Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are the perfect dish for any gathering, from summer barbecues to cozy family dinners. These tender chicken skewers are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, bringing a taste of Mexico right to your grill. Easy to prepare and delightful to eat, they pair perfectly with sides like Mexican Chopped Salad or Mexican Rice. Get ready to impress your guests with this vibrant and delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich flavor profile that’s sure to please.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a main dish or as part of a larger barbecue spread; they fit any occasion.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and veggies, these skewers are both nutritious and satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the essential tools for making Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mini food processor
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Grill or oven
- Basting brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Mini food processor: Perfect for quickly blending spices into a smooth marinade without the hassle of manual chopping.
- Skewers: Essential for holding all ingredients together while cooking, allowing for even grilling and easy serving.
- Grill or oven: Offers versatile cooking methods; grilling provides that smoky flavor while baking ensures even cooking.
- Basting brush: Useful for applying marinades evenly on the chicken and vegetables before cooking.
Ingredients
For these flavorful Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers, you will need:
Chicken Ingredients
- 8 small boneless chicken thighs, any visible fat removed (approx 650g/22.5oz)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed
Marinade Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons of cumin
- 2 teaspoons of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
- Handful of fresh coriander
- Juice of half a lime
- Salt and black pepper
Vegetable Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into square pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into square pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into square pieces
- 1 white onion, chopped into square pieces
Cooking Essentials
- Cooking oil spray
How to Make Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Add the spices, jalapeño, lime juice, coriander, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper to a mini food processor.
- Pulse until it forms a paste. If needed, add a little water at a time to help it blend smoothly.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Dice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the diced chicken in a bowl and pour the marinade over it.
- Toss until all pieces are thoroughly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight or for at least a few hours.
Step 3: Prepare for Grilling
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in warm water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with pieces of red, green, yellow bell peppers, and onion.
Step 4: Cooking
- Spray the assembled skewers with cooking oil spray.
- Cook on a hot barbecue grill, turning frequently until the chicken is cooked through (approximately 15 minutes).
- Alternatively, bake in an oven at 220°C (fan 200°C) or 425°F (gas mark 7) for 25-30 minutes or use a grill pan (about 7 minutes each side).
Enjoy these delicious Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers served alongside your favorite sides!
How to Serve Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers pair well with many sides and sauces.
Pair with Fresh Salads
- Mexican Chopped Salad: A vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, avocado, and a zesty lime dressing that complements the flavors of the skewers.
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad: Refreshing cucumbers and juicy tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and vinegar make for a light side.
Serve with Grains
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes, spices, and herbs offers a hearty base for your skewers.
- Quinoa: A healthy grain option that adds extra protein and nutty flavor, perfect when seasoned with lime juice.
Accompany with Dipping Sauces
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that adds richness to the skewers while balancing the spice.
- Salsa Verde: A tangy green sauce made from tomatillos, cilantro, and jalapeños enhances each bite.
Wrap in Tortillas
- Soft Flour Tortillas: Warm tortillas filled with skewers, lettuce, and salsa create delicious wraps for easy eating.
- Corn Tortillas: A gluten-free option that adds a traditional touch to your meal.
How to Perfect Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
To ensure your Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are perfectly cooked and flavorful, follow these tips for best results.
- Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances flavor absorption. Aim for at least 4 hours if time is short.
- Choose Uniform Pieces: Cut chicken and vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking. This ensures everything is perfectly grilled.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning on the grill. Aim for at least 30 minutes before use.
- Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is hot before placing skewers on it. This helps achieve better sear marks and flavor.
- Baste While Cooking: Applying marinade or oil while grilling keeps the skewers moist and adds layers of flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the cooked skewers rest for a few minutes off the heat. This allows juices to redistribute for a juicier bite.
Best Side Dishes for Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers can be complemented by many delicious sides. Here are some great options to consider:
- Refried Beans: Creamy beans seasoned with spices provide protein and rich flavor alongside your skewers.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn charred on the grill brings a delightful crunch that pairs well with smoky flavors.
- Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Lightly steamed vegetables add color and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños offers brightness and acidity.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Corn slathered in creamy sauce, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice creates an indulgent side dish.
- Chips with Salsa or Guacamole: Crunchy tortilla chips served with dips make for an irresistible appetizer or side dish before enjoying the main event.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Boldly skipping the marinade time: Not allowing enough marinating time can lead to bland chicken. Aim for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors fully develop.
- Boldly using dry chicken pieces: Always choose boneless thighs over breasts for juicier results. Thighs remain moist during cooking, while breasts can dry out quickly.
- Boldly overcrowding the skewers: If you jam too many pieces on a skewer, they won’t cook evenly. Leave a little space between each piece for proper heat circulation.
- Boldly neglecting vegetable prep: Cutting vegetables too large or small can lead to uneven cooking. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure everything cooks perfectly at the same rate.
- Boldly ignoring temperature control: Cooking on too high a heat can burn the outside before the inside cooks through. Adjust your heat as needed for even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Allow skewers to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
- Freeze in freezer-safe bags or airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and reheat for about 10–15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1–2 minutes, checking regularly to avoid dryness.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers.
Can I use different meats in this recipe?
Yes! You can easily substitute chicken with beef, lamb, or turkey according to your preference.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight. If short on time, aim for at least 2 hours.
What vegetables pair well with Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers?
Bell peppers and onions work great, but feel free to add zucchini or mushrooms based on your taste!
Are Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Can I grill these skewers indoors?
Absolutely! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop if outdoor grilling isn’t an option.
Final Thoughts
Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spices according to your taste preferences. Try this recipe for a flavorful meal that’s sure to impress!
Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Enjoy flavorful Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers marinated with spices that will delight your taste buds. Try this easy recipe today!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Ingredients
- 8 small boneless chicken thighs
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 jalapeño pepper
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons of cumin
- 2 teaspoons of paprika
- A handful of fresh coriander
- Juice of half a lime
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 white onion
Instructions
- Combine garlic, jalapeño, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, coriander, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a mini food processor; blend until smooth.
- Dice chicken thighs and coat them in the marinade; cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers with alternating pieces of bell peppers and onion.
- Preheat grill or oven: Grill on medium heat for about 15 minutes, turning frequently; or bake at 220°C (425°F) for about 25-30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg