These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are bursting with flavor! They combine tender chicken with zesty spices and a sweet sauce, all grilled to perfection on skewers.
They make a fun meal for summer nights or any time you want to fire up the grill! I love serving them with fresh veggies or tacos for a little fiesta on my plate! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs is perfect for juicy skewers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless chicken breasts work, though they may be less flavorful. You can also try tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version!
Bell Peppers: I love the mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for color and sweetness. If they’re out of season, zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes could be great alternatives. Feel free to use any veggies you enjoy!
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps to bring flavors together in the marinade. If you’re out of olive oil, canola or avocado oil is a good substitute. Just keep the flavor profiles in mind.
Spices: The chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano define the dish! If you want a little kick, add cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, go easy on the chili powder.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the marinade. Lemon juice can also work in a pinch if you’re out of limes. Just remember to adjust to taste!
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Tender and Packed with Flavor?
The secret to tender, flavorful chicken skewers lies in the marination process. Here’s what you need to do:
- Combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, spices, salt, and pepper well. This is your flavor powerhouse.
- Make sure to coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade. Use your hands if needed to really mix it in.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, but overnight is best. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the chicken.
Another great tip is to let the chicken rest a few minutes after grilling. It helps keep the chicken juicy. Enjoy your skewers with a refreshing dip like tzatziki or a side of rice to balance flavors!
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 pieces)
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into chunks)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (cut into chunks)
- 1 green bell pepper (cut into chunks)
- 1 medium onion (cut into chunks)
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare (excluding the marinating and soaking time) and you’ll need at least 1 hour for marinating your chicken. Add another 10-15 minutes for grilling. In total, plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes for the entire process, which will give you plenty of time to enjoy those delicious flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir it well to create a nice marinade that will soak into the chicken pieces. The aroma will already make you excited to cook!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. This is where the flavors come to life! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For even better taste, you can marinate it overnight!
3. Soak the Skewers:
While your chicken is soaking up all those flavors, take wooden skewers and soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This will prevent them from burning on the grill. It’s a simple step that ensures your meal turns out perfectly!
4. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill or grill pan ready by preheating it over medium-high heat. A hot grill will give your skewers those beautiful char marks and smoky flavor!
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Now it’s time to get creative! Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with the chunks of red, yellow, and green bell peppers, and onion. This not only looks great but also adds delicious flavors to every bite!
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the assembled skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You want them to be cooked through and have those lovely grill marks. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary based on your grill.
7. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy and delicious!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish your skewers with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce or sides. Enjoy your tasty Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for These Skewers?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breast, pork, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially for seafood or tofu, as they may cook faster than chicken.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Lime Juice?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh lime juice, you can use bottled lime juice as a substitute. Just use about half the amount, as bottled juice can be stronger in flavor. Alternatively, lemon juice works well too, providing a slight twist to the flavor profile!
Can I Prepare the Skewers in Advance?
Yes, you can! Assemble the skewers with the marinated chicken and vegetables a few hours ahead of time and store them covered in the refrigerator. Just remember to take them out about 30 minutes before grilling to let them come to room temperature for even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on the grill, oven, or microwave, but keep in mind that reheating on the grill will help maintain their texture and prevent them from drying out.
