Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a delightful choice for your next gathering or family meal. These tender skewers are marinated in a vibrant blend of spices that will elevate your barbecue experience. Perfect for summer cookouts, backyard parties, or even a cozy dinner at home, these skewers offer a unique flavor profile that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices creates a rich, savory taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can quickly get these skewers ready for grilling.
• Versatile: Pair them with various sides like rice or salads for a complete meal.
• Healthy Option: Using chicken thighs provides lean protein without sacrificing flavor.
• Great for Gatherings: Perfectly sized for sharing, making them ideal for barbecues and parties.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make your cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mini food processor
• Wooden or metal skewers
• Grill or oven
• Chopping board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Mini food processor: Perfect for blending spices and creating a smooth marinade quickly.
• Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for assembling the chicken and vegetables; wooden skewers need soaking to prevent burning.
• Grill or oven: Provides the heat needed to cook the skewers evenly, giving them that delicious grilled flavor.

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

Start by adding 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 necessary, add a little water to help it blend smoothly.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Dice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with the marinade and toss well to ensure every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least a few hours.

Step 3: Soak Wooden Skewers (if using)

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, alternating with pieces of red, green, yellow bell peppers, and onion.

Step 5: Prepare for Cooking

Spray both sides of the skewers with cooking oil spray to help achieve a nice sear while grilling.

Step 6: Cook on Grill

Place the skewers on a hot barbecue grill. Turn frequently and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through—about 15 minutes total.

Step 7: Oven Alternative

Alternatively, you can bake these in an oven preheated to 220°C (fan 200°C) or 425°F (gas mark 7) for about 25-30 minutes. You may also use a grill pan cooking approximately 7 minutes per side.

Step 8: Serve

These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are excellent when served hot alongside Mexican Chopped Salad and Mexican Rice for an irresistible meal!

How to Serve Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a casual dinner, these skewers can be paired with delicious sides and dips for a complete meal.

With Mexican Chopped Salad

• A fresh and vibrant mix of greens, tomatoes, and avocado provides a refreshing balance to the smoky chicken.

On Soft Corn Tortillas

• Serve the skewers wrapped in warm corn tortillas for tasty tacos. Top with salsa and cilantro for added flavor.

Accompanied by Guacamole

• The creamy texture of guacamole complements the spiciness of the chicken. It’s perfect for dipping!

Served with Lime Wedges

• Squeezing fresh lime juice over the skewers enhances their flavor profile and adds a zesty kick.

How to Perfect Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

To create perfectly cooked Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers, follow these tips for best results.

• Marinate overnight: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight infuses it with more flavor and ensures tenderness.

• Use even-sized pieces: Cutting the chicken and vegetables into uniform sizes helps them cook evenly on the skewer.

• Preheat your grill: A hot grill will sear the chicken quickly, locking in juices while giving it those lovely grill marks.

• Soak wooden skewers: If using wooden skewers, soaking them in water prevents burning during grilling.

• Turn frequently: Rotating the skewers ensures even cooking and prevents any side from charring excessively.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Pairing your Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers with complementary sides enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices is a classic side that absorbs flavors beautifully.

2. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled to perfection makes a delightful addition to your barbecue spread.

3. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are hearty and provide protein, balancing out the meal nicely.

4. Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds a burst of flavor and freshness.

5. Cilantro Lime Quinoa: This light quinoa dish is flavored with lime juice and fresh cilantro for a refreshing side option.

6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Caramelized sweet potatoes offer a sweet contrast to the spicy chicken skewers.

7. Avocado Salad: A simple salad featuring ripe avocados tossed with lime juice adds creaminess to each bite.

8. Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned zucchini slices grilled until tender make for an excellent summer side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will ensure your Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers turn out perfectly every time.

• Skipping the marination: Failing to marinate the chicken long enough can result in bland skewers. Aim for at least a few hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
• Overcrowding the skewers: Packing too many pieces onto each skewer can cause uneven cooking. Alternate chicken and vegetables, leaving space between items for even heat distribution.
• Not preheating the grill: Cooking on a cold grill can lead to sticking and uneven cooking. Always preheat your barbecue to high heat before adding the skewers.
• Using dry chicken: Overcooking can lead to dry meat. Keep an eye on cooking times and use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Ignoring vegetable sizes: Cutting vegetables into inconsistent sizes can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure all pieces are similar in size for even grilling.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover skewers in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

• Place cooked skewers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat skewers on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a lid. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Serving these skewers with fresh sides like Mexican Chopped Salad or rice enhances their flavors.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with beef or turkey, adjusting cooking times as necessary.

How do I make these skewers spicier?

Add more jalapeños or include other spicy peppers in your marinade for an extra kick.

Are Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! They are great for meal prep and can be stored easily as discussed earlier.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers offer a delicious blend of flavors that makes them perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize them by adding different vegetables or spices based on your taste preferences. Try them out today!