These Easy Mexican BBQ Chicken Skewers are full of zesty flavor! With juicy chicken marinated in taco seasoning and grilled to perfection, they are sure to please everyone.
You can serve them at a party or just for a fun weeknight dinner. I love putting fresh veggies on the skewers too—they add a nice crunch! 🍗💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness! If you prefer a leaner option, go for chicken breasts instead. You can even use shrimp or firm tofu for a tasty alternative.
Bell Peppers: These add great color and crunch. Feel free to swap in other veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms if you have them on hand. Fresh veggies make these skewers even better!
BBQ Sauce: A smoky or chipotle-flavored BBQ sauce enhances the flavor. If you want it homemade, mix ketchup with some apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. You can also use a sugar-free option if you prefer.
Spices: The combination of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika gives a nice depth. You can adjust these to your taste or even add a dash of taco seasoning for more flavor. For more heat, add more cayenne pepper!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Are Juicy and Well-Cooked?
Getting juicy chicken on skewers takes a little care, but it’s worth it! Here’s how to ensure they are cooked just right:
- Marinate the chicken. This keeps it juicy and infuses flavor. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours gives the best results.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave a little space between pieces—this helps them cook evenly.
- Preheat your grill. A hot grill means a good sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
- Check the temperature. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This way, you know they are safe to eat!
Easy Mexican BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, cut into chunks
- For the Marinade:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce (preferably smoky or chipotle-flavored)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Equipment:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time for cutting and marinating, plus at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) for marinating the chicken, and about 15 minutes for grilling. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour (including marinating) before you can enjoy these delicious skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, BBQ sauce, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken chunks to the bowl of marinade and toss them to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor, let it marinate for about 2 hours.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a nice char on the chicken when cooking.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to assemble! Take your soaked skewers and thread the marinated chicken chunks onto them, alternating with pieces of red, yellow, and green bell peppers, and onion. Remember to leave a little space between the pieces for even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Turn them every 3-4 minutes so they cook evenly. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a beautiful finish. Serve warm with lime wedges, rice, or tortillas, as you like!
Enjoy your flavorful and colorful Mexican BBQ Chicken Skewers! They’re not just tasty—they’re a crowd pleaser!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables on the Skewers?
Absolutely! While bell peppers and onions are classic choices, feel free to mix it up with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a sweetness contrast. Just ensure all veggies are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
What Type of BBQ Sauce Works Best?
A smoky or chipotle-flavored BBQ sauce adds a delicious depth to the chicken. However, you can use any BBQ sauce you enjoy! If you prefer homemade, simply combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and spices to create your own blend.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the skewers on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for quick reheating.
Can I Prepare the Skewers in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. This makes it easy to serve when you’re ready to eat!
