These Mexican barbecue chicken skewers are bursting with flavor! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a zesty mix of spices and grilled to perfection. Yum!
Every bite is a little fiesta, and I love serving these at gatherings. Just grab a skewer, and you’re ready for fun! Perfect for backyard BBQs—who doesn’t love BBQ season? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I like chicken breast for its lean quality. If you’re looking for a healthier option, boneless skinless thighs work well too; they stay juicier. If you’re vegetarian, try using firm tofu or even tempeh, marinated the same way!
Bell Peppers: The colorful mix of red, yellow, and green peppers adds a great crunch and sweetness. You can swap in other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes if peppers aren’t your thing.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is perfect for flavor, but you can also use avocado oil or any neutral oil. If you’re avoiding oil, try a bit of lime juice or vegetable broth to marinate the chicken.
Spices: The combination of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika gives these skewers unique flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika is fine, but consider adding a touch of liquid smoke for that grilled flavor. For less heat, omit chili powder.
How Do You Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is key to juicy, flavorful chicken! The marinade helps penetrate the meat, so it doesn’t just sit on the surface. Here are some tips for a great marination process:
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Ensure everything is well combined.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly, making sure every piece is drenched in the flavor.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is better if you have the time. This allows the flavors to soak in deeper.
Always refrigerate while marinating to keep the chicken safe. The wait will be worth it when you taste the end result!
How to Make Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast, 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
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for prep and marinating, plus around 15 minutes for cooking on the grill. In total, you’re looking at about 35 minutes to enjoy these delicious chicken skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This creates a delicious marinade to soak the chicken in.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade, making sure that each piece gets coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for even more flavor!
3. Prepare the Vegetables and Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, chop your bell peppers and onion into 1-inch pieces if you haven’t already done so. Once your chicken is marinated, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Now it’s time to put everything on the skewers! Take a skewer and alternate threading the marinated chicken pieces with the vegetable pieces. Remember to leave a little space between each piece to help them cook evenly!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the assembled skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165°F and a nice char on the outside.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy these tasty skewers while they’re hot!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and can add more flavor to your skewers. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces (about 1 inch) for even cooking. The cooking time may vary slightly, so check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
What If I Don’t Have Skewers?
No worries! If you don’t have skewers, you can cook the chicken and vegetables directly on the grill or in a grill pan. Just toss them in the marinade and cook them as you normally would, stirring occasionally until everything is cooked through.
Can I Prepare the Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can make the marinade a day ahead! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, add the chicken and let it marinate as directed. The flavors will be even more pronounced if you let it sit longer!
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them in the microwave or reheat on a skillet over medium heat to retain some of the grill flavor. Enjoy your skewers warm!
