Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a delightful way to enjoy flavorful, tender chicken at your next barbecue. Packed with a unique blend of spices, these skewers are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer cookout or a cozy family dinner. The combination of juicy chicken and colorful vegetables makes this dish as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The marinade features a vibrant mix of spices that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile Dish: These skewers can be served at parties, barbecues, or even as a quick weeknight dinner.
- Healthy Option: Low in calories and packed with protein, they fit well into various dietary plans.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the vegetables or add your favorite spices for a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
To make the most of your Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mini food processor
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Barbecue grill or oven
- Cooking oil spray
Importance of Each Tool
- Mini food processor: This tool makes it easy to blend spices into a smooth paste for marinating the chicken.
- Skewers: These hold your ingredients together while cooking, ensuring even grilling.
- Barbecue grill or oven: Depending on your preference, either option will give you perfectly cooked skewers.
Ingredients
Mexican Barbecue – tender chicken skewers marinated with a delicious Mexican blend of spices for the perfect barbecue meal.
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 8 small boneless chicken thighs, any visible fat removed (approx 650g/22.5oz)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed
- 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
For the Vegetables
- 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
For Cooking
- cooking oil spray
How to Make Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Add in the spices, jalapeño, lime juice, coriander and a good pinch of salt and black pepper to a mini food processor and pulse until a paste. Add in a little water at a time if needed to help it pulse.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Dice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Add the marinade to the chicken and toss to thoroughly coat. Refrigerate overnight or for at least a few hours.
Step 3: Soak Wooden Skewers (If Needed)
If using wooden skewers, soak them in warm water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
Add the marinated chicken to the skewers along with the peppers and onion. Alternate pieces on each skewer (chicken, vegetable, chicken, vegetable).
Step 5: Apply Cooking Oil Spray
Spray the skewers or directly on the chicken and vegetables with cooking oil spray.
Step 6: Cook on Barbecue
Cook on a hot barbecue, turning frequently until the chicken is cooked through (approximately 15 minutes). Alternatively, you can bake these in the oven for 25-30 minutes at 220°C (fan 200°C) or 425°F (gas mark 7), or on a grill pan (approximately 7 minutes each side).
Step 7: Serve
These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are excellent served with Mexican Chopped Salad and Mexican Rice for a complete meal!
How to Serve Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Serving Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers can elevate your dining experience. These skewers are versatile and can be paired with various sides and dips to complement their bold flavors.
With Fresh Salsas
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh, chunky salsa made of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Mango Salsa: Adds a sweet and spicy twist with diced mangoes, red onion, jalapeños, and lime.
On a Bed of Rice
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices for an aromatic base.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Simple rice tossed with fresh cilantro and lime juice for a zesty flavor.
Accompanied by Dips
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip blended with lime juice, garlic, and cilantro.
- Chipotle Ranch Dressing: A smoky ranch dressing that adds creaminess to the skewers.
In Wraps or Tacos
- Tortilla Wraps: Roll the skewers in warm tortillas with toppings like lettuce and avocado.
- Taco Style: Place the chicken on soft corn tortillas topped with onions and cilantro.
How to Perfect Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
To achieve mouthwatering Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers, consider these essential tips:
- Bold Marinade: Ensure you marinate the chicken long enough; overnight is best for maximum flavor.
- Even Cooking: Cut the chicken and vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking on the grill.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: Always soak wooden skewers in water beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- High Heat Grilling: Cook on high heat for a nice char; this enhances flavor while keeping the chicken juicy.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leave space between pieces on the skewer for proper heat circulation during cooking.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
Best Side Dishes for Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Pairing your Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers with delicious sides makes for a complete meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Mexican Chopped Salad: A refreshing mix of lettuce, tomatoes, corn, beans, and avocado drizzled with lime vinaigrette.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled to perfection and brushed with butter or chili powder for added flavor.
- Refried Beans: Creamy beans seasoned with spices; serve as a hearty side that complements the skewers well.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Corn slathered in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime for a tasty treat.
- Quinoa Salad: A light salad made with quinoa, bell peppers, and a citrus dressing; it’s healthy and satisfying.
- Cilantro Lime Slaw: Crunchy cabbage slaw mixed with cilantro and lime juice offers a zesty crunch alongside your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Preparing Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers can be straightforward, but avoiding common pitfalls ensures the best results.
- Skipping the Marinade Time: Not allowing enough time for the chicken to marinate can lead to bland flavors. Aim for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight, for maximum flavor absorption.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold chicken can affect cooking times and texture. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling.
- Overcrowding Skewers: Packing too many ingredients onto one skewer can lead to uneven cooking. Space out the chicken and vegetables properly for even heat distribution.
- Ignoring Cooking Temperature: Cooking over low heat may result in dry chicken. Ensure your barbecue is hot enough before placing the skewers on it.
- Forgetting to Soak Wooden Skewers: If you use wooden skewers without soaking them in water, they may catch fire. Soak them for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
- To freeze, place the skewers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short increments of 30 seconds until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and cook skewers for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. However, thighs are juicier and tend to stay moist during grilling.
How do I make Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers spicy?
To add more heat, include extra jalapeño peppers or add crushed red pepper flakes into the marinade.
Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate them a day ahead and simply skewer and cook them when ready.
What side dishes pair well with Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers?
These skewers go nicely with Mexican Chopped Salad and Mexican Rice, providing a delightful balance of flavors.
How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Final Thoughts
Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are not only flavorful but also versatile. You can customize them with different vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try at your next barbecue gathering; it’s sure to impress family and friends!
Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a delicious and vibrant addition to your next gathering. Marinated in a zesty blend of spices, these tender chicken skewers are not only visually appealing with their colorful vegetables but also packed with flavor. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Whether you enjoy them on their own or paired with refreshing sides like Mexican Chopped Salad or guacamole, these skewers will quickly become a favorite at your table.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 8 small boneless chicken thighs (approx. 650g/22.5oz)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 jalapeño pepper (seeds removed)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Juice of half a lime
- Salt and black pepper
- Assorted vegetables (red, green, yellow bell peppers, and onion)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by blending garlic, jalapeño, tomato paste, spices, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a mini food processor until smooth.
- Dice chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and coat them in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using.
- Thread marinated chicken and chopped vegetables onto skewers alternately.
- Preheat the grill or oven; cook skewers on high heat for about 15 minutes on the grill or bake at 220°C (425°F) for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added spice, include more jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade. Customize the vegetables based on your preference; zucchini or mushrooms work great too.
