Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers – Juicy & Easy

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are about to become your new backyard obsession! We all crave those irresistible smoky flavors and tender, juicy bites, and these skewers deliver on every single promise. Imagin extracte succulent chicken marinated in a vibrant, zesty blend of Mexican spices, then grilled to smoky perfection on a skewer. It’s the kind of dish that instantly transports you to a festive fiesta, filling the air with an aroma that’s guaranteed to draw everyone to the grill. What makes these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers truly special is the explosion of flavor in every bite – a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and a hint of spice that’s utterly addictive. They’re incredibly versatile, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively barbecue with friends and family.

Get Ready to Grill!

Let’s make these delicious skewers.

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these vibrant Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! These are perfect for grilling season, lively outdoor gatherings, or even a weeknight treat that feels a little bit special. The combination of smoky spices, a hint of heat, and the sweetness of grilled vegetables makes these skewers utterly irresistible. We’re taking humble chicken thighs and transforming them into juicy, flavorful morsels that are both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Marinade:

The heart of these skewers lies in their delicious marinade. It’s a quick and easy blend that packs a punch of authentic Mexican-inspired flavors. First, let’s get our aromatics ready. Mince the 2 cloves of garlic as finely as you can. For the jalapeño, remember to remove the seeds and membranes for a milder heat. If you prefer it spicier, you can leave some of the seeds in. Finely mince the prepared jalapeño. In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic and jalapeño. Add the 3 tablespoons of tomato paste. This acts as a fantastic base for our marinade, providing a rich, slightly sweet, and tangy foundation. Next, sprinkle in the 2 teaspoons of cumin and 2 teaspoons of paprika. These spices are the soul of many Mexican dishes, bringin extractg warmth, depth, and a beautiful color. Add the 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, which adds an earthy herbal note. Roughly chop the handful of fresh coriander and add it to the bowl. The fresh herbs will infuse a wonderful brightness into the marinade. Finally, squeeze in the juice of half a lime. The acidity from the lime juice will help to tenderize the chicken and balance the flavors. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a good stir until it’s well combined into a thick, fragrant paste.

Marinating the Chicken and Veggies:

Now, it’s time to get our star ingredients coated in this amazing marinade. Take your 8 boneless chicken thighs, which should already have any visible fat removed, and cut them into roughly 1-inch bite-sized pieces. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and fit perfectly on the skewers. Place the cut chicken into the bowl with the marinade. Using your hands or a spoon, make sure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. You want every morsel to be kissed by that flavorful blend. For the best results, cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, an hour or even two will further enhance the flavor. While the chicken is marinating, let’s prepare our vegetables. Chop the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper into square pieces, roughly the same size as your chicken pieces. This will ensure they cook at a similar rate on the grill. Chop the white onion into similar-sized square pieces as well. Once the chicken has marinated, you can also toss these chopped vegetables into the same bowl with the remaining marinade. They’ll absorb some of those delicious flavors too!

Assembling the Skewers:

This is where the fun really begin extracts – assembling the skewers! If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you start. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Take a soaked skewer and begin extract threading the marinated chicken pieces and the colorful vegetable chunks onto it, alternating as you go. For example, you might put on a piece of chicken, then a piece of red bell pepper, followed by onion, then chicken again, then green bell pepper, and so on. Try to pack the ingredients relatively snugly but not so tight that they won’t cook properly. Leave a little bit of space between each item. This arrangement not only makes for visually appealing skewers but also allows for even cooking and caramelization on the grill. Aim for a good balance of chicken and vegetables on each skewer. Repeat this process until all your chicken and vegetables are used up and you have a beautiful collection of loaded skewers.

Grilling the Skewers:

Now it’s time to bring these beauties to life on the grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature is ideal for getting a nice char on the outside of the chicken and vegetables while ensuring the chicken cooks through. Once the grill is hot, lightly spray the grill grates with cooking oil spray. This is a crucial step to prevent the skewers from sticking. Carefully place the assembled skewers onto the hot grill grates. You’ll want to arrange them in a single layer, ensuring there’s a little bit of space between each skewer for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Cook the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning them every 2-3 minutes. This consistent turning is key to achieving that beautiful, caramelized char on all sides and ensuring the chicken is cooked through without drying out. You’re looking for the chicken to be opaque and the vegetables to be tender-crisp with a slight char. To check for doneness, you can insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken piece. It should read 165°F (74°C). The vegetables should be nicely softened and slightly charred, indicating they’ve absorbed some of that smoky grill flavor. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary depending on your grill’s heat.

Serving Your Delicious Skewers:

Once your Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are perfectly grilled and beautifully charred, carefully remove them from the grill. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and succulent. You can serve these skewers as is, or with a side of your favorite Mexican accompaniments. Think fluffy rice, creamy refried beans, a fresh salsa, or a dollop of sour cream. These skewers are also fantastic served in warm tortillas as a taco filling. Enjoy the explosion of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors with every bite! They are a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a regular on your grilling menu.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your gateway to deliciously smoky and vibrant Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! I truly believe this recipe is a winner because it strikes the perfect balance between ease and incredible flavor. The marinade, packed with warming spices and a hint of lime, transforms simple chicken into something truly special. Plus, the hands-on fun of threading the skewers makes it a fantastic activity for a backyard gathering or a weeknight treat. These skewers are incredibly versatile; I love serving them with fluffy cilantro-lime rice, a crisp corn and black bean salsa, or even just a side of grilled pineapple. For a little variety, don’t hesitate to swap out the chicken for chunks of beef or firm tofu. You can also add colorful bell peppers or onions to the skewers for extra texture and visual appeal. I sincerely hope you give these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers a try. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to bring a taste of the barbecue season right to your table.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! The marinade is even better when made ahead. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in an even more intensely flavored chicken.

What kind of wood chips are best for smoking these skewers?

For these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers, I find that mesquite or hickory wood chips work wonderfully to impart a classic smoky barbecue flavor that complements the spices perfectly. Pecan wood is also a great option for a slightly sweeter smoke.

My skewers are sticking to the grill. What can I do?

Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the skewers down. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning too quickly. Keeping a medium-high heat and turning the skewers regularly also helps prevent sticking.

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Flavorful and easy Mexican barbecue chicken skewers with vibrant bell peppers and a zesty lime marinade.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
12 Minutes

Total Time
42 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, seeded and minced
• 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons of cumin
• 2 teaspoons of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
• 1/4 cup fresh coriander, chopped
• juice of half a lime
• salt to taste
• 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 and place them in a bowl. Finely mince the garlic and jalapeño pepper and add them to the bowl with the chicken. Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, chopped coriander, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
2. Step 2
   While the chicken is marinating, chop the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and white onion into square pieces that are similar in size to the chicken pieces.
3. Step 3
   Thread the marinated chicken pieces and the chopped vegetables onto skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
4. Step 4
   Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly spray the grill grates or the pan with cooking oil spray.
5. Step 5
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill or grill pan. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
6. 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.