Mexican barbecue chicken skewers are about to become your new favorite way to grill! Imagine juicy, tender chicken, marinated in a vibrant blend of smoky chipotle peppers, zesty lime, and a medley of warm spices. These aren’t your average barbecue skewers; they’re a fiesta on a stick, bursting with authentic Mexican flavors that will transport your taste buds south of the border.
While the exact origins of skewered meats are difficult to pinpoint, the concept of grilling food on sticks has been around for centuries, spanning various cultures. In Mexico, grilling meats over open flames is a deeply ingrained tradition, often associated with celebrations and communal gatherings. This recipe for Mexican barbecue chicken skewers draws inspiration from those time-honored techniques, combining them with the convenience and fun of modern grilling.
What makes these skewers so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky notes that dance on your palate. The chicken remains incredibly moist thanks to the marinade, and the slight char from the grill adds a delightful textural contrast. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice cook, these Mexican barbecue chicken skewers are guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Mexican Barbecue Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Crumbled cotija cheese
Preparing the Mexican Barbecue Sauce:
Okay, let’s get started with the star of the show – the Mexican barbecue sauce! This sauce is what really makes these chicken skewers sing. It’s sweet, smoky, spicy, and tangy all at the same time. Trust me, you’ll want to put this on everything!
- Combine the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and ground cinnamon. Make sure everything is well combined so there are no lumps of spices.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the water to the saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you want it spicier, add more cayenne pepper. If you want it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
- Cool and Reserve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. You can use it immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will actually deepen over time!
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables:
Now that the sauce is ready, let’s get the chicken and veggies prepped. This part is pretty straightforward, but it’s important to cut everything into uniform sizes so that it cooks evenly on the skewers.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown nicely when they’re grilled. Place the chicken in a large bowl.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion into 1-inch pieces. Make sure they’re roughly the same size as the chicken cubes. Add the bell peppers and red onion to the bowl with the chicken. Leave the cherry tomatoes whole.
- Season the Chicken and Vegetables: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Assembling the Skewers:
This is where the fun begins! You can get creative with how you arrange the chicken and vegetables on the skewers. I like to alternate the colors and textures for a visually appealing and delicious result.
- Soak the Skewers (if using wooden skewers): If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
- Thread the Skewers: Thread the chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes onto the skewers. Alternate the ingredients to create a colorful and balanced skewer. I usually aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken and a similar amount of vegetables per skewer. Be careful not to overcrowd the skewers, as this can prevent the ingredients from cooking evenly.
Grilling the Skewers:
Time to fire up the grill! Grilling is the best way to cook these skewers, as it gives them a delicious smoky flavor. But if you don’t have a grill, you can also bake them in the oven or cook them in a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the skewers from sticking.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Turn the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Baste with Sauce: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the Mexican barbecue sauce. This will give them a beautiful glaze and add even more flavor. Be careful not to baste them too early, as the sauce can burn if it’s exposed to high heat for too long.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F.
Baking the Skewers (Alternative Method):
If you don’t have a grill, don’t worry! You can still make these delicious skewers in the oven. The baking method is just as easy, and you’ll still get a fantastic result.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Arrange Skewers on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the assembled skewers on the baking sheet, making sure they’re not overcrowded.
- Bake the Skewers: Bake the skewers for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Turn the skewers halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Baste with Sauce: During the last 5-10 minutes of baking, brush the skewers generously with the Mexican barbecue sauce. This will give them a beautiful glaze and add even more flavor.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F.
Serving the Skewers:
Now for the best part – serving and enjoying your delicious Mexican barbecue chicken skewers! These skewers are perfect as an appetizer, a main course, or even as part of a barbecue spread.
- Remove from Grill or Oven: Once the skewers are cooked through and nicely glazed with the sauce, remove them from the grill or oven.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish the skewers with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and crumbled cotija cheese, if desired. These garnishes add a pop of freshness and flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the skewers immediately while they’re still hot and juicy.
- Serving Suggestions: These skewers are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with Mexican rice, black beans, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with warm tortillas for a fun and interactive meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist during grilling. Just make sure to cut them into 1-inch cubes as well.
- Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skewers, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or pineapple.
- Spicy Sauce: If you like your barbecue sauce extra spicy, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chipotle powder.
- Sweet Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar or a drizzle of honey.
- Marinade: For even more flavor, marinate
Conclusion:
So there you have it! These Mexican barbecue chicken skewers are more than just a meal; they’re a fiesta on a stick! The vibrant flavors, the ease of preparation, and the sheer deliciousness make this recipe a definite must-try. I truly believe that once you taste the smoky, spicy, and tangy combination, you’ll be hooked. It’s the perfect dish for a casual weeknight dinner, a lively weekend barbecue, or even a fun potluck contribution. Trust me, your friends and family will be begging you for the recipe!
But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own taste preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade. If you prefer a sweeter flavor profile, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup can work wonders. You can also experiment with different vegetables on the skewers. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are all fantastic additions.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
When it comes to serving these delightful skewers, the possibilities are endless! I personally love serving them with a side of cilantro-lime rice and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool and creamy contrast to the spicy chicken. And don’t forget the toppings! Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice are the perfect finishing touches.
For a lighter option, you can serve the grilled chicken over a bed of mixed greens with a vibrant vinaigrette. Or, chop the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or quesadillas. You could even shred the chicken and use it as a topping for nachos. The possibilities are truly limitless! Another great variation is to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer, more flavorful result. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
And if you’re looking to make this recipe even easier, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time. In fact, I highly recommend it! The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will become. You can marinate it for as little as 30 minutes or as long as overnight. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator.
I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe for Mexican barbecue chicken skewers, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to experience a taste of Mexico!
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please don’t hesitate to share your experience with me. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? I’m always eager to hear your feedback and learn from your culinary adventures. Happy grilling!
Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers: The Ultimate Grilling Recipe
Sweet, smoky, spicy, and tangy Mexican barbecue chicken skewers with colorful vegetables. Perfect for grilling or baking!
By: LilyCategory: AppetizerDifficulty: EasyCuisine: AmericanYield: 6-8 servingsDietary: VegetarianIngredients
Instructions
Recipe Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken in the Mexican Barbecue sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, before assembling the skewers.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the skewers, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or pineapple.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness of the sauce.
- Serve with Mexican rice, black beans, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ How do I ensure the bread stays moist?Use fresh, ripe ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container.→ Can I substitute ingredients?Yes, you can substitute similar ingredients while maintaining the basic ratios for best results.→ How long does this bread keep?Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.→ What if I don't have all the spices?You can adjust spices to taste or substitute with similar warming spices.→ Can I freeze this bread?Yes, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
