Mexican Barbecue with Smoky Grilled Meats and Fresh Sides

Mexican Chicken Skewers

When you think about barbecue, burgers and sausages are often the first things that come to mind. But Mexican barbecue can be just as satisfying and even healthier without losing any of the smoky grilled flavor you love. These chicken skewers are a perfect example. Juicy chicken thighs get coated in a simple, vibrant spice paste and threaded onto skewers with colorful bell peppers and onion. They cook quickly on the grill and deliver a punch of bold, zesty taste. If you are watching what you eat or following a weight loss plan, this is the kind of meal that makes healthy eating feel exciting rather than restrictive.

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These skewers are a lighter spin on a classic idea. If you want to explore even more Mexican barbecue styles, this classic Mexican barbecue chicken recipe is a great starting point. You can definitely make these skewers the star of your next cookout. They come together fast, and the marinade does most of the heavy lifting for you. Great served with a fresh side salad or some lime cilantro rice. I like to pair them with a refreshing agua fresca like watermelon or hibiscus to balance the smoky flavors. The result is a plate that feels like a celebration without piling on excess calories.

Mexican Chicken Marinade

The marinade is what sets these skewers apart. It uses common pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand, and it takes just minutes to throw together. No long shopping list, no fuss. The combination of tomato paste, fresh lime juice, and a handful of spices creates a paste that clings beautifully to the chicken and packs in flavor.

Here is what goes into it:

• Fresh minced garlic (or garlic powder if you are in a pinch)
• Jalapeño pepper, seeds removed for a mild heat
• Tomato paste
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Sweet paprika
• Fresh coriander (or parsley if you prefer)
• Fresh lime juice
• Salt and black pepper

If you do not have a fresh jalapeño, you can swap in Mexican chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper for that gentle kick. This marinade is not just for chicken either. It works beautifully on shrimp, pork, or beef skewers, so feel free to use it for a mixed grill situation. The tomato paste helps everything caramelize on the grill, giving you those irresistible charred bits.

Can I use Chicken Breast for Skewers?

Absolutely, you can use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat or that is what you have in the fridge. Just keep in mind that chicken thighs are my top choice here. Thighs have a bit more fat, which means they stay tender and moist on the grill even if you leave them on a minute too long. They also soak up the marinade beautifully, giving you deeper flavor in every bite.

If you go the chicken breast route, the biggest thing to watch is cooking time. Chicken breast cooks much faster than thighs and can dry out quickly. Cut the breast into similar sized chunks as you would the thigh pieces, and start checking for doneness a few minutes early. You want an internal temperature of 165°F, and once it hits that, pull the skewers off the heat. The flavor will still be wonderful, just keep a closer eye on them.

Vegetables for Barbecue Skewers

One of the things I love about these skewers is that you get a nice serving of vegetables right alongside your protein. The original combination uses red, yellow, and green bell peppers plus chunks of white onion. The peppers get sweet and slightly blistered, and the onion turns mellow and juicy.

You do not have to stop there, though. Plenty of other vegetables hold up well on a grill:

• Zucchini slices (courgette) add a tender, almost buttery texture.
• Red onion brings a sharper bite that mellows beautifully over the heat.
• Small slices of corn on the cob are a fun addition and pick up a lovely char.
• Mushrooms absorb some of the marinade and grill up nicely.

Just cut everything into uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate as the chicken. That way nothing burns while you wait for the meat to finish.

Soaking Wooden Skewers

If you are using wooden skewers, here is a quick but essential step: soak them. Fill a dish or a baking pan with warm water and let the skewers sit for at least 30 minutes before you thread your ingredients. Soaked wood resists burning and will not turn black on the grill, which keeps your skewers looking appetizing and prevents splinters.

This small bit of prep makes a big difference, especially if you are cooking over high direct heat. Metal skewers are another great option if you want something reusable and easy to clean. Either style works perfectly for this Mexican barbecue recipe, so pick whichever you have on hand.

