These Mexican barbecue chicken skewers are a tasty treat! They are grilled to perfection, bursting with flavor and served on fun sticks—perfect for any gathering!
Honestly, who can resist juicy chicken marinated in yummy spices? I love serving these at parties, and they always disappear fast. A crowd-pleaser for sure! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts work well too, but might need careful cooking to keep them tender.
Bell Peppers: The three bell peppers add great color and taste. If you’re out of one color, feel free to mix in other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for variety.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is perfect for this marinade. You can swap it with avocado oil for a mild flavor or use a bit of melted butter for richness if you prefer.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. You can use lemon juice in a pinch, but lime gives that classic Mexican flavor. Bottled juice is okay too, just watch for added sugars.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is key for freshness. If you’re not a fan, parsley can provide some green without the strong flavor.
How Do I Get My Skewers Ready for Grilling?
Soaking wooden skewers is important to prevent them from burning on the grill. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the skewers in a bowl of water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
- This will help keep them from catching fire during cooking.
If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step, but make sure they are clean and well-greased to prevent sticking.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Flavor?
Marinating adds flavor and tenderness to the chicken. Here’s how to do it right:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, and spices to create your marinade.
- Add the chicken and mix well to coat each piece.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, or overnight if you can for deeper flavor.
- Don’t skip this step; marinating is where all the magic happens!
How to Make Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Components:
- 1.5 pounds 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
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Items:
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for marinating (more if you want extra flavor). Cooking on the grill will take about 10-15 minutes. So, set aside around 1 hour and 30 minutes in total, including prep and cook time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps stop them from burning on the grill.
2. Making the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This tasty mix will be what you marinate your chicken in!
3. Marinating the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces into the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything around so the chicken gets covered in that delicious mixture. Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. If you have time, letting it marinate overnight makes it even more flavorful!
4. Grilling Time:
Fire up the grill and preheat it to medium-high heat. While it’s heating, take your skewers out and start threading on the marinated chicken, alternating with pieces of red, yellow, and green bell peppers, as well as onion. Make them colorful!
5. Cooking the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want to see nice grill marks on the chicken, and make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
6. Serving the Skewers:
Once cooked, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Before serving, sprinkle some extra chopped cilantro on top for a fresh touch, and serve with lime wedges if you like a zesty kick!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that breasts may cook a bit quicker, so monitor the grilling time to ensure they don’t dry out.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour, but for maximum flavor, consider marinating it overnight. Just be careful not to marinate for more than 24 hours, as the acidity from the lime juice can begin to break down the meat too much.
Can I Make These Skewers in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
What Should I Serve with Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers?
These skewers are fantastic on their own but can be complemented with sides like Mexican rice, grilled corn, or a fresh salsa. A side of guacamole and tortilla chips also makes for a delicious pairing!
