How to Make Mexican Kabobs

Shish kabobs are a staple of many barbecues, but you can make them with a touch of Mexican zest very easily. Mexican kabobs use chicken and vegetables, along with cilantro and other spices, to add a sizzling Latin flavor. It will make a wonderful meal for the Cinco de Mayo holiday, especially during an outdoor celebration. Alternately, you can make Mexican kabobs a part of a regular barbecue as an exotic alternative to the usual steaks and burgers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless (to make 4 servings)
• 1 zucchini
• 1 onion
• 1 bell pepper
• 2 cutting knives
• 1 lime
• Mixing bowl
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Salt
• Pepper
• Plastic wrap
• 10 cherry tomatoes
• Kabob skewers

1. Cut the chicken breast into cubes approximately 1 inch in diameter. They should be large enough to comfortably fit on your kabob skewers.

2. Cut the zucchini, bell pepper and onion into wedges approximately 1/2 inch long. Like the chicken, make sure all the pieces fit the skewers for your kabobs.

3. Squeeze as much juice from the lime as you can into a mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, cumin and cilantro, and mix thoroughly. Add salt and pepper to taste.

4. Mix the chicken into the bowl. Make sure all the chicken pieces are thoroughly covered with the juice and oil mixture.

5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

6. Preheat the grill. It will need to be very hot before you can put the Mexican kabobs on.

7. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and thread it onto the skewers, along with pieces of zucchini, bell pepper, onion and cherry tomatoes. Your Mexican kabobs should alternate a piece of chicken with a vegetable all the way along each skewer.

8. Brush olive oil onto the hot grill and place the kabobs in a row.

9. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Turn the Mexican kabobs over at least once or twice during the grilling process to ensure that they are cooked evenly.

10. Serve promptly.

Tips & Warnings

• Mexican-style side dishes make a great addition to your kabobs: pinto beans, sour cream, salsa or guacamole can all be included as side dishes and garnishes, as well as rice, tortilla chips and the like.
• Use a clean, separate knife to cut the vegetables. Raw chicken can contain parasites before it is cooked. If you only use one knife, be sure to clean it thoroughly after cutting the chicken before using it to cut anything else.