– **Title**: Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1-2 tablespoons honey (optional, for sweetness)
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 red onion, cut into quarters
– Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
– Lime wedges, for serving
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and honey if using, to create a marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. While the grill heats, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes (if using) to prevent burning.
5. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of bell peppers and onion.
6. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
7. Remove from the grill and let rest for a couple of minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your Mexican barbecue chicken skewers!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: For these skewers, chicken breast is ideal due to its lean texture. If you prefer, you could use chicken thighs for a juicier flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for color and sweetness. If bell peppers aren’t in season, zucchini or cherry tomatoes can be great substitutes.
Taco Seasoning: While store-bought taco seasoning is convenient, you can make your own with cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano. It’s fun to personalize the spice levels!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have limes, lemon juice works well, but it will change the flavor a bit. Always use fresh juice for the best taste!
How Can I Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken can be tricky. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken skewers are juicy and safe to eat:
- Always preheat your grill to medium-high. This helps create those beautiful grill marks.
- As you thread the chicken onto the skewers, try to keep the pieces uniform in size for even cooking.
- Rotate the skewers occasionally while grilling to avoid burning. Aim for a total cooking time of 10-15 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C), ensuring it’s safely cooked.
Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling before serving them. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender.
How to Make Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep (including marinating) and another 15-20 minutes for grilling. You’ll want to allow for at least 30 minutes of marinating time, so the total time from start to finish is about an hour. A perfect dish for a fun meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes while you get everything else ready. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, taco seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so that the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. For the best flavor, let this marinate for at least 30 minutes—put it in the refrigerator if you can!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help get nice grill marks on your chicken and veggies!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once your chicken is marinated and your grill is hot, it’s time to thread the skewers. Take a skewer and alternate threading on the marinated chicken pieces with pieces of red, yellow, and green bell pepper, along with onion pieces. This will make each bite flavorful and colorful!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly. You’re looking for a nice char and for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
6. Rest and Garnish:
Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy! After resting, garnish the skewers with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of flavor and color.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are ready to be served! Pair them with your favorite side dishes or wrapped in tortillas for a delicious meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in My Skewers?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Just cut them to a similar size as the peppers and onion for even cooking.
What Kind of Skewers Should I Use?
You can use either wooden or metal skewers! If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
How Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer?
You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent any contamination and enhance the flavor even more!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven, on the grill, or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them from drying out.
