Okay, so you’re looking for something absolutely delicious, super easy, and *actually* good for you? Look no further! These Irresistible Grilled Mexican Chicken Skewers For A Slimming Feast are my absolute go-to when I want a healthy meal that doesn’t taste like cardboard. Seriously, the smoky char from the grill combined with that zesty Mexican marinade is just perfection on a stick. I stumbled upon this combo years ago when I was trying to find ways to make weeknight dinners exciting without all the heavy stuff. Grilling just brings out an amazing depth of flavor, and the way the chicken and veggies get that little bit crispy? Chef’s kiss! It’s become a staple in my house, and I’m so excited to share it with you!
Why You’ll Love These Irresistible Grilled Mexican Chicken Skewers
- Flavor Explosion: That zesty lime, chili, and cumin marinade is pure magic!
- Super Healthy: Lean chicken and colorful veggies make it perfect for any slimming diet.
- Crazy Easy: Minimal prep, maximum flavor – dinner’s on the table in no time!
- Kid-Approved & Guest-Worthy: Who doesn’t love food on a stick? They’re a crowd-pleaser!
- Smoky Char: Grilling adds that irresistible depth you just can’t get any other way.
Gather Your Ingredients For Irresistible Grilled Mexican Chicken Skewers
Alright, let’s get our ducks (or rather, chicken cubes!) in a row. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing skewers:
- A good 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into nice, bite-sized 1-inch cubes.
- One vibrant red bell pepper, also cut into 1-inch pieces.
- A lovely green bell pepper, cut similarly into 1-inch pieces.
- And one red onion, chopped into those same 1-inch chunks.
- About 1/4 cup of good olive oil – don’t skimp here!
- The juice from two fresh limes – gotta have that zing!
- Two cloves of garlic, minced up super fine.
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder for a little kick.
- 1 teaspoon of earthy cumin.
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoky paprika – it adds such a lovely depth.
- And if you’re feeling brave, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for extra heat (totally optional!).
- Of course, salt and black pepper to taste.
- And finally, your trusty wooden or metal skewers.
Step-by-Step Guide To Making Irresistible Grilled Mexican Chicken Skewers
Alright, let’s get this party started! Making these skewers is honestly super straightforward. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be chowing down on deliciousness in no time.
Marinating the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
First things first: that flavor! Grab a big bowl and whisk together your olive oil, that fresh lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and the cayenne if you’re using it. Don’t forget a good pinch of salt and pepper! Toss your cubed chicken right into this magical marinade. Give it a good mix so every piece is coated. Let that sit for at least 30 minutes, or pop it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. This is where all that amazing Mexican flavour really sinks in and makes the chicken super tender. It’s like magic! For more grilled chicken goodness, check out this amazing grilled chicken and vegetable recipe!
Assembling the Skewers
Now for the fun part – building those beautiful skewers! If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaking in water for at least half an hour. This stops them from turning into little charcoal sticks on the grill! Start by threading on a piece of chicken, then a chunk of red pepper, then green pepper, some red onion, and then another piece of chicken. Keep alternating – chicken, veggies, chicken, veggies – until your skewer is full. Try to pack them snugly but not so tight that they won’t cook evenly.
Grilling Your Mexican Chicken Skewers to Perfection
Time to hit the grill! Get it nice and hot over medium-high heat. Carefully place your assembled skewers onto the hot grates. You’ll want to grill them for about 10 to 12 minutes total. The trick is to turn them every few minutes. This ensures that gorgeous, even char marks and that the chicken cooks all the way through without burning. You’re looking for the chicken to be totally cooked and the veggies to be tender-crisp, with just a little bit of charring. Once they’re done, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before you dive in. That little bit of resting time really helps keep everything juicy!
Tips for the Best Irresistible Grilled Mexican Chicken Skewers
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe down, but let me give you a few little secrets I’ve picked up over the years to make these skewers truly sing. First off, if you’re not a fan of chicken breast or just want something a little richer, don’t be afraid to swap it out for chicken thighs! They’re super forgiving on the grill and add an extra layer of deliciousness. Just trim off any excess fat. Now, about the spice – if you like it hotter, just bump up that cayenne pepper, or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes right into the marinade. For a milder version, you can leave the cayenne out altogether. I’ve also found that using a good quality olive oil makes a difference in the marinade; it really helps carry those flavors into the chicken. To keep things from sticking like crazy on the grill, make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled *before* you put the skewers down. And remember, don’t overcrowd the grill! Give those skewers some breathing room so the heat can circulate and give you those gorgeous grill marks we all love. For more awesome chicken ideas, you’ve GOT to check out this honey garlic chicken – it’s divine! And if you’re feeling cheesy (in the best way!), this garlic parmesan chicken alfredo is a total comfort food winner.
Serving Suggestions for Your Mexican Chicken Skewers
These skewers are fantastic on their own, but let’s really make it a meal! For a slimming feast, I absolutely love serving these with a big, fresh Caprese salad – the cool tomatoes and mozzarella are such a nice contrast. Or how about a vibrant, fruity salsa? This strawberry pineapple salsa is a revelation with grilled chicken! If you want something a bit more substantial, a small side of quinoa or brown rice works perfectly too. It’s all about keeping it light, fresh, and full of flavor!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your leftover grilled Mexican chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I find the best way is to pop them back on a hot grill or in a skillet for a few minutes per side until warmed through. This helps keep that lovely texture and smoky flavor alive. You can also gently warm them in the oven, but be careful not to overcook them!
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Mexican Chicken Skewers
Got a few burning questions about these amazing skewers? I’ve got you covered!
Can I make these grilled Mexican chicken skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you totally can! You can marinate the chicken and chop the veggies a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. Then, just thread them onto the skewers right before grilling. Assembling them a few hours ahead and keeping them chilled on a baking sheet also works great to save you time when it’s dinnertime!
What other vegetables work well on these skewers?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Besides the peppers and red onion, I often toss on chunks of zucchini, cherry tomatoes (though they can get a bit messy!), corn on the cob cut into rounds, or even pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory kick. Just make sure whatever you choose is cut to a similar size so it cooks evenly with the chicken.
How can I make these skewers spicier, or milder?
For spicier skewers, you can totally amp up the heat! Add more cayenne pepper to the marinade, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. You could also try adding a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the skewers themselves. If you want them milder, just leave out the cayenne pepper entirely. The chili powder and cumin bring flavor without intense heat, so they’ll still be delicious!
Do I have to use wooden skewers?
Nope! You can absolutely use metal skewers if you have them. The main thing with wooden skewers is just to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you use them. This stops them from burning up on the grill. Metal skewers don’t need soaking, but they do get hot, so be careful when you’re handling them!
Can I bake these instead of grilling them?
You sure can! If you don’t have a grill or the weather isn’t cooperating, baking is a great alternative. Just assemble the skewers as usual and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned. You might not get that exact smoky char, but they’ll still be super tasty! For more recipe inspiration, you might like knowing how to make a gorgeous Mexican-style salad dressing; it’s fantastic with grilled chicken!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a quick heads-up, the nutritional facts below are estimates for about two skewers. Remember, your exact numbers can change depending on the specific ingredients you use and how generous you are with your portions!
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Irresistible Grilled Mexican Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 32 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Flavorful and healthy grilled chicken skewers with a Mexican twist, perfect for a light meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 limes, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly charred.
- Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve with a side of salsa, guacamole, or a light salad for a complete meal.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast if preferred.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: grilled chicken skewers, mexican chicken, healthy dinner, low calorie, easy recipe, barbecue, skewers