Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty treat! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a zesty mix of spices and barbecue sauce, then grilled to perfection. Yum!
Skewers make everything more exciting, right? You can enjoy them at a picnic or even at home while pretending you’re at a fiesta. 🎉 I love serving these with some fresh tortillas and salsa!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: For these skewers, chicken breast is the best choice since it stays tender when grilled. If you want to save time, you can use thighs, as they’re juicier.
Bell Peppers: These colorful veggies add flavor and visual appeal. You can swap out the bell peppers for zucchini, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes if you prefer. Just make sure they’re cut to a similar size for even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch to the marinade. If you’re out of fresh, you can use garlic powder—about 1 teaspoon will do. But I always recommend fresh for the best flavor!
Lime Juice: It adds a zesty kick to the marinade. If limes aren’t available, lemon juice works well too. For a sweeter note, you could use orange juice in a pinch!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Skewers are Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy and flavorful chicken skewers is marinating. Allowing the chicken to soak in the marinade for at least an hour enhances its taste. For the best results, marinate overnight. This gives the spices time to infuse deep flavors into the chicken.
- Mix together all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Add the chicken cubes, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
Also, remember to let the skewers rest after grilling. This helps retain juices when you cut into the chicken!
How to Make Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 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
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the marinade and skewers, plus at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken. The actual grilling takes only about 10-12 minutes. Easy and delicious!
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, salt, and black pepper. This marinade will add wonderful flavors to the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they’re all well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you have time, marinating overnight will make the flavors even better!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help get those lovely grill marks on your chicken skewers!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Carefully thread the chicken cubes onto skewers, alternating with the red, yellow, and green bell peppers, and onions. This makes for a colorful and tasty presentation!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. You want them to be juicy but fully cooked!
6. Let Them Rest:
Once they’re done, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest on a plate for a few minutes. This will help keep the chicken tender and juicy.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the skewers with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them warm on their own or with sides like rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious Mexican barbecue chicken skewers!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Bell Peppers?
Absolutely! You can use any vegetables you like, such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes as the chicken so they cook evenly on the grill.
Do I Need to Soak Wooden Skewers?
Yes, if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers do not require soaking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be reheated on the grill or in the microwave, but for the best texture, reheating on the grill is recommended.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Definitely! You can make the marinade a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to add the chicken and let it marinate just before you’re ready to grill for optimal freshness and flavor.
