Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Category:Chicken Recipes

Juicy Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are perfect for your next gathering! These grilled delights are marinated in a zesty mix of lime, garlic, and spices, giving each bite a burst of flavor. Perfect for summer barbecues, serve them with fresh salsa and tortillas. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next cookout!

These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are juicy and packed with flavor! Marinated in a zesty mix of spices and herbs, they’re perfect for grilling up a fun meal.

Who doesn’t love food on a stick? They’re super fun to eat and easy to share! I like serving them with some fresh salsa or guacamole for that extra yum factor. 🥑🌶️

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for skewers due to their tenderness. If you’re looking for a change, try chicken thighs for a juicier option or even tofu for a plant-based meal.

Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers. They add color and sweetness! You can substitute with zucchini, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a fun twist.

Olive Oil: It gives a nice flavor and helps the spices stick. If you want a neutral taste, canola or vegetable oil works too. For a richer flavor, consider avocado oil.

Spices: The combination of cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano brings an amazing depth. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the chili powder or swap it for a mild paprika. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat!

How Do You Make Sure Your Skewers Don’t Burn?

Soaking wooden skewers is a key step to avoid them catching fire. Here’s how to do it properly:

  • Submerge the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps them absorb moisture.
  • To add flavor, soak them in a mix of water and lime juice or vegetable broth.
  • When ready, shake off excess water before threading the chicken and veggies for grilling.

This little trick will help your skewers cook beautifully, without the risk of burning. Enjoy your grilling!

Delicious Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Skewers:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

For The Marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Wooden or metal skewers

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and making the marinade, and then at least 30 minutes for the chicken to marinate. The grilling itself will take around 10-15 minutes. It’s a fun and tasty project!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Marinade:

In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This is the magic sauce that will give your chicken lots of flavor!

2. Marinate the Chicken:

Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Stir well to make sure all the chicken pieces are coated in that yummy marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to an hour. The longer it marinates, the tastier it will be!

3. Prep the Skewers:

If you’re using wooden skewers, now is the time to soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning while on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step!

4. Preheat the Grill:

Fire up your grill to medium-high heat. It needs to be nice and hot to give those skewers a great char!

5. Assemble the Skewers:

After the chicken has marinated, it’s time to thread everything onto the skewers! Alternate threading the marinated chicken cubes with pieces of red, yellow, and green bell peppers, along with onion chunks. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.

6. Grill the Skewers:

Place the skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them every few minutes. You want the chicken to be charred and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

7. Let Them Rest:

Once they’re done grilling, carefully take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Before serving, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor. These skewers are perfect with rice, tortillas, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Just make sure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces as the chicken so they cook evenly. If using dense veggies like carrots, consider pre-cooking them a bit before skewering.

How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can let it sit in the marinade for up to 4 hours in the fridge. Just be cautious not to go beyond that, as the acid from the lime juice can begin to break down the chicken too much and change its texture.

What If I Don’t Have Skewers?

No worries! If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the chicken and vegetables directly in a grill basket or on a sheet pan. Just make sure to cut the vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking. You can also serve the chicken and veggies on a plate for a delicious deconstructed version!

How to Store Leftover Skewers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through. You can also add a splash of lime juice to brighten the flavors!

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