-make skewers that are sure to be a hit!

Conclusion:

There you have it – the perfect recipe for Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! These skewers are an absolute winner for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to lively backyard parties. The combination of tender chicken marinated in a zesty, smoky Mexican-inspired blend, grilled to juicy perfection, makes them incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The vibrant colors and delicious aroma are sure to impress your family and friends. They’re incredibly easy to make and a fantastic way to enjoy the bold tastes of Mexican barbecue.

I love serving these skewers alongside a fresh corn salad, black beans, or a simple cilantro-lime rice. They also make a fantastic appetizer, served with a side of your favorite salsa or guacamole. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Add some chunks of bell peppers, red onion, or pineapple to the skewers for extra flavor and texture.

I truly encourage you to give these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers a try. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and so much fun to prepare. Let me know how yours turn out!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare the chicken skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. For best results, assemble the skewers just before grilling. If you’ve pre-assembled them, ensure they stay chilled until ready to cook.

What can I do if I don’t have a grill?

No worries if you don’t have a grill! You can easily achieve delicious results by baking these skewers in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

To ensure moist and tender chicken, avoid overcooking. The marinade itself helps keep the chicken juicy. For grilling, don’t overcrowd the grill so the heat circulates properly. If baking, keep a close eye on the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C).

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Flavorful chicken skewers marinated in a zesty Mexican-inspired barbecue sauce, grilled to perfection with colorful vegetables.

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 dried oregano
• handful of fresh coriander, chopped
• juice of half a lime
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• 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 into square pieces
• cooking oil spray

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, minced jalapeño, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, chopped coriander, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form the marinade.
2. Step 2
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
3. Step 3
   While the chicken marinates, thread the marinated chicken pieces and the chopped bell peppers and onion onto skewers, alternating them.
4. Step 4
   Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly spray the grill grates with cooking oil spray.
5. Step 5
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char.
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.