These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are where fun meets flavor! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a zesty mix of spices and then grilled to perfection.
They’re perfect for a family barbecue or a weekend get-together. I love serving them with fresh salsa and tortillas—it’s like a little fiesta on a stick! 🎉
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. If you want a leaner option, you can use chicken breasts. Just note that they may dry out a bit if overcooked.
Bell Peppers: I used red, yellow, and green peppers for color and sweetness. You can swap them for zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for variety. They add great flavor and texture too!
Olive Oil: It’s great for the marinade, but you can also use avocado oil for a higher smoke point or even a flavored oil for extra taste.
Spices: If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine. For a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper or swap chili powder with a spicier blend!
Cilantro: For a fresh finish, cilantro is wonderful. If you’re not a fan, parsley or green onions can be nice alternatives to brighten things up.
How Do I Marinade Chicken for the Best Flavor?
Marinating chicken is essential for flavor and tenderness. Start with a good mix of oil, acid (like lime juice), and spices. Here’s how:
- Mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring every piece is well coated.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge—more time means more flavor (up to overnight is best!).
This process not only enhances flavor but helps keep the chicken moist while grilling. Enjoy those juicy bites!
How to Make Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 large onion, cut into 1-inch squares
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-15 minutes to cook on the grill. For the best flavor, it’s great to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or you can let it sit overnight if you have time. So in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on your marination choice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to help prevent them from burning on the grill.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well to form a flavorful marinade.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything together so that the chicken gets fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you want even more flavor.
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan on the stove, make sure it’s heated over medium-high heat as well.
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Once marinated, take the chicken out of the refrigerator. Start threading the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating them with pieces of red, yellow, and green bell peppers, as well as onion pieces. This adds lovely color and flavor!
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the assembled skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through and to have beautiful grill marks. Make sure it’s no longer pink inside!
7. Let Them Rest:
Once the skewers are cooked, carefully remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken juicy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, garnish your delicious skewers with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your flavorful Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to be drier than thighs. To keep them juicy, make sure not to overcook and consider marinating for a longer time. This helps the breasts retain moisture during grilling!
What Can I Substitute for Lime Juice?
If you don’t have lime juice, lemon juice is a great substitute, offering a similar acidity and flavor profile. You could also use vinegar (like white or apple cider), but use it sparingly since it’s more potent!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to preserve the flavors. Just be mindful not to overheat them!
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the skewers up to a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to grill. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld even more!
