Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers: A Flavorful Summer Recipe

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers: Prepare to ignite your taste buds with a flavor explosion! Imagine succulent, perfectly grilled chicken, infused with the vibrant and zesty flavors of Mexico. These aren’t your average barbecue skewers; they’re a fiesta on a stick, guaranteed to be the star of your next cookout.

The beauty of Mexican cuisine lies in its bold use of spices and fresh ingredients, a tradition passed down through generations. While the concept of skewered meats dates back centuries across various cultures, this particular fusion of Mexican flavors with classic barbecue techniques is a relatively modern, and incredibly delicious, innovation. It’s a testament to the ever-evolving culinary landscape, where traditions meet creativity.

So, why are Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of smoky char, tender chicken, and that unmistakable kick of chili, lime, and cilantro. The marinade, bursting with authentic Mexican spices, penetrates deep into the chicken, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next party. The vibrant colors and tantalizing aroma alone are enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Get ready to experience barbecue like never before!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 orange bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning
• For the Mexican Barbecue Marinade:
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Optional Garnishes:
• Lime wedges
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Avocado slices
• Sour cream or Mexican crema

Preparing the Mexican Barbecue Marinade:

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of this recipe – the Mexican Barbecue Marinade! This is where all the magic happens, infusing the chicken with incredible flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the effort!

1. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, orange juice, olive oil, and lime juice. Make sure everything is well combined for a smooth base.
2. Add the Dry Spices: Now, add the brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
3. Whisk Thoroughly: Using a whisk, thoroughly combine all the ingredients until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the marinade is smooth and consistent. Give it a taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away!
4. Let it Rest (Optional): For the best flavor, I recommend letting the marinade sit for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour, at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen.

Marinating the Chicken and Vegetables:

Now that our marinade is ready, it’s time to get the chicken and vegetables soaking up all that deliciousness! This step is crucial for tender, flavorful skewers.

1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, orange bell pepper, red onion, and minced jalapeño (if using).
2. Pour the Marinade: Pour the prepared Mexican Barbecue Marinade over the chicken and vegetables in the bowl.
3. Mix Well: Using your hands or a large spoon, thoroughly mix the chicken and vegetables with the marinade, ensuring that everything is evenly coated. Make sure the marinade gets into all the nooks and crannies!
4. Marinate in the Refrigerator: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to a resealable plastic bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be. I usually aim for at least 4 hours.

Assembling the Skewers:

Time to get creative and assemble our skewers! This is where you can really customize them to your liking. Just remember to be mindful of even cooking.

1. Prepare the Skewers: Make sure your wooden skewers have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
2. Thread the Ingredients: Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between the chicken and different colored bell peppers and red onion. You can arrange them in any order you like, but I usually go for a visually appealing pattern. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
3. Repeat: Continue threading the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers until all the ingredients are used up. You should have a good number of skewers, depending on how much you put on each one.

Grilling the Chicken Skewers:

Alright, let’s fire up the grill! This is where the magic really happens, transforming our marinated chicken and vegetables into smoky, flavorful skewers.

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
2. Place the Skewers on the Grill: Carefully place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill grates.
3. Grill and Rotate: Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning them every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking on all sides. The chicken should be cooked through and the vegetables should be tender and slightly charred. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Baste with Marinade (Optional): During the last few minutes of grilling, you can baste the skewers with any remaining marinade for extra flavor. Be careful not to baste too early, as the marinade may burn.
5. Remove from Grill: Once the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a clean platter.

Serving and Garnishing:

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to serve up these delicious Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

1. Garnish: Sprinkle the grilled skewers with chopped fresh cilantro.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the skewers immediately while they are hot and juicy.
3. Optional Garnishes: Offer lime wedges, crumbled cotija cheese, avocado slices, and sour cream or Mexican crema as optional garnishes. These additions will enhance the flavor and presentation of the skewers.
4. Serving Suggestions: These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides, such as Mexican rice, black beans, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them in tortillas as tacos or in bowls with your favorite toppings.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are more than just a meal; they’re a vibrant fiesta on a stick, bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it perfectly balances the smoky char of barbecue with the zesty, spicy kick of Mexican cuisine. Forget boring, bland chicken – these skewers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, packing a picnic, or just looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.

What makes these skewers so special? It’s the combination of the tender, juicy chicken, marinated in that incredible blend of spices and citrus, and the perfectly grilled vegetables. The marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps to keep it incredibly moist during grilling. And let’s be honest, who can resist the allure of perfectly charred bell peppers and onions?

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions. I love serving these skewers 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! A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dash of your favorite hot sauce will take these skewers to the next level.

Looking for variations? You got it! Try using different cuts of chicken, like chicken thighs for an even richer flavor. Or, swap out the chicken altogether and use shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different vegetables. Zucchini, corn on the cob, and cherry tomatoes are all delicious additions to these skewers. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pineapple chunk or two for a sweet and tangy twist.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice level to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the cayenne pepper altogether. If you like things hot, add a pinch of habanero powder or a few chopped jalapeños to the marinade. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s completely customizable to your own taste preferences.

I’m confident that you’ll love these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers as much as I do. They’re the perfect combination of flavor, convenience, and versatility. They are truly a delicious way to enjoy Mexican barbecue.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab 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 and I can’t wait to hear what you think.

Once you’ve made these skewers, please come back and leave a comment below! Let me know what you thought of the recipe, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to improve my recipes and share them with others.

Happy grilling! I hope you enjoy these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers as much as I do. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to add some spice to your next meal.

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