Get ready for some tasty Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! These juicy pieces of chicken are coated in a flavorful mix of spices and grilled to perfection. They’ll make your mouth water!
Grilling these skewers is so much fun! I love serving them with fresh salsa and a squeeze of lime. It’s like a mini fiesta on a stick, and who doesn’t love a good party in their mouth? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This cuts easily into cubes and grills well. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast works nicely as a substitute. You could also use thighs for more flavor, just cut them into similar-sized pieces.
Bell Peppers: The mix of red, green, and yellow peppers adds color and sweetness. If you prefer, you can swap out for other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. They grill well too!
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a strong flavor. If you don’t have any on hand, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use a teaspoon instead of cloves.
Chili Powder: For heat, you can play with the spice level. For milder flavor, use paprika or omit it entirely. For extra heat, try adding cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño.
Olive Oil: This is fantastic for marinating, but feel free to use avocado oil or even canola oil, which can withstand high cooking heat well.
How Do I Perfectly Grill Chicken Skewers Without Drying Them Out?
Grilling chicken skewers can be tricky when it comes to keeping the meat juicy. Here are a few tips to ensure perfect grilling every time:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is even better for flavor and moisture.
- Make sure the grill is preheated to medium-high before placing the skewers on it; this helps to quickly lock in juices.
- Turn the skewers every few minutes to achieve even cooking and nice grill marks. Keep a close eye on them!
- Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Invest in a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Let skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
How to Make Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 bell pepper (red), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 bell pepper (green), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 bell pepper (yellow), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 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 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. You’ll need about 10-15 minutes for grilling, making the total time approximately 50-55 minutes. Perfect for a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. 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 until it forms a delicious marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes into the bowl with the marinade. Mix well, so every piece of chicken is coated with those tasty flavors. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours for an even better taste.
3. Prepare and Grill the Skewers:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill heats up, take your skewers and start assembling them. Alternate threading the marinated chicken cubes, red, green, and yellow bell pepper pieces, and onion pieces onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each item, so they can cook evenly.
4. Grill and Serve:
Once your grill is hot, carefully place the skewers on it. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. Keep an eye on them until the chicken is fully cooked and has lovely char marks. After grilling, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
5. Final Touches:
Before serving, sprinkle some fresh cilantro over the skewers for a nice touch. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side to enjoy that extra zesty flavor!
Enjoy your delicious Mexican barbecue chicken skewers!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Skewers?
Absolutely! You can mix and match your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even pineapple make great alternatives. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes as the chicken for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Lime Juice?
No problem! You can substitute lime juice with an equal amount of lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, you can use apple cider vinegar if you’re in a pinch, but adjust to taste as it’s more acidic.
Can I Prepare the Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the skewers up to a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. This also helps enhance the flavors from the marinade!
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or place them on a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Enjoy them in wraps or salads!
