mexican bbq chicken

๐ŸŒŸ How to Cook Mexican BBQ Chicken Recipe

Spread the love

๐ŸŒฎ A Flavorful Fiesta on Your Grill

Imagine the sizzling sound of juicy, marinated chicken hitting a hot grill. The air fills with the smoky aroma of spices, and your taste buds tingle in anticipation. If you love bold flavors, this Mexican BBQ Chicken recipe is a must-try! It’s quick, easy, and infused with a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy goodness. Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout or a simple family dinner, this dish will be the star of your meal.

๐Ÿฅ— Ingredients for the Best Mexican BBQ Chicken

๐Ÿ” What You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to whip up this flavor-packed grilled chicken:

IngredientQuantity
Chicken thighs or breasts2 lbs (900g)
Fresh lime juice2 tbsp
Olive oil3 tbsp
Garlic (minced)3 cloves
Smoked paprika2 tsp
Cumin powder1 tsp
Chili powder1 tbsp
Chipotle powder1/2 tsp
Honey (optional)1 tbsp
Salt1 tsp
Black pepper1/2 tsp

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Why These Ingredients Work

  • Lime juice tenderizes the meat and adds a citrusy zing.
  • Smoked paprika & chipotle powder infuse deep, smoky heat.
  • Honey balances out the spice with a touch of sweetness.

๐Ÿ”ฅ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Mexican BBQ Chicken

๐Ÿ‘‰ Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

  • In a large bowl, mix lime juice, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, chipotle powder, honey, salt, and pepper.
  • Whisk well until all ingredients are fully combined.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

  • Place the chicken in a ziplock bag or shallow dish.
  • Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for deeper flavor).

๐Ÿ‘‰ Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Grill

  • Heat your grill to medium-high (375ยฐF – 400ยฐF).
  • Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Step 4: Grill to Perfection

  • Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off excess liquid.
  • Place on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side (or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF).
  • Baste occasionally with leftover marinade for extra juiciness.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Step 5: Let it Rest & Serve

  • Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate.
  • Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
  • Serve hot with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices.

๐ŸŒฎ What to Serve with Mexican BBQ Chicken

Pair your spicy, smoky grilled chicken with these delicious sides:

  • Mexican Rice โ€“ Perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices.
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob โ€“ Brush with butter and sprinkle with chili powder.
  • Warm Tortillas โ€“ Use the chicken for tacos or burritos!
  • Guacamole & Salsa โ€“ A refreshing balance to the spice.

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken

โœ… Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
โœ… Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it moist.
โœ… Add extra chipotle powder if you like more heat.
โœ… Want crispy skin? Increase grill temperature for the last minute.

๐Ÿ’ก FAQ: Common Questions About Mexican BBQ Chicken

๐Ÿ’ก Can I bake this instead of grilling ?

Yes! Bake at 400ยฐF for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF.

๐Ÿ’ก How long can I store leftovers ?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

๐Ÿ’ก What’s the best way to reheat grilled chicken ?

Reheat in the oven at 300ยฐF for 10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat.

๐ŸŽ‰ Final Thoughts: Fire Up Your Grill & Enjoy!

Now that you have everything you need to make the ultimate Mexican BBQ Chicken, it’s time to get grilling! This easy recipe brings a taste of authentic Mexican flavors right to your backyard. Try it for your next cookout or weeknight dinner and impress everyone with bold, smoky, and spicy perfection.

๐Ÿ“ข Ready to spice up your grilling game? Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out! ๐ŸŒŸ