Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers – Easy Grill Recipe

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, a guaranteed hit at any gathering, from casual backyard barbecues to lively fiesta nights. There’s something incredibly satisfying about tender, juicy chicken, marinated in vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors, and kissed by the smoky char of the grill. We all love dishes that are easy to prepare yet deliver a punch of incredible taste, and these skewers tick all the boxes. What makes them truly special is the effortless fusion of smoky barbecue goodness with the zesty, complex notes of traditional Mexican seasonings – think a delightful dance of chili, lime, and a hint of cumin. Imagin extracte sinking your teeth into these flavor-packed delights; they’re not just food, they’re an experience. Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these sensational Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers.

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! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a backyard barbecue, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a fun party appetizer. The combination of tender chicken, smoky spices, and sweet, colorful vegetables, all grilled to perfection, creates an irresistible dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. We’re going to create a zesty marinade that infuses the chicken with authentic Mexican flavors, then thread it onto skewers with chunky pieces of crisp bell peppers and sweet onion. The grilling process adds that essential smoky char that makes barbecue so special.

Ingredients:

Preparation and Marinade

The foundation of these delicious skewers lies in a truly flavorful marinade. We’ll start by preparing the aromatics that will give our marinade its punch. First, mince the garlic cloves finely. For the jalapeño, since we’re removing the seeds, it will add a pleasant warmth without being overwhelmingly spicy. Finely mince the deseeded jalapeño pepper. It’s a good idea to wear gloves when handling jalapeños, especially if you have sensitive skin, to avoid any lingering heat.

Next, we’ll combine the wet and dry ingredients to form our vibrant marinade. In a medium bowl, add the minced garlic and minced jalapeño. To this, add the tomato paste, which will provide a rich, savory base and a beautiful reddish hue. Now, let’s bring in the spices: the cumin, paprika, and oregano. These are classic Mexican pantry staples that will lend an earthy, smoky, and slightly floral aroma to our chicken. Don’t forget to season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Finally, for a bright, zesty finish, squeeze in the juice of half a lime and add the handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped. The coriander will add a wonderfully fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the marinade.

Now, it’s time to get our chicken ready. Cut the boneless chicken thighs into roughly 1-inch cubes. Make sure to remove any excess visible fat, as this can sometimes become unpleasant when grilled and prevent the marinade from clingin extractg effectively. Place the chicken pieces into the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. This is where the magic happens! Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or ideally, cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavor will penetrate the chicken.

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Chop the red, green, and yellow bell peppers into bite-sized square pieces, similar in size to the chicken cubes. This ensures they cook at a similar rate. Also, chop the white onion into similarly sized square pieces. These vegetables will add fantastic color, sweetness, and a slight crunch to our skewers, complementing the tender chicken beautifully.

Assembly and Grilling

Once your chicken has had ample time to marinate and your vegetables are prepped, it’s time to assemble the skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken pieces and the chopped vegetables onto the prepared skewers, alternating between chicken, red pepper, onion, green pepper, onion, yellow pepper, and so on. Try to pack them fairly snugly but not so tightly that they can’t cook evenly. Aim for a visually appealing and balanced arrangement of colors and ingredients on each skewer.

Now, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. It’s important to have a hot grill so that you get a good sear on the chicken and vegetables, creating those delicious charred bits. Lightly spray your grill grates with cooking oil spray or brush them with oil to prevent sticking.

Carefully place the assembled skewers onto the hot grill. Grill for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning them every few minutes to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. The chicken should be cooked through, with no pink in the center, and the vegetables should be tender-crisp and slightly charred. You’re looking for that beautiful caramelization on the edges of the chicken and vegetables.

If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also cook these skewers in a hot oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. For a bit of char, you can finish them under the broiler for a minute or two, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are best served immediately, hot off the grill. They pair wonderfully with a side of rice, beans, a fresh salsa, or a dollop of guacamole. Enjoy the explosion of flavor!

Conclusion:

There you have it! These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a flavor explosion waiting to happen. The perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory, they’re incredibly versatile and surprisingly easy to whip up for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for a fun weeknight meal, or just craving something delicious and grilled, these skewers are sure to be a hit. The vibrant marinade infuses the chicken with incredible depth, and the char from the grill adds that irresistible barbecue aroma.

I love serving these alongside a fresh corn salad, some creamy guacamole, and warm tortillas for a complete fiesta. You can also thread them with colorful bell peppers and onions for extra crunch and visual appeal. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings – a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro elevate them to another level. I truly encourage you to give these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers a try; I promise your taste buds will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I marinate the chicken for longer than recommended?

Yes, you absolutely can! Marinating the chicken for up to 24 hours will intensify the flavors even further. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I bake these instead?

Definitely! You can bake these skewers in a preheated oven at around 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until cooked through. You might want to finish them under the broiler for a minute or two to get that lovely char.

Are these skewers spicy? Can I adjust the heat?

The spice level can be easily adjusted! If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and chili powder. For more heat, add an extra chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant Mexican-inspired barbecue sauce and grilled to perfection with colorful bell peppers and onion.

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
• 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.
2. Step 2
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic and jalapeño, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, chopped coriander, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
3. Step 3
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
4. Step 4
   Thread the marinated chicken pieces and the chopped bell peppers and onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
5. Step 5
   Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly spray the skewers with cooking oil.
6. Step 6
   Grill the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

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.