Name: Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/3 cup barbecue sauce (choose your preferred flavor); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for heat); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 yellow onion, cut into wedges; 8–10 wooden or metal skewers (soaked if wooden); Optional garnish: chopped cilantro, lime wedges, crumbled cotija or feta

Description

These Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers are easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for gatherings, balancing smoky sweetness with bright Mexican spices.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/3 cup barbecue sauce (choose your preferred flavor)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for heat)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 yellow onion, cut into wedges
8–10 wooden or metal skewers (soaked if wooden)
Optional garnish: chopped cilantro, lime wedges, crumbled cotija or feta

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Instructions

Prep the chicken and skewers: Cut chicken into uniform cubes so they cook evenly. Thread chicken, pepper, and onion onto skewers, alternating pieces for color and flavor.
Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, olive oil, lime juice, honey, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Reserve a few tablespoons for basting.
Marinate: Place skewers in a shallow dish and spoon the marinade over them, turning to coat. Let sit 20–30 minutes at room temperature (or up to 2 hours refrigerated for deeper flavor).
Grill or broil: For grilling, preheat to medium-high. Oil the grates and grill skewers 3–4 minutes per side until nicely charred and internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). For broiling, arrange skewers on a lined baking sheet and broil 4–5 minutes per side, watching closely so the sugars don’t burn.
Finish and serve: Baste with reserved marinade during the last minute, then rest 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with lime wedges and your favorite sides.

Notes

Cut chicken evenly for consistent cooking and do not over-marinate to avoid texture changes.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican