These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are packed with flavor! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a tasty mix of spices, then grilled to perfection. They are colorful and fun!
Perfect for a casual get-together, these skewers are a hit. I love serving them with fresh salsa and a side of avocado. So good, you’ll want to make them every weekend! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy flavor, but chicken breasts work too. If you want a vegetarian option, consider using firm tofu or mushrooms instead, both of which absorb flavors wonderfully.
Bell Peppers: The colorful bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. If you’re short on any color, feel free to mix in other vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or red onion. These will work well for grilling too!
Marinade Ingredients: Lime juice adds a nice zing. In a pinch, you can swap it out for vinegar or even lemon juice. If you’re low on spices, taco seasoning can be a good shortcut for the chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish, but if it’s not your favorite, try parsley or green onions for garnish instead.
How Do I Ensure Flawless Grilling of Chicken Skewers?
Grilling chicken skewers can sometimes be tricky, but these steps simplify the process. First, it’s essential to marinate the chicken long enough. I recommend 1 hour at minimum, but letting it soak overnight makes the flavors pop!
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using them. This prevents burning on the grill.
- Preheat your grill properly. A medium-high heat allows for nice marks without drying out the chicken.
- Turn the skewers every few minutes for even cooking. This ensures that all sides of the chicken are perfectly grilled.
- Check the internal temperature—165°F is the safe zone for chicken. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Delicious Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, cut into chunks
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes for preparation and then at least 1 hour for marinating in the fridge. Once the skewers are ready, it will take about 15 minutes to cook them on the grill. Plan for a total of at least 1 hour and 35 minutes to enjoy these tasty skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In it, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. This delicious blend will create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the pieces of chicken to the bowl, making sure they are well-coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you want extra punchy flavor!
3. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated and the grill is hot, it’s time to make the skewers. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, alternating with chunks of red, yellow, and green bell peppers, and onion. This not only looks great but adds flavor too!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Carefully place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. You want them juicy and flavorful!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges and your favorite dipping sauce, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Mexican barbecue chicken skewers!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for These Skewers?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken thighs or breasts with other proteins like shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be mindful of the cooking times: shrimp cooks quickly, while beef may need a bit longer depending on the cut.
How Do I Prevent the Skewers from Burning?
Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling is a great way to prevent them from catching fire. This allows them to absorb moisture, which helps keep them from burning up on the grill. If using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Longer Than Overnight?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to keep it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Longer marinating times can deepen the flavor but be cautious not to exceed 24 hours as the acid in the lime juice can start to break down the chicken’s texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven or on the grill just long enough to warm through, ensuring they don’t dry out. You might cover them with foil for gentle reheating.
