Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers- Smoky Flavor

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are an absolute game-changer for any grilling enthusiast! Imagin extracte this: tender, juicy chicken infused with vibrant, smoky Mexican flavors, all threaded onto skewers and kissed by the grill. It’s no wonder these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a crowd-pleaser. They strike that perfect balance between savory, a touch of sweet, and that irresistible char that only barbecue can deliver. What truly elevates these skewers is the marinade – a zesty, chili-forward concoction that tenderizes the chicken beautifully while imparting a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or just craving a delicious weeknight meal with a kick, these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are guaranteed to be a hit, bringin extractg a taste of summer fiesta to your table.

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are bursting with vibrant flavors, making them a perfect addition to any summer barbecue, weeknight dinner, or casual get-together. The smoky char from the grill, combined with the zesty and slightly spicy marinade, creates an irresistible combination that will have everyone asking for seconds. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the colorful vegetables add a beautiful presentation. Let’s get started on creating this delicious fiesta on a stick!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Marinating the Chicken

1. The first step to achieving wonderfully flavorful chicken is to prepare the marinade. In a food processor or blender, combine the 2 cloves of garlic and the deseeded 1 jalapeño pepper. Pulse until finely minced. If you prefer a milder heat, you can remove more of the white pith from the jalapeño or even use half of one pepper.
2. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño to a bowl. Now, stir in the 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of cumin, 2 teaspoons of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano. Don’t forget to add a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to season the marinade nicely. For a touch of freshness, finely chop the handful of fresh coriander and add it to the mix. Finally, squeeze in the juice of half a lime. This citrusy kick will help to tenderize the chicken and brighten up all the flavors.
3. Cut the 8 boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. Make sure to remove any excess visible fat for a leaner result. Place the chicken pieces into the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring that each piece of chicken is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for even deeper flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more the flavors will meld.

Preparing the Skewers

4. While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare your vegetables. Chop the 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 yellow bell pepper into roughly 1-inch square pieces, similar in size to your chicken cubes. This ensures they will cook evenly alongside the chicken. Chop the 1 white onion into similar-sized pieces.
5. If you are using wooden skewers, it’s crucial to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling the skewers. This prevents the wood from burning on the grill. Once soaked, begin extract threading the marinated chicken pieces and the prepared vegetable pieces onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables. Don’t pack the ingredients too tightly; leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking and better charring. Aim for a good balance of chicken and vegetables on each skewer.

Grilling the Skewers

6. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, lightly spray the grill grates with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking. Carefully place the assembled skewers onto the hot grill.
7. Cook the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning them every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful char on the outside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). The vegetables should be tender-crisp and slightly charred. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary depending on your grill’s heat. You want them beautifully browned and slightly smoky, not burnt.
8. Once cooked, remove the Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, making it even more tender and moist. Serve these delicious skewers hot, perhaps with some extra fresh coriander sprinkled over the top and a wedge of lime for squeezing. They are fantastic on their own or served with rice, a fresh salad, or your favorite salsa. Enjoy the taste of Mexico!

Conclusion:

There you have it – your guide to crafting the most flavorful Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! This recipe is fantastic because it balances tender, juicy chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of smoky chipotle, zesty lime, and aromatic spices, all brought together on the grill for that irresistible char. These skewers are perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a lively backyard barbecue. Imagin extracte the delighted smiles as your guests bite into these smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet morsels. I really encourage you to give these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers a try; they are truly a crowd-pleaser and surprisingly simple to make. For serving, I love to pair them with fluffy cilantro-lime rice, a crisp jicama slaw, or warm corn tortillas for making delicious tacos. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding chunks of bell pepper and red onion to the skewers for extra color and flavor, or even swapping chicken thighs for shrimp for a seafood twist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. For the best results, assemble the skewers just before grilling, or up to an hour ahead, keeping them chilled.

What if I don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?

No problem! You can substitute with smoked paprika for the smoky flavor and a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for heat. Adjust the amount to your preference.

How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before preheating. You can also soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Grilling over medium-high heat also helps create a good sear and prevents sticking.

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Flavorful and easy Mexican-inspired chicken skewers marinated in a smoky tomato-based sauce with vibrant bell peppers and onion, perfect for grilling.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
35 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

• 8 small boneless chicken thighs, any visible fat removed (approx 650g/22.5oz)
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed
• 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons of cumin
• 2 teaspoons of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
• handful of fresh coriander
• juice of half a lime
• salt and black pepper
• 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, chopped into square pieces
• cooking oil spray

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Finely mince the garlic and jalapeño.
2. Step 2
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, jalapeño, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, chopped fresh coriander, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
3. Step 3
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer in the refrigerator for more flavor).
4. Step 4
   Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with the chopped red, green, and yellow bell peppers, and white onion pieces.
5. Step 5
   Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly spray the grill grates or pan with cooking oil spray.
6. Step 6
   Grill the skewers for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, and the vegetables are tender-crisp.

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.