Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Name: Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 small boneless chicken thighs; 2 cloves garlic; 1 jalapeño pepper (seeds removed); 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons cumin; 2 teaspoons paprika; Salt and black pepper; Bell peppers (red, green, yellow) and onion for skewering

Published: July 30, 2025

by Olivia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor: The marinade combines garlic, jalapeño, and spices to create a mouthwatering taste that makes every bite memorable.
Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal prep time, these skewers are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve these skewers with rice or salad for a complete meal, or enjoy them as an appetizer at your next party.
Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and fresh vegetables, this dish aligns with various dietary preferences, making it a guilt-free treat.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers requires minimal tools but ensures maximum flavor. Make sure you have everything ready before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mini food processor
Wooden or metal skewers
Grill or oven
Mixing bowl
Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Mini food processor: This tool simplifies creating the marinade by blending ingredients smoothly and evenly.
Grill or oven: Choose either method based on convenience; both provide deliciously cooked chicken skewers with unique flavors.
Skewers: Essential for holding the chicken and vegetables together, ensuring even cooking and easy flipping.

Ingredients

Mexican Barbecue – tender chicken skewers marinated with a delicious Mexican blend of spices for the perfect barbecue meal.

For the Chicken 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 Skewers

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 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.
Pulse until you achieve a paste-like consistency. If needed, add a little water to help it pulse smoothly.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Dice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
Place the diced chicken in a mixing bowl and add the marinade. Toss well to ensure all pieces are coated evenly.
Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least for a few hours.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in warm water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers alternating with pieces of bell peppers and onion (chicken, vegetable, chicken, vegetable).

Step 4: Cook the Skewers

Spray the assembled skewers lightly with cooking oil spray.
Cook on a hot barbecue, turning frequently until the chicken is cooked through (approximately 15 minutes).
Alternatively, bake in an oven preheated to 220°C (fan 200°C) or 425°F (gas mark 7) for about 25-30 minutes or use a grill pan for approximately 7 minutes on each side.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your delicious Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers hot with sides like Mexican Chopped Salad or Mexican Rice for an unforgettable meal!

How to Serve Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are versatile and can be paired with various sides and garnishes for a delightful meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your barbecue experience.

With Fresh Salads

Mexican Chopped Salad: A vibrant mix of lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, and corn tossed with lime dressing.
Cabbage Slaw: Crunchy cabbage with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the skewers.

With Dips and Salsas

Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that complements the spices in the chicken.
Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa enhances the flavors and adds a zesty kick.

Over Rice or Grains

Mexican Rice: Flavored rice cooked with tomatoes and spices pairs perfectly with the skewers.
Quinoa Salad: A healthy option that adds texture and nutritional value.

As a Wrap

Tortillas: Serve the skewers in warm tortillas with fresh vegetables for a quick wrap.
Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves to wrap around the chicken and veggies.

How to Perfect Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

To achieve the best results with your Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers, follow these helpful tips for flavor and cooking perfection.

Marinate Overnight: Allowing the chicken to soak in the marinade overnight enhances its flavor.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices make a significant difference in taste and aroma.
Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soaking them prevents burning on the grill.
Cook at High Heat: Ensure your grill is hot before adding skewers for better searing and flavor.
Rotate Frequently: Turn the skewers often while cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
Check Internal Temperature: Ensure chicken reaches 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Pairing your Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

Black Beans: Nutty black beans seasoned with garlic make for a hearty complement.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with lime butter adds sweetness to your plate.
Mexican Street Corn Salad: A creamy salad featuring charred corn, cheese, and spices brings vibrant flavor.
Spanish Rice: Flavorful rice cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and onion creates a satisfying side dish.
Grilled Vegetables: Mixed seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection offer color and nutrition.
Avocado Salad: Simple avocado tossed with lime juice provides creaminess alongside the spicy skewers.
Chips & Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa offer a crunchy bite before or during your meal.
Cilantro Lime Rice: Lightly seasoned rice adds freshness that complements the smoky flavors of barbecue chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating delicious Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to perfecting this dish.

Skipping the marinade time: Marinating chicken for at least a few hours or overnight allows flavors to penetrate the meat. Don’t rush this step; it’s essential for a tasty result.
Using dry chicken: Choose boneless thighs for juiciness. Avoid overcooking them on the grill to prevent dryness. Keep an eye on the cooking time.
Overcrowding the skewers: When you pack too much onto each skewer, it can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure there’s space between pieces for proper heat circulation.
Neglecting vegetable prep: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly alongside the chicken. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others are charred.
Ignoring food safety: Always soak wooden skewers in water before grilling to prevent burning. Also, keep raw chicken separate from cooked foods.

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

Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm skewers for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to ensure even heating.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers.

What is the best way to marinate Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers?

For optimal flavor, marinate your chicken thighs overnight. This allows the spices and lime juice to enhance the chicken’s taste deeply.

Can I use other meats for these skewers?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef or shrimp. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on the type of meat used.

How do I know when my Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are done?

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The meat will be firm and no longer pink in the center when fully cooked.

What sides pair well with Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers?

These skewers go great with dishes like Mexican Chopped Salad and Mexican Rice, offering a fresh and colorful complement.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are not just delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize them with different vegetables or spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful meal that’s sure to impress family and friends!

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