These Mexican BBQ chicken skewers are packed with flavor! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a zesty mix of spices, then grilled to perfection on skewers.
They’re perfect for a sunny day barbecue, and let’s be real, who doesn’t love eating food on a stick? I love serving them with some fresh guacamole on the side—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are perfect for this dish as they are juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they can dry out more easily. You could also try tofu for a vegetarian option.
Bell Peppers: The colorful mix of red, yellow, and green adds sweetness and crunch. Feel free to substitute with zucchini or cherry tomatoes if you want something different. Just remember that cook times may vary!
Olive Oil: This is great for marinating since it helps flavors stick. You can swap it with avocado oil or canola oil if you want a different flavor or need a high smoke point oil.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika give the skewers their Mexican flair. You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika and add a splash of liquid smoke for a similar flavor. Adjust spices based on your heat preference!
How Can You Make Sure Your Chicken Skewers Stay Juicy and Flavorful?
To keep your chicken skewers juicy, marinate them for at least an hour. Overnight is even better, as it infuses the meat with flavor. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly in the marinade, allowing it to absorb those delicious flavors.
- Prepare your marinade by mixing olive oil, lime juice, and spices together.
- Add your chicken and toss until every piece is covered.
- Store in the fridge with a cover for the best flavor infusion.
Also, avoid overcooking. Always use a meat thermometer to check for that perfect internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat, yet moist and tender!
How to Make Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take around 20 minutes of preparation time and at least 1 hour to marinate. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes grilling the skewers. So overall, it’s about 1 hour and 35 minutes before you can enjoy your tasty barbecue chicken skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning while grilling. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This tasty blend will add a Mexican flair to your chicken!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, although letting it sit overnight will enhance the flavor even more.
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is important for getting those perfect grill marks!
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, take the skewers out. Alternate threading the marinated chicken, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You want the chicken to be cooked through, with a delicious char on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes; this helps keep the chicken juicy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your skewers with fresh cilantro, and serve hot with lime wedges and your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy your Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers—you’ve earned it!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but keep in mind they may dry out faster than thighs. To avoid this, be sure to watch the cooking time closely and consider marinating them for a bit longer to keep them juicy!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you like some heat, add some cayenne pepper to the marinade or include diced jalapeños on the skewers. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat to avoid drying them out. You can also toss them in a salad for a quick meal!
Can I Use Other Vegetables on the Skewers?
Yes, feel free to customize your skewers with other vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms! Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the cooking time as different veggies may cook faster or slower.
