Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Last summer, on a sweltering July evening, I fired up the grill for a surprise backyard cookout with my two kids. The air shimmered with excitement as they rushed to help me thread chicken, peppers, and onions onto skewers. While the flames danced and laughter filled the yard, the scent of smoky spices and lime teased our senses. That moment—my daughters’ eager faces, the sizzle of meat, the burst of color from the veggies—reminds me why I love cooking: it brings family together around simple, bold flavors.

These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers feel like a warm hug. They’re not complicated, but they pack so much personality—spicy, tangy, smoky—a perfect combo for a cozy weeknight or casual weekend grill session. Growing up, my mom would serve skirt steak with peppers at fiestas, and these skewers capture that same festive spirit—just more laid-back and perfect for home cooks like us.

As a self-taught kitchen coach and dad, I want recipes my kids can help with—and these skewers fit the bill. No fancy tools, just fresh ingredients and an easy marinade that delivers flavor without fuss. These skewers are my way of sharing a little piece of summer joy with you—one tender, charred bite at a time.

Short Description

Juicy chicken thighs bathed in a zesty Mexican-inspired marinade, skewered with vibrant bell peppers and onion, and grilled to smoky perfection. These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers bring bold, fiesta-ready flavor to your table with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Marinade

• 650 g boneless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Handful fresh coriander (cilantro)
• Juice of ½ lime
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Skewers

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into squares
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into squares
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into squares
• 1 white onion, cut into squares

Finishing

• Cooking oil spray or light brush of oil

Tools & Equipment

• Mini food processor or blender
• Wooden or metal skewers (wooden: soak 30 min)
• Grill, grill pan, or oven setup
• Mixing bowls and measuring spoons

How To Make Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep the marinade
In a food processor, blend garlic, jalapeño, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick. You’re aiming for a thick, coat-everything kind of sauce.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade until fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you’ve got the time.

Step 3: Build your skewers
Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, and onion pieces onto skewers, alternating colors and ingredients for the best mix of flavor and texture.

Step 4: Cook them up
If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high. Spray the skewers lightly with oil and cook for about 12–15 minutes, turning regularly until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. If baking, place the skewers on a lined baking tray. Bake at 220 °C (425 °F) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Take them off the heat and hit them with a final squeeze of lime. A little sprinkle of fresh coriander doesn’t hurt either.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These skewers are super versatile. Serve them over Mexican rice, with grilled corn, or in soft tortillas with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.

They’re great as a party appetizer, a casual dinner, or even meal-prepped for weekday lunches. My family loves them with a crunchy slaw and lime crema on the side—fresh, creamy, and just enough tang to balance the smoky spice.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Fridge: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Remove chicken from skewers and freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for 8–10 minutes or microwave gently for about 30 seconds. Don’t overheat, or you’ll dry out the chicken.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Marinate overnight if you can—the longer the chicken soaks, the more flavorful it becomes.

Cut the veggies and chicken into even pieces so they cook at the same rate.

If using a grill, turn often and don’t walk away—these skewers cook quickly and need attention.

Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave a little space between the pieces for more even heat and better browning.

Fresh lime juice right before serving makes all the difference. It brightens the whole dish.

Recipe Variations

Spicy + Sweet: Add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade and serve with mango salsa.

Citrus Twist: Double the lime juice and add orange zest for a bright, citrus punch.

Cheesy Kick: Sprinkle cotija or feta cheese over the skewers before serving.

Veggie Boost: Thread zucchini or cherry tomatoes along with the peppers.

Taco Night: Chop the grilled chicken and stuff into warmed tortillas with fresh salsa and creamy sauce.

Estimated Nutrition Info (per serving – 2 skewers)

Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Carbs: 11 g | Fat: 7 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken breast instead?
Yes. Chicken breast works—just don’t overcook it to maintain juiciness.

2. How spicy is it?
Mild to medium. Remove the jalapeño seeds and use less if you prefer. For more heat, leave the seeds or add cayenne.

3. Do skewers need soaking?
Yes — soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

4. Can I prep ahead?
Absolutely. Marinate chicken and prep veggies a day ahead, then assemble and cook when ready.

5. Leftover marinade safe?
No — discard any used marinade. Never reuse marinade that touched raw chicken.

Conclusion

These skewers are my go-to recipe when I want something simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. They remind me of family nights, backyard laughs, and the joy of summer flavor times two—kids included. I hope they bring that same warmth and flavor into your kitchen and home.

If you make them, tell me how they turned out! Drop a comment, snap a photo, and pin this for your next grill night. Happy cooking!