Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers-Flavorful Grilled Delight

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are the ultimate taste of summer, bursting with vibrant flavors that will transport your palate south of the border. If you’re anything like me, the thought of juicy, marinated chicken kissed by the grill, infused with the smoky essence of barbecue and a zesty Mexican twist, is pure culinary bliss. We all crave those dishes that are effortlessly impressive yet incredibly simple to prepare, and these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers hit that sweet spot perfectly. They’re more than just grilled chicken; they’re a fiesta on a stick! The magic lies in the marinade – a symphony of smoky chipotle, tangy lime, and a hint of sweet agave that tenderizes the chicken and creates an irresistible caramelized crust. Get ready to elevate your backyard barbecue game with these crowd-pleasing Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers.

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Get ready for a burst of vibrant, smoky flavor with these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! These aren’t your average grilled skewers. We’re talking about tender chicken marinated in a zesty, slightly spicy blend that just screams summer. Paired with colorful bell peppers and sweet onion, these skewers are perfect for your next backyard barbecue, a fun weeknight meal, or even a festive gathering. They’re easy to prepare, and the grilling process locks in all that deliciousness. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

Marinating the Chicken: The Flavor Foundation

The secret to incredibly flavorful chicken lies in a good marinade. This Mexican-inspired marinade is simple to whip up and packs a serious punch. First, we’ll prepare the base for our marinade. In a food processor or blender, add the 2 cloves of garlic and the deseeded jalapeño pepper. Give it a good blitz until it’s finely minced. If you don’t have a food processor, you can very finely mince the garlic and jalapeño by hand, just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the jalapeño!

Next, add the 3 tablespoons of tomato paste to the food processor. This will give our marinade a lovely rich base and a hint of sweetness. Now, let’s add our spices. Sprinkle in the 2 teaspoons of cumin, 2 teaspoons of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano. Cumin brings that earthy, warm depth, while paprika adds a touch of smokiness and color. The oregano provides a classic herbaceous note that complements the other flavors beautifully.

Finely chop the handful of fresh coriander and add it to the mix. Coriander adds a bright, fresh, and slightly citrusy flavor that is essential in many Mexican dishes. Finally, squeeze in the juice of half a lime. The lime juice is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and adding a delightful tangin extractess that cuts through the richness of the marinade. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Remember, salt enhances all the other flavors, so don’t be shy!

Now, pulse everything together until you have a relatively smooth paste. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water or a little more lime juice to help it blend. Take your 8 boneless chicken thighs, ensuring any visible fat has been trimmed away. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken. Toss well to ensure every piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 2-4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more the flavors will penetrate the chicken.

Preparing the Vegetables: Adding Color and Crunch

While the chicken is busy soaking up all those wonderful flavors, let’s get our vegetables ready. We want to chop the 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, and 1 white onion into uniform square pieces, roughly the same size as the chicken pieces. This ensures that everything cooks evenly on the skewers. Uniformity is key for a successful skewer! The different colored bell peppers not only make the skewers look visually appealing but also offer slightly different nuances of sweetness and flavor. The white onion will caramelize slightly on the grill, adding a delicious sweet and savory element.

Once all your vegetables are chopped, set them aside. If you’re planning on using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you start threading the skewers. This prevents the wooden skewers from burning on the grill. If you have metal skewers, no soaking is required!

Assembling the Skewers: The Fun Part

Now comes the exciting part – assembling our colorful and delicious skewers! Take your marinated chicken out of the refrigerator. Thread alternating pieces of chicken, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and white onion onto your prepared skewers. Don’t pack the ingredients too tightly together; leave a little bit of space between each piece. This allows the heat to circulate evenly, ensuring that everything cooks through nicely and gets those beautiful grill marks. Aim for a good balance of chicken and vegetables on each skewer.

Grilling to Perfection: The Smoky Finish

It’s time to fire up your grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, lightly grease the grill grates with a bit of cooking oil spray to prevent sticking. Carefully place the assembled skewers on the hot grill. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning them every few minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through, with no pink inside, and for the vegetables to be tender-crisp and slightly charred. The exact cooking time will depend on the heat of your grill and the size of your chicken and vegetable pieces.

Checking for Doneness and Serving

To ensure the chicken is cooked through, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can cut into one of the larger chicken pieces to check for any pinkness. The vegetables should have a nice char and be tender but still have a slight bite. Once your skewers are perfectly grilled, carefully remove them from the grill. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are fantastic served with rice, a fresh salad, or even some warm tortillas. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your guide to crafting truly sensational Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! These skewers are a fantastic way to bring vibrant, smoky, and zesty flavors to any gathering. The marinade is key, infusing every bite with a delightful blend of chili, lime, and spices, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re incredibly versatile, perfect for a casual backyard cookout, a lively fiesta, or even a weeknight dinner that feels special. Serve them up with your favorite sides like a fresh corn salad, creamy guacamole, or warm tortillas for an authentic experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spice levels or add other colorful vegetables like bell peppers and onions to the skewers. I truly encourage you to give these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers a try – I’m confident you’ll love them as much as I do!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can I prepare the chicken and marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator. You can even prepare the marinade and cut the chicken the night before, then combine them and let them meld overnight for an even deeper flavor profile.

Q2: What are some good vegetarian or vegan alternatives for these skewers?

You can easily adapt these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers for a vegetarian or vegan diet! Try using firm tofu that has been pressed to remove excess water, or large chunks of colorful vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, portobello mushrooms, and sweet potatoes. Ensure your marinade ingredients are vegetarian/vegan-friendly (no honey for vegan options, for instance).

Q3: How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

A well-oiled grill grate is your best friend! Make sure your grill is thoroughly preheated. Before placing the skewers, brush the grill grates with a high-heat oil like canola or vegetable oil. You can also soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning. For metal skewers, oiling them directly before threading the chicken can also help.

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Spicy and flavorful Mexican-inspired chicken skewers marinated in a zesty lime and chili 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, seeds removed, finely chopped
• 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 and 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 the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, chopped coriander, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Step 2
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to ensure they are evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or longer in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor.
3. Step 3
   While the chicken marinates, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with the chopped red, green, and yellow bell peppers, and white onion pieces.
4. Step 4
   Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly spray the grill grates or pan with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill or pan. Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Step 6
   Serve the Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers hot, garnished with extra 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.