These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are both tasty and fun! Juicy pieces of chicken are coated in a flavorful mix of spices, then grilled to perfection on sticks. Perfect for any gathering!
I love how easy these are to put together. Just marinate the chicken, skewer it up, and grill! They always disappear fast at parties. Who doesn’t love BBQ on a stick? 🌽🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is great for skewers as it’s lean and takes on flavor well. If you prefer dark meat, boneless thighs are a tasty alternative, adding more juiciness.
Bell Peppers: The colorful bell peppers add flavor and a fresh crunch. If you can’t find a specific color, any bell pepper will do. You can also use zucchini or mushrooms for variety!
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and enhances the marinade. You could use avocado oil or melted coconut oil if you’re looking for something different or have dietary restrictions.
Lime Juice: Fresh is best for brightness, but bottled lime juice can work in a pinch. Lemon juice can also be a good substitute if limes aren’t available.
Spices: The combination of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika gives a nice Mexican flair. Feel free to adjust them based on your taste! For a kick, add cayenne pepper.
How Do I Get the Chicken to Marinate Just Right?
Marinating is key for flavorful chicken! Here’s how to ensure your chicken absorbs all that deliciousness:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk until mixed well.
- Add the chicken cubes, making sure they’re all coated. This helps every piece soak up flavor.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Longer is better, up to overnight, as it really deepens the flavor.
Don’t skip this step! If time is tight, even a quick 30-minute soak can make a difference.
Delicious Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers Recipe
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 wedges
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe requires about 15 minutes of hands-on prep time and at least 1 hour for marinating. If you have time, letting the chicken sit in the marinade overnight will make it even more flavorful! The grilling will take 10-15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed. This zesty marinade is what gives your skewers their delicious flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes into the marinade and make sure they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 1 hour, but if you can wait longer, up to overnight is best for that extra punch of flavor.
3. Prepare for Grilling:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating, take your marinated chicken and get your skewers ready. If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure they’ve been soaked in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Now it’s time to thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, and onion onto the skewers. Alternate between the chicken and vegetables for a beautiful presentation. Fill up the skewers, but don’t overcrowd them—leave a little space for even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the assembled skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they are done when the chicken is cooked through and has lovely grill marks. Make sure there’s no pink in the chicken for safety!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle them with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color. Serve these tasty skewers warm and enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with other proteins such as shrimp, beef, or pork. Just adjust the cooking time: shrimp will cook faster (about 5-7 minutes), while beef or pork may need a bit longer depending on the size of the cubes. Make sure all alternatives are cooked to their recommended internal temperatures.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lime Juice?
No problem! You can use bottled lime juice as a substitute, although fresh juice will give a brighter taste. You can also swap lime for lemon juice if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep the quantity the same (1/4 cup) for the marinade.
How Do I 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 oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through, or warm them in a skillet over medium heat.
Can I Prepare the Skewers in Advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance! Simply keep them covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to grill. This helps the flavors meld even more!
