Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers-Easy Grilled Recipe
Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are about to become your new favorite summer obsession. Imagin extracte tender, juicy chicken chunks, marinated in a vibrant blend of smoky chilies, zesty lime, and fragrant cilantro, then grilled to perfection on skewers. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, their mouths already watering at the non-intoxicating aroma. What is it about these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers that makes them so utterly irresistible? It’s the incredible balance of flavors – a little spicy, a little sweet, and a whole lot of savory. They’re incredibly versatile, perfect for a casual backyard cookout, a fun family dinner, or even a festive fiesta. The smoky char from the grill adds an unmistakable depth, transforming simple chicken into something truly spectacular.
Get Ready for Flavor!
Your Ultimate Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers Recipe.
Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Get ready to fire up the grill because these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are about to become your new favorite way to enjoy chicken! Imagin extracte tender, juicy chicken infused with smoky, zesty, and slightly spicy flavors, all grilled to perfection alongside colorful, crisp-tender vegetables. These skewers are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of vibrant Mexican-inspired tastes that are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. The marinade is incredibly easy to whip up, and the grilling process is straightforward, making this recipe accessible for cooks of all levels. We’re going to pack a punch of flavor with simple, fresh ingredients that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
Preparing the Marinade and Chicken
The key to incredibly flavorful chicken skewers lies in a well-crafted marinade. For these Mexican-inspired delights, we’re building a bright, bold, and aromatic blend that will penetrate the chicken and create a delicious crust when grilled. First, let’s get our aromatics ready. Mince the 2 cloves of garlic finely. For the jalapeño, we’re removing the seeds and membranes to control the heat, leaving just a subtle warmth. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can leave some of the seeds in, but remember to be cautious. Finely mince the seeded jalapeño.
In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic and jalapeño. Add the 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, which will provide a rich, savory base and help the marinade cling to the chicken. Next, we’ll introduce our dry spices: 2 teaspoons of cumin, which offers an earthy, warm flavor, and 2 teaspoons of paprika, bringin extractg a sweet, smoky, and slightly peppery note. Don’t forget the 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, which adds a classic herbaceous touch. Roughly chop the handful of fresh coriander and add it to the bowl. This will infuse a fresh, citrusy, and slightly peppery aroma into the marinade. Finally, squeeze in the juice of half a lime. The acidity from the lime juice will help tenderize the chicken and brighten all the flavors. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, cohesive marinade.
Now, let’s prepare the chicken. Trim any excess visible fat from the 8 boneless chicken thighs. Cut each thigh into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly on the skewers. Place the cut chicken pieces into the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly coat each piece of chicken, ensuring every bit is covered in the flavorful mixture. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, for up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavor will be.
Assembling the Skewers
While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare our vibrant vegetables. Chop 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 yellow bell pepper into square pieces, similar in size to your chicken pieces. This will ensure they cook at roughly the same rate as the chicken. Then, chop 1 white onion into similar square pieces. The onion will caramelize slightly on the grill, adding a lovely sweetness.
If you are using wooden skewers, it’s crucial to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling your skewers. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Once soaked, thread the marinated chicken pieces and the chopped vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables. Don’t pack the ingredients too tightly; leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking and airflow. This alternating pattern not only makes for a visually appealing skewer but also ensures that each component gets kissed by the heat of the grill.
Grilling to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is essential for achieving a nice sear on the chicken and slightly charred edges on the vegetables without overcooking the inside. Once the grill is hot, lightly spray the grill grates with cooking oil spray. This will prevent the skewers from sticking.
Carefully place the assembled chicken skewers onto the preheated grill. Grill the skewers for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning them every few minutes to ensure even cooking on all sides. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through, with a beautiful golden-brown char on the exterior, and the vegetables to be tender-crisp with slight grill marks. A good indication that the chicken is cooked is when it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. You can use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
As the skewers cook, you can brush them with any leftover marinade during the last few minutes of grilling, but be sure to discard any marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken after the initial marinating period. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and shine to your skewers.
Serving Your Delicious Creation
Once your Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are perfectly grilled, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two. This brief resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring maximum tenderness and moisture. Serve these vibrant skewers hot, perhaps with a side of rice, black beans, or a fresh salsa. A squeeze of extra lime juice over the top just before serving can really make the flavors pop. Enjoy the delicious, smoky, and zesty taste of your homemade Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers – a truly satisfying meal!
Conclusion:
There you have it! These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Packed with vibrant spices, a touch of smoky char from the barbecue, and the tender juiciness of chicken, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is fantastic because it’s relatively simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual backyard gatherings. The combination of traditional Mexican seasonings with the irresistible allure of barbecue offers a unique and delicious twist that’s sure to impress.
I love serving these skewers alongside a fresh corn salsa, creamy guacamole, and warm tortillas for an authentic and satisfying meal. They also pair beautifully with a simple cilantro-lime rice or a refreshing jicama slaw.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You could easily swap chicken thighs for breasts, or even add chunks of bell peppers and red onion directly onto the skewers for added color and texture. For an extra kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper in the marinade will definitely do the trick. I truly encourage you to give these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers a try. They’re an easy way to bring a taste of summer and exciting flavors to your table!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. For best results, thread them onto the skewers just before grilling to prevent the wood from burning.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I bake these instead?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken and vegetable skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned, flipping halfway through. You can broil them for the last few minutes to get a bit of char if you like.
How do I prevent the skewers from burning on the grill?
If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken is crucial. This will help prevent them from catching fire on the hot grill. You can also wrap the ends of the skewers in aluminum foil.
Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Juicy and flavorful chicken skewers marinated in a zesty Mexican-inspired barbecue sauce and grilled to perfection with colorful bell peppers and onion.
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
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1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed
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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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handful of fresh coriander
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juice of half a lime
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salt and black pepper
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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, 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 blender or food processor, combine the garlic, jalapeño pepper, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, fresh coriander, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth to create the marinade. -
Step 2
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss to ensure all chicken pieces are well coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or longer in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor. -
Step 3
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with chunks of red, green, and yellow bell pepper, and white onion pieces. -
Step 4
Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly spray the grill grates or pan with cooking oil spray. -
Step 5
Place the skewers on the hot grill or pan. Cook for approximately 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has developed nice grill marks, and the vegetables are tender-crisp. -
Step 6
Remove the 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.