Can these Chicken Skewers be cooked in the oven?

Yes, these chicken skewers adapt well to the oven, which is handy when the weather is not cooperating or you simply do not own a barbecue. You will still want to soak wooden skewers before baking to prevent them from charring under the high heat.

To cook them in the oven, arrange the skewers on a wire rack set over a foil lined baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C fan) for 25 to 30 minutes, turning them once halfway through. The chicken should reach 165°F internally and look golden with some caramelization.

A stovetop grill pan is another solid alternative. Heat it over medium high heat, place the skewers on, and rotate them frequently. It takes about 7 minutes per side for even cooking. The ridges will still give you those nice char marks, so you do not miss out on that grilled flavor.

Sides for Mexican Barbecue

Wondering what else to put on the table alongside these skewers? You have plenty of options that keep things fresh and satisfying. A Mexican chopped salad is always a hit with crunchy lettuce, black beans, corn, and a zesty dressing. If you want something heartier, Mexican rice or lime cilantro rice soak up the juices perfectly.

For potato lovers, crushed roast potatoes or a simple baked sweet potato make excellent choices. And if you have beef fans at the table, you could throw together some spicy Mexican style burgers on the grill for a real feast. I also love pairing this meal with a cold glass of watermelon agua fresca to cool down the smoky heat.

If you are looking for more inspiration, my Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs and Spicy Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers are both perfect for summer gatherings. The full recipe collection has over 900 dishes where you can search by ingredient, course, or dietary need, so you will never run out of ideas.

All with estimated calories and Slimming Eats and Weight Watcher Smart Points values.

Every recipe in this collection comes with estimated nutritional information, including calorie counts and Weight Watcher Smart Points values. This takes the guesswork out of meal planning when you are following a slimming or weight loss program. You can enjoy a generous plate of Mexican barbecue chicken skewers with sides and still stay on track. Having those numbers right there on the recipe card makes it much easier to build a balanced day without feeling deprived or spending extra time calculating portions.

Whether you are counting calories, tracking points, or simply trying to eat a little lighter, these recipes are designed to support your goals without skimping on taste.

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Mexican Chicken Skewers

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🔥 Juicy chicken thighs coated in a bold, zesty Mexican spice paste and grilled to smoky perfection with colorful peppers and onion.
🥗 A lighter barbecue option that delivers big flavor without the guilt — perfect for cookouts and weeknight dinners alike.

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon sweet paprika

2 tablespoons fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks

1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks

1 green bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks

1 white onion, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks

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Instructions

1-Soak the skewers: Soak wooden skewers in warm water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

2-Make the marinade paste: Combine garlic, jalapeño, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, paprika, coriander, lime juice, salt, and pepper; stir into a thick paste.

3-Coat the chicken: Toss chicken thigh chunks in marinade until evenly coated; cover and marinate at least 15 minutes at room temperature (or refrigerate up to 2 hours).

4-Preheat the grill: Heat barbecue or grill pan to medium-high heat and oil the grates.

5-Thread the skewers: Alternate threading marinated chicken, bell pepper, and onion onto skewers, leaving small gaps.

6-Grill the skewers: Grill skewers for 12–15 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes for even char.

7-Check for doneness: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature with a thermometer, then remove from grill.

8-Rest and serve: Rest skewers for 2–3 minutes, then serve with lime wedges, coriander, and sides.

Last Step:

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Notes

💡 Chicken thighs stay juicier on the grill than breasts, but if you use breasts, start checking for doneness a few minutes early to avoid drying them out.
🌶️ No fresh jalapeño on hand? Swap in 1/2 teaspoon of Mexican chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for a similar gentle heat.
🔥 These skewers also cook well in the oven — bake at 425°F (220°C fan) on a wire rack over a foil-lined tray for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once halfway.

• Author: Ruby Bennett
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• soaking: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 skewers
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 140mg