Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers: A Flavorful Summer Recipe

Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers: Prepare to ignite your taste buds with a flavor explosion! Forget the same old barbecue routine; we’re taking a vibrant detour south of the border with these incredibly delicious skewers. Imagine juicy, tender chicken, marinated in a smoky, slightly spicy, and utterly irresistible Mexican-inspired barbecue sauce, all perfectly grilled to caramelized perfection.

The beauty of Mexican cuisine lies in its bold use of spices and fresh ingredients, a tradition that dates back centuries. While the concept of skewered meats exists in various cultures, this particular fusion blends the smoky allure of American barbecue with the zesty, vibrant flavors of Mexico. Think of it as a culinary handshake between two beloved traditions!

What makes these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers so universally appealing? It’s the perfect marriage of convenience and incredible taste. They’re quick to prepare, easy to grill, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The combination of smoky char, tender chicken, and that unforgettable sweet and spicy barbecue sauce creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone wanting more. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs. So, fire up the grill and get ready to experience barbecue like never before!

this Recipe

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 (15 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Mexican Barbecue Sauce:
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, fresh
• 1 tablespoon lime juice, fresh
• Equipment:
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning) or metal skewers
• Large bowl
• Small saucepan
• Grill or grill pan

Preparing the Mexican Barbecue Sauce:

1. First, let’s get that amazing Mexican Barbecue Sauce ready. In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the brown sugar dissolves completely.
3. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the fresh chopped cilantro and lime juice. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you like it spicier, add a pinch more cayenne pepper. If it’s too spicy, add a touch more brown sugar.
5. Let the sauce cool slightly before using. You can store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s even better the next day!

Marinating the Chicken:

1. Now, let’s get the chicken ready for its flavor bath! In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Pour about half of the prepared Mexican Barbecue Sauce over the chicken. Reserve the remaining sauce for basting later.
3. Toss the chicken with the sauce, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be!

Assembling the Skewers:

1. While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Make sure the bell peppers and red onion are cut into roughly the same size as the chicken cubes. Drain the pineapple chunks well.
2. Now comes the fun part – assembling the skewers! Thread the chicken, bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange), red onion, and pineapple chunks onto the skewers in an alternating pattern. You can arrange them however you like, but I find that alternating colors and textures makes for a visually appealing and delicious skewer.
3. Try to avoid overcrowding the skewers, as this can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly. Leave a little space between each piece.
4. Repeat the process until all the chicken and vegetables are used up.

Grilling the Chicken Skewers:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium heat on your stovetop.
2. Lightly oil the grill grates or grill pan to prevent the skewers from sticking.
3. Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill.
4. Grill the skewers for about 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
5. During the last 5-7 minutes of grilling, baste the skewers with the reserved Mexican Barbecue Sauce. This will add a delicious glaze and extra flavor. Be careful not to baste them too early, as the sauce can burn if exposed to high heat for too long.
6. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The vegetables should be tender-crisp and slightly charred.
7. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Serving Suggestions:

These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better when served with some delicious sides. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Rice: Serve the skewers over a bed of fluffy rice, such as white rice, brown rice, or cilantro-lime rice.
• Quinoa: For a healthier option, try serving them with quinoa.
• Salad: A fresh salad, such as a Mexican corn salad or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, is a great way to balance out the richness of the skewers.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grill some extra vegetables alongside the skewers, such as zucchini, asparagus, or corn on the cob.
• Tortillas: Serve the skewers with warm tortillas and let everyone make their own tacos or wraps.
• Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro.

Tips and Tricks:

• Soaking the Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling is crucial to prevent them from burning.
• Chicken Size: Cut the chicken into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
• Marinating Time: While 30 minutes is the minimum marinating time, marinating the chicken for a few hours will result in more flavorful skewers.
• Grilling Temperature: Maintain a medium heat on the grill to prevent the chicken from drying out.
• Basting: Baste the skewers with the barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sauce.
• Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Leftovers: Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven.

Variations:

• Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper to the barbecue sauce for a spicier kick. You can also add a chopped jalapeño to the marinade.
• Sweet: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the barbecue sauce for a sweeter flavor.
• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with firm tofu or halloumi cheese for a vegetarian option.
• Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skewers, such as mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini.
• Different Protein: You can also use other proteins, such as pork tenderloin or shrimp, in place of the chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! I hope you love them as much as I do.

Conclusion:

These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are more than just a meal; they’re a vibrant explosion of flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to a sun-drenched fiesta! Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that’s both incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to impress, look no further. The combination of the smoky barbecue sauce, the zesty lime, and the kick of chili powder creates a symphony of tastes that’s simply irresistible.

But what truly makes these skewers a must-try is their versatility. They’re perfect for a casual backyard barbecue with friends, a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or even a fun and interactive appetizer for your next party. Imagine the smiles on your guests’ faces as they savor each juicy, flavorful bite!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to serving these skewers. For a complete meal, I love pairing them with a side of fluffy cilantro lime rice and some grilled corn on the cob. A fresh and vibrant avocado salsa or a dollop of sour cream adds a cool and creamy contrast to the spicy chicken. You could also serve them alongside a crisp Mexican slaw for a refreshing crunch.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some variations? For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or use a hotter barbecue sauce. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup can do the trick. You can also experiment with different vegetables on the skewers. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes all work beautifully.

Another fun idea is to turn these skewers into tacos! Simply remove the chicken from the skewers and serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and salsa. This is a great way to use up any leftover chicken and create a whole new meal.

And don’t forget about the dipping sauces! A creamy chipotle mayo, a tangy cilantro lime dressing, or even a simple guacamole would be fantastic accompaniments. Get creative and let your taste buds guide you!

Time to Get Cooking!

I truly believe that these Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers will become a new favorite in your household. They’re so easy to make, so flavorful, and so versatile that you’ll find yourself making them again and again. The best part is that they’re a crowd-pleaser, so you can confidently serve them to even the pickiest eaters.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or preheat your oven!), and get ready to experience a taste of Mexico. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And once you’ve tried this recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What were your favorite serving suggestions? Share your photos and comments with me – I’m always eager to see your culinary creations. Happy grilling, and enjoy every delicious bite of these amazing Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers! I am confident that you will find this recipe to be a winner.