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Best Easy Zesty Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

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These Flavorful Zesty Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and sweet, with a caramelized crust that makes them a crowd-pleaser at any cookout. Quick to prepare and full of vibrant flavors, they are your new go-to for grilling season.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges and separated into layers
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for garnish)
  • Crumbled cotija cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  2. Prep the chicken: Cut chicken thighs into 1.5-inch chunks. Place in the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (2 hours is better).
  3. Soak the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes. Metal skewers do not need soaking.
  4. Prep the veggies: Cut bell peppers and red onion into similar-sized pieces. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
  5. Assemble the skewers: Thread chicken and veggies onto skewers, alternating between chicken, pepper, onion, and chicken. Leave a small gap between pieces. Aim for 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer.
  6. Preheat the grill: Heat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Clean and oil the grates.
  7. Grill the skewers: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning every 4 minutes, for a total of 12-15 minutes. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Veggies should be tender and charred.
  8. Rest and garnish: Remove skewers from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, squeeze lime wedges over the top, and add crumbled cotija cheese if desired.

Notes

For best results, marinate chicken for at least 2 hours. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Keep extra marinade for basting (set aside before adding raw chicken). Watch for flare-ups due to honey. Let skewers rest before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken skewers, Mexican barbecue, grilled chicken, chipotle, summer recipe, easy dinner, gluten-free

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