Are you looking for a mouthwatering recipe that combines the smoky flavors of BBQ with the vibrant and zesty spices of Mexican cuisine? Look no further than Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! This dish brings together the best of both worlds: tender chicken marinated in a delicious blend of spices, grilled to perfection, and served on skewers for a fun, easy-to-eat experience. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just craving some homemade comfort food, these BBQ Chicken Skewers will quickly become one of your go-to best chicken recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The appeal of Mexican BBQ lies in its ability to create dishes that are both hearty and full of flavor. The chicken in this recipe is marinated in a zesty combination of lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and garlic, giving it a delicious smoky and tangy profile. The barbecue chicken gets an added kick from a hint of chipotle peppers, which bring a mild heat and deep smokiness to the dish. All of this is grilled to perfection, creating the ultimate juicy, tender, and flavorful skewer.
Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ with family and friends, these chicken skewers require just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Plus, they make an excellent choice for a tasty recipe that will impress everyone around the grill.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
To prepare these yummy eats, here’s what you’ll need:
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (optional for extra smokiness)
For the Skewers:
- Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if using wooden skewers)
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
For the Barbecue Sauce (Optional):
- 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- A pinch of chili flakes (optional for extra heat)
How to Make Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
The process of making BBQ Chicken Skewers with a Mexican twist is simple and straightforward. You’ll marinate the chicken, prepare your skewers, grill them to perfection, and serve with a flavorful barbecue sauce. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this easy delicious recipe:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks, about 1-1.5 inches in size. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the marinade.
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. If you’re adding chipotle peppers for extra smokiness, stir them in at this stage.
Add the chicken chunks to the bowl, ensuring they are evenly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For maximum flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours or overnight. This will allow the spices to really penetrate the meat, making it juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
While the chicken is marinating, prepare your skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with chunks of red onion, bell pepper, and zucchini for a pop of color and flavor. This also helps to balance out the richness of the chicken with some fresh vegetables.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken Skewers
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are glowing hot and spread evenly.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, turning them occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked through and slightly charred on the outside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s cooked properly. You want the chicken to be juicy and tender, with a nice smoky grill flavor.
Step 4: Make the Barbecue Sauce (Optional)
While the skewers are grilling, you can prepare a simple homemade barbecue sauce to brush on the chicken. In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and chili flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Set the sauce aside for later.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked and beautifully charred, remove the skewers from the grill. Brush the skewers with the barbecue sauce if desired, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
These Mexican BBQ Chicken Skewers are perfect for serving alongside your favorite sides. Try them with grilled corn on the cob, a tangy Mexican street corn salad, or a refreshing guacamole and salsa platter. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Perfect Mexican BBQ Chicken Skewers
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts. They’ll be extra juicy and flavorful.
- Grilling Tips: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the skewers. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables to your skewers, like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers. The more colorful, the better!
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and vegetables on the skewers ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before grilling.
Why These Mexican BBQ Chicken Skewers Are the Best Chicken Recipe
Mexican BBQ Chicken Skewers are more than just a great BBQ chicken recipe; they’re a celebration of bold, vibrant flavors. The smoky chipotle peppers, tangy lime, and earthy cumin combine to create a marinade that infuses the chicken with a depth of flavor that is truly irresistible.
This recipe also allows you to enjoy the delicious comfort food aspect of grilled chicken, but with a fun twist. The skewers make the meal easy to eat and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ with your loved ones, these chicken skewers are a fantastic addition to any meal.
Moreover, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can make it your own by adjusting the spice levels or adding your favorite veggies. Whether you like it extra spicy or prefer a milder flavor, Mexican BBQ has something for everyone.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and tasty recipe that will become a hit at your next gathering, Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are the way to go. This dish combines all the elements of a great BBQ—smoky, tangy, and juicy—while also bringing in the warmth and boldness of Mexican BBQ flavors. It’s the perfect meal for any occasion, from a casual get-together to a special celebration.
Try these easy delicious recipes for your next BBQ and enjoy some of the best chicken recipes around! Whether you’re grilling for yourself or serving a crowd, these yummy eats are guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
