These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are packed with flavor! Marinated chicken pieces are skewered and grilled to perfection, giving you a nice smoky taste with a bit of spice.
You can easily whip these up for a fun barbecue night! I love serving them with some fresh veggies on the side. They vanish quickly—I can’t blame anyone for going back for seconds! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is lean and perfect for skewers. If you want, you can use chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness. They stay tender while grilling.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of colors—red, yellow, and green. If you’re out of fresh bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms work well too!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness. If it’s not available, avocado oil or vegetable oil are great substitutes that won’t change the flavor much.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If limes are hard to find, lemon juice can be used instead for a different, but still delicious, zing.
Spices (Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika): These spices give the skewers a lovely flavor. If you’re missing one, you can omit the smoked paprika or use regular paprika. A bit of cayenne adds heat if you like it spicy!
How Do You Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating the chicken is key to flavorful skewers! A good marinade allows the spices to seep into the chicken. Here’s how to get the best results:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are fully coated in the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Longer marinating (up to 4 hours) makes the flavors even better.
Remember, marinating helps tenderize the chicken, so don’t skip this step! When you thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternate them with the veggies for a colorful and tasty bite.
How to Make Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 medium onion, cut into chunks
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Extras:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. You’ll also need around 10-15 minutes for grilling. In total, plan for about 1 hour, including marinating and cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all together until you have a smooth marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Make sure they are well-coated by stirring everything gently. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it marinate for up to 4 hours makes the flavors even better!
3. Prepare the Skewers:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. After the chicken has marinated, take the skewers and thread the chicken pieces, then alternate with chunks of red, yellow, and green bell peppers as well as onion. Try to keep them packed snugly but not too tight!
4. Grill the Skewers:
When the grill is hot, place the skewers on it. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll know they are ready when the chicken is cooked through (it should be no longer pink inside) and has a nice char on the outside.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Just before serving, sprinkle some fresh cilantro over the top and add lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes in place of or in addition to the bell peppers and onion. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Breast?
If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work beautifully as a substitute—they tend to stay juicier during cooking. For a vegetarian option, try firm tofu or tempeh, marinated the same way as the chicken and grilled for a similar texture.
Can I Prep These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and vegetables a day in advance. Just keep everything in the fridge, and then thread the skewers just before grilling. This saves time and enhances flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
