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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and juiciness. However, if you’re looking for a lighter option, chicken breasts are a good alternative, though they hold less moisture.
Bell Peppers: I used a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for color and sweetness. If you’re short on bell peppers, zucchini or cherry tomatoes can also add great flavor and variety.
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and richness to the marinade. If you prefer, you can substitute with avocado oil or a neutral oil like canola, especially when grilling.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors of the marinade. If limes are not available, lemon juice is a decent substitute, giving a similar acidity.
Spices: The chili powder and cumin bring a classic Mexican flavor. You might swap the chili powder with taco seasoning or paprika for a milder option.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is key to infusing the chicken with flavor. Aim for at least an hour, but marinating for up to four hours really enhances the taste. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix your marinade well in a bowl before adding the chicken to ensure an even blend.
- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces for consistent flavoring and cooking.
- Allow the chicken to soak in the refrigerator, covered, for safety and to keep it fresh.
Remember, the longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be, but avoid going over four hours to prevent a mushy texture.
How to Make Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 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
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (soaked in water if using wooden skewers)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken (up to 4 hours for maximum flavor). You’ll grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes. So, grab your ingredients and get ready for a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This flavorful mix will give your chicken lots of zesty taste!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours if you want a richer flavor.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the chicken is marinating, wash and cut the red, yellow, and green bell peppers, and the onion into chunks that are similar in size to the chicken pieces. This way, everything will cook evenly on the skewers.
4. Preheat the Grill:
Before you start grilling, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This will help achieve those lovely grill marks on your chicken and veggies.
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is done marinating, thread the chicken pieces and vegetable chunks onto the skewers. Alternate between chicken and vegetables, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Turn them occasionally and grill until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Remember, juicy chicken is the goal!
7. Rest and Garnish:
Carefully remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the chicken stay juicy. Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Mexican barbecue chicken skewers are ready! Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce or spicy salsa. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to dry out more easily. To keep them juicy, consider marinating for a shorter time (about 1-2 hours) and watch them closely while grilling, as they cook faster than thighs.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute or Add?
You can customize your skewers with a variety of veggies! Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and corn would work great. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes to the chicken for even cooking. If using denser veggies like carrots, pre-cook them slightly to ensure everything is done at the same time.
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or briefly on a grill to avoid drying out. You can also chop leftover skewers and toss them in salads or wraps for a quick meal!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! The marinade can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply add your chicken and let it marinate as instructed. This can save you time on busy days!
