Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your table. Perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or a cozy family dinner, these skewers are easy to prepare and packed with bold spices. The marinated chicken, combined with colorful vegetables, creates a visually appealing and delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 20 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The unique blend of spices and fresh ingredients guarantees a mouthwatering experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these skewers with rice, salads, or as part of a larger feast; they fit any occasion.
• Healthy Meal Choice: With lean chicken and plenty of vegetables, this dish is nutritious and satisfying.
• Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: Suitable for various dietary preferences, making it an inclusive option for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mini food processor
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• BBQ grill or oven
• Cooking oil spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Mini food processor: Quickly blends the marinade ingredients into a smooth paste.
• Skewers: Essential for holding the chicken and veggies together for grilling or baking.
• BBQ grill or oven: Provides flexibility in cooking methods to achieve that perfect char.

Ingredients

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 it forms a paste. If needed, add a little water to help it mix.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Dice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and pour the marinade over. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Refrigerate overnight or at least for a few hours.

Step 3: Soak Wooden Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in warm water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This prevents them from burning on the grill.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers along with alternating pieces of red, green, yellow bell peppers, and onion.

Step 5: Prepare for Cooking

Spray the assembled skewers lightly with cooking oil spray to enhance browning during cooking.

Step 6: Cook on BBQ or Oven

Cook on a hot barbecue for about 15 minutes, turning frequently until the chicken is cooked through. Alternatively, bake in an oven at 220°C (fan 200°C) or 425°F (gas mark 7) for about 25–30 minutes or grill on a pan for approx 7 minutes each side.

Step 7: Serve Your Dish

These flavorful Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are great served alongside Mexican Chopped Salad and Mexican Rice for a complete meal! Enjoy!

How to Serve Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Serving Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers can elevate any gathering or family meal. These flavorful skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and dips, making them a versatile choice for any occasion. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Fresh Salsas

• Pico de Gallo: A fresh mix of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a zesty flavor.
• Mango Salsa: Sweet and spicy, this salsa combines diced mango with jalapeños for an exotic twist.

Accompanied by Dips

• Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip with lime and garlic enhances the smoky flavors of the chicken.
• Chipotle Sauce: A smoky, spicy sauce that complements the marinade perfectly.

Served Over Rice

• Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime pairs well with the skewers.
• Mexican Rice: A seasoned rice dish featuring tomatoes and spices creates a hearty side.

On a Colorful Salad

• Mexican Chopped Salad: Tossed greens with beans, corn, and avocado provide a refreshing crunch.
• Grilled Vegetable Salad: Roasted seasonal vegetables add depth and flavor to your meal.

How to Perfect Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

To achieve the best results when making Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers, follow these helpful tips. These insights will ensure your skewers are flavorful and juicy every time.

• Marinate Overnight: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances flavor absorption.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and spices for a more vibrant taste.
• Alternate Ingredients on Skewers: Alternating chicken with vegetables ensures even cooking and adds color.
• Soak Wooden Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning while grilling.
• Preheat Your Grill: A hot grill helps achieve those beautiful char marks and cooks the chicken evenly.
• Check Internal Temperature: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Pairing your Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers with delightful side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options that complement the flavors beautifully.

1. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder brings a rich taste.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer protein and texture that pairs well with grilled meat.
3. Corn Tortillas: Soft tortillas can be used to wrap chicken skewers for easy eating.
4. Grilled Zucchini: Tender grilled zucchini adds freshness and pairs nicely with smoky flavors.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with veggies is both nutritious and filling.
6. Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains add a delightful contrast to savory dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your skewers turn out perfectly.

• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland skewers. Marinate for at least a few hours, or overnight if possible, to enhance flavor.
• Using dry skewers: If using wooden skewers, failing to soak them can result in burnt sticks. Soak in warm water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent this.
• Overcrowding the skewers: Packing too much chicken and vegetables on each skewer can lead to uneven cooking. Alternate pieces of chicken and veggies and leave space for heat circulation.
• Ignoring cooking times: Not monitoring the cooking time can result in undercooked or overcooked chicken. Aim for about 15 minutes on the barbecue, ensuring you turn them frequently.
• Not checking doneness: Relying solely on time without checking doneness can be risky. Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

• Place cooled skewers in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Cook the skewers for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Serve these skewers with sides like Mexican Chopped Salad or Mexican Rice for a complete meal.

Can I use other meats for these skewers?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef or shrimp if desired.

How do I ensure my chicken skewers don’t dry out?

Marinating the chicken properly helps retain moisture during cooking, ensuring tender results.

Are Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check the ingredients of any marinades or sauces used.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are not only flavorful but also versatile. You can customize them with your favorite vegetables or spices based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful barbecue meal that everyone will love!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that transports your taste buds straight to Mexico. These skewers feature tender chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of spices and fresh ingredients, perfectly complemented by colorful peppers and onions. Ideal for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or cozy weeknight dinners, this dish is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have these mouthwatering skewers on the table in no time. Plus, they’re gluten-free and dairy-free, making them a fantastic choice for various dietary preferences. Serve them alongside fresh salsas or salads for an unforgettable meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 small boneless chicken thighs
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• Assorted bell peppers (red, green, yellow)
• White onion
• Fresh coriander

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Instructions

1. In a mini food processor, blend garlic, jalapeño, tomato paste, spices, lime juice, coriander, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Dice chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and coat with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least a few hours or overnight for best results.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Thread marinated chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
5. Lightly spray skewers with cooking oil and grill on medium heat for about 15 minutes or bake at 220°C (425°F) for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling/Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 skewer (approximately 100g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 110mg