These Mexican barbecue chicken skewers are a fun and tasty meal! They’re packed with juicy chicken, sweet peppers, and spicy seasoning that makes every bite burst with flavor.
I love serving these at summer cookouts—everyone gets to grill their own! Plus, they’re super easy to make, just marinate, skewer, and grill. You’ll look like a pro! 🌶️🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breast for its lean protein. If you’re looking for a richer flavor, try using chicken thighs instead. They stay moist and tender when grilled!
Bell Peppers: The colorful bell peppers not only add crunch but also sweetness. If you don’t have a specific color, any mix of bell peppers works. For a spicier kick, replace them with jalapeño or poblano peppers.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is perfect for the marinade. If you’re avoiding oil, you can use low-sodium chicken broth. Just know that the marinade might not have the same richness.
Lime Juice: Lime juice brightens the dish. If you lack fresh limes, use canned lime juice or even lemon juice as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different but still tasty!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives great flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a mild alternative. Some people even enjoy fresh mint here for a unique twist!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Juicy?
Getting your chicken perfectly cooked without drying it out can be tricky, but here’s how to do it. Start with marinating the chicken for at least an hour. This helps not only to enhance the flavor but also to keep it moist.
- Cook the skewers on medium-high heat to ensure that the chicken develops a nice char on the outside while cooking through.
- Keep an eye on the time: aim for 10-15 minutes total cooking time, turning occasionally.
- Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Let your skewers rest for a few minutes off the grill before serving. This helps the juices redistribute.
How to Make Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, cut into chunks
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and make the marinade, plus at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken (overnight is best!). Once you’re ready to grill, it will take about 10-15 minutes to cook the skewers. In total, plan for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be your flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes into the bowl and toss them around until they are well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you can, aim for overnight for even more flavor!
3. Prepare for Grilling:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure the skewers cook evenly and get that lovely char.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Take the marinated chicken and thread it onto skewers along with the chunks of red, yellow, and green bell peppers, and onion. Alternate the pieces to make them colorful and appetizing!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Once your grill is hot, carefully place the skewers on it. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. Cook until the chicken is fully done and has a nice char, making sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Let Them Rest and Garnish:
After grilling, remove the skewers from the grill and let them sit for a few minutes. This helps them stay juicy. Finally, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top before serving for a fresh touch.
Enjoy your delicious Mexican barbecue chicken skewers! They’re perfect for a summer barbecue or a fun family dinner.
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute any veggies you like or have on hand. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms make great alternatives. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour, but for maximum flavor, marinating overnight is best! If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will add some nice taste.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Skewers?
No worries! If you don’t have skewers, you can make a stir-fry instead. Just cook the marinated chicken and veggies in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, following the same cooking time until the chicken is cooked through.
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat. You can also enjoy them cold in salads or wraps!
