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 or a delightful weeknight dinner.

The beauty of Mexican cuisine lies in its bold use of spices and fresh ingredients, a tradition passed down through generations. While barbecue might seem like a purely American pastime, the art of grilling meat over an open flame has roots in cultures worldwide. This recipe beautifully marries the smoky allure of barbecue with the bright, invigorating tastes of Mexican cooking. Think of it as a delicious fusion, a culinary handshake between two beloved traditions.

What makes these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. The chicken is incredibly tender, thanks to a marinade that not only tenderizes but also infuses it with a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. People adore this dish because it’s incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a show-stopping appetizer for your next party, these skewers are the answer. Get ready to experience barbecue in a whole new way!

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 chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Mexican Barbecue Sauce:
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For Serving (Optional):
• Cooked rice or quinoa
• Warm tortillas
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Sour cream or Mexican crema
• Guacamole

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 skewers sing. It’s got that classic barbecue sweetness and tang, but with a delicious Mexican twist.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Add Lime Juice and Season: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
4. Cool and Store (Optional): If you’re not using the sauce immediately, let it cool completely and then 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 our amazing sauce is ready, let’s prep the chicken and veggies. This is where the vibrant colors and fresh flavors really start to come together.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown nicely when they’re grilled. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: In a separate bowl, toss the bell pepper pieces, red onion pieces, and cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. You don’t need to add any extra spices here, as they’ll get plenty of flavor from the barbecue sauce later.

Assembling the Skewers:

This is the fun part! Get your skewers ready – if you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. This is a crucial step, trust me!

1. Thread the Skewers: Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between the chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. You can arrange them in any order you like, but I like to make sure each skewer has a good mix of everything. Don’t overcrowd the skewers – leave a little space between the pieces so they cook evenly.

Grilling the Skewers:

Time to fire up the grill! You can use a gas grill or a charcoal grill for this recipe – both will work great. Just make sure the grill is clean and preheated to medium-high heat.

1. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
2. Baste with Barbecue Sauce: During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the Mexican Barbecue Sauce. Turn them frequently to ensure they’re evenly coated and the sauce doesn’t burn. The sauce will caramelize beautifully and give the skewers a gorgeous, glossy finish.

Serving the Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers:

Alright, the skewers are grilled to perfection and smelling absolutely amazing! Now it’s time to serve them up and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

1. Remove from Grill: Carefully remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
2. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle the skewers with chopped cilantro for a pop of freshness and color.
3. Serve Immediately: Serve the Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers immediately while they’re hot and juicy.
4. Serving Suggestions: These skewers are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served with some sides. I love to serve them with cooked rice or quinoa, warm tortillas, lime wedges, sour cream or Mexican crema, and guacamole. They’re also great in tacos or burritos!

Tips and Variations:

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist during grilling.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skewers, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or pineapple.
• Spicy Kick: If you like your barbecue sauce extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also add a finely chopped jalapeño pepper to the skewers.
• Marinade: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, before grilling.
• Oven Baking: If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the skewers in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Baste with the barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Slow Cooker Option: For a super easy meal, you can even cook the chicken and vegetables in a slow cooker. Place the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker, pour the barbecue sauce over them, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken with two forks and serve over rice or in tortillas.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the skewers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to keep them covered tightly.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers as much as I do! They’re perfect for a summer barbecue, a weeknight dinner, or any occasion where you want a delicious and flavorful meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Happy grilling!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are truly a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss. From the vibrant marinade to the perfectly grilled chicken, every bite is a little piece of sunshine. I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. It’s the perfect way to bring a little fiesta to your weeknight dinner or impress your friends at your next barbecue.

Think about it: tender, juicy chicken infused with smoky barbecue flavors and a zesty kick of Mexican spices. What’s not to love? Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover vegetables you have lurking in your fridge. Seriously, this recipe is a winner!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! These skewers are incredibly versatile. For a complete meal, I love serving them with a side of cilantro lime rice and some grilled corn on the cob. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese adds a lovely finishing touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving them with a mango salsa for a sweet and spicy contrast.

And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also 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. On the other hand, if you’re a spice enthusiast, add a pinch of habanero powder for an extra kick.

Another great variation is to use different vegetables on the skewers. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes all work beautifully. You could even add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect skewer masterpiece!

These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are also fantastic for meal prepping. Simply grill the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, you can quickly assemble the skewers and enjoy a healthy and delicious meal. They are also great cold, added to a salad for lunch the next day.

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your rotation. It’s the perfect combination of flavor, convenience, and versatility. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

And most importantly, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe as is, or did you make any modifications? What were your favorite serving suggestions? Share your photos and comments with me – I’m always eager to see your culinary creations and learn from your experiences. Let’s spread the love for these amazing skewers and inspire others to try them too! Happy grilling!

---