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Savor the Flavor of Grilled Mexican Chicken Skewers - Featured Image

Savor the Flavor of Grilled Mexican Chicken Skewers

Learn how to make delicious Grilled Mexican Chicken Skewers. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil for a lighter taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (adjust to your heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano if you can find it)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Substitution tips: If you don’t have chipotle powder, smoked paprika plus a pinch of cayenne works well. For lime juice, lemon juice is a fine stand-in, though it shifts the flavor a bit. And if you’re short on fresh garlic, ½ teaspoon garlic powder can do the trick in a pinch.

Instructions

  1. Start by cutting your chicken into evenly sized cubes—about 1½ inches works best. This helps everything cook evenly and keeps the meat juicy. I always remind my kids to help with this step—it’s a great way to get them involved without risking knives in little hands.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, chipotle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. This marinade is where the magic happens—simple ingredients, big flavor.
  3. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a plate, then let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. If you’re pressed for time like I often am, even a quick 15-minute soak helps the flavors seep in.
  4. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from catching fire on the grill—lesson learned the hard way during one of my early backyard cookouts!
  5. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each cube for even cooking.
  6. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, a drizzle of oil can help prevent sticking.
  7. Grill the skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning once. You’re looking for a nice char on the outside and an internal temperature of 165°F. I always keep a close eye here because nothing ruins a meal like dry chicken.
  8. Remove from the grill and let the skewers rest for 5 minutes. This little pause helps the juices redistribute, keeping every bite tender and juicy.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Grilled Mexican Chicken Skewers, recipe, cooking, food