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Mexican Barbecue

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

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

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