These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty way to enjoy chicken! Marinated in flavorful spices and grilled to perfection, they are perfect for outdoor gatherings.
You’ll love the juicy bites and the delicious smoky taste! I find that serving them with some fresh salsa and tortillas makes dinner even more exciting. Who’s ready for a backyard fiesta? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are great for this recipe as they stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them.
Bell Peppers: I chose a mix of red, green, and yellow peppers for color and taste. If you’re looking for a different flavor, feel free to swap in zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. They grill beautifully too!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice provides a bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh limes, bottled lime juice can work, but fresh is always best for taste.
Spices: You can adjust the spices based on your taste. If you like more heat, adding cayenne pepper or chipotle powder works well. If you prefer milder flavors, just stick with the cumin and oregano.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a fresh finish. If cilantro is not your thing, parsley or green onions are good substitutes.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking skewers can be tricky, but following a few key steps will help you get it right.
- Always preheat your grill! A hot grill gives nice grill marks and helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Make sure to soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Turn the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking – this doesn’t just help cook the chicken but also enhances the flavors from the grill.
- Let skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken.
How to Make Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Other Supplies:
- Wooden or metal skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 1 to 4 hours for marinating the chicken. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them for 30 minutes before grilling. In total, you should plan for around 2 hours of prep time, including marination.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This will be the flavor-packed marinade for your chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade. Toss everything together until the chicken is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you have time, letting it sit for up to 4 hours will give an even tastier result!
3. Prepare the Skewers:
While the chicken is marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
4. Preheat the Grill:
Before cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that your chicken gets those nice grill marks and cooks evenly.
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the fridge. Carefully thread the chicken and bell pepper pieces onto the skewers, alternating between the chicken and the colorful veggies.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the assembled skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has those delicious grill marks.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy! Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your flavorful Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap in other vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms based on your personal preference or what you have on hand. Just make sure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Lime Juice?
No worries! You can substitute lime juice with an equal amount of lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, using vinegar (like apple cider or white wine vinegar) can work in a pinch, but it will alter the taste slightly.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
The chicken can be marinated for up to 4 hours for the best flavor. If you happen to forget it, you can still marinate it for a minimum of 1 hour, but avoid exceeding 24 hours, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the chicken too much.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or reheat on a grill or skillet over moderate heat for a few minutes until warmed through. Enjoy them as a tasty salad topping or in wraps!
