Mexican BBQ chicken is a delicious combination of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors that elevates classic chicken dishes.
Using bold Mexican spices, fresh herbs, and zesty marinades, these recipes bring authentic flavors to your grill or oven.
From tender grilled thighs to slow-cooked shredded chicken, there’s a recipe for every occasion.
These 15 Mexican BBQ chicken recipes are perfect for weekend cookouts, family dinners, or festive gatherings.
They are flavorful, juicy, and easy to prepare.
Get ready to explore mouthwatering Mexican-inspired chicken dishes that will delight your taste buds.
15 Mouthwatering Mexican BBQ Chicken Recipes for Any Occasion
These 15 Mexican BBQ chicken recipes offer a variety of flavorful, smoky, and juicy dishes for any occasion.
From grilled chicken to slow-cooked BBQ, each recipe showcases authentic Mexican spices and marinades.
They are ideal for weekend gatherings, family meals, or casual weeknight dinners.
With simple ingredients and easy techniques, you can create bold, vibrant flavors in every dish.
Mexican BBQ chicken brings zest, aroma, and tenderness to your meals.
Every bite is juicy, smoky, and irresistibly delicious.
Smoky Chipotle Mexican BBQ Chicken
This smoky chipotle BBQ chicken is marinated in smoky chipotle peppers, lime juice, and garlic for bold, zesty flavors.
The chicken stays juicy and tender when grilled, creating a perfect balance of heat and smokiness.
It’s perfect for weekend cookouts, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Mix chipotle, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Coat chicken in marinade and refrigerate 1–2 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken 6–8 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Serve hot with lime wedges.
This smoky chipotle Mexican BBQ chicken is tender, juicy, and full of bold flavor.
It’s perfect for a weekend cookout or family dinner.
The chipotle and lime create a smoky, tangy balance.
Every bite is savory, zesty, and satisfying.
Garlic-Lime Mexican BBQ Chicken Skewers
These chicken skewers are marinated in garlic, lime, and Mexican spices for a fragrant, juicy bite.
The skewers grill quickly, making them ideal for a flavorful weekend meal or party appetizer.
They are tender, smoky, and packed with authentic Mexican BBQ flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Skewers (soaked if wooden)
Instructions:
- Combine olive oil, garlic, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss chicken cubes in marinade for 1–2 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread chicken onto skewers and grill 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
These garlic-lime Mexican BBQ chicken skewers are smoky, juicy, and aromatic.
They’re perfect for grilling, parties, or weekend dinners.
The lime and garlic enhance the smoky, tender chicken.
Every bite is flavorful, tender, and satisfying.
Adobo-Marinated Mexican BBQ Chicken Thighs
This chicken features a rich adobo marinade, offering smoky, slightly spicy, and tangy flavors.
The thighs remain juicy and tender when baked or grilled, perfect for Mexican-inspired dinners.
It’s simple to prepare yet full of bold, authentic flavors.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless
- 3 tablespoons adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Mix adobo sauce, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat chicken thoroughly and marinate 1–2 hours.
- Preheat grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook chicken 25–30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve with fresh lime wedges.
This adobo-marinated Mexican BBQ chicken is tender, smoky, and full of flavor.
It’s perfect for weekend dinners or casual meals.
The adobo marinade adds depth and richness to the chicken.
Every bite is juicy, aromatic, and satisfying.
Spicy Jalapeño Mexican BBQ Chicken Wings
These chicken wings are coated in a smoky, spicy jalapeño marinade for bold, tangy flavors.
The wings grill to a perfect crisp while staying juicy inside, ideal for parties or game day.
They’re packed with authentic Mexican BBQ flavors and a touch of heat.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb chicken wings
- 2 jalapeños, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine jalapeños, olive oil, garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss chicken wings in marinade 1–2 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill wings 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy and cooked through.
- Serve hot with lime wedges.
These spicy jalapeño Mexican BBQ chicken wings are smoky, juicy, and bold.
They’re perfect for parties, weekends, or casual gatherings.
The jalapeños add heat and enhance the smoky marinade.
Every bite is flavorful, tender, and satisfying.
Cilantro-Lime Mexican BBQ Chicken Breasts
These chicken breasts are marinated in fresh cilantro, lime, and Mexican spices for a bright, aromatic flavor.
Grilling creates a smoky exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside.
It’s a simple, flavorful dish perfect for dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Mix cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat chicken in marinade and refrigerate 1–2 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken 6–8 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
This cilantro-lime Mexican BBQ chicken is aromatic, tender, and smoky.
It’s perfect for a weekend dinner or casual meal.
The cilantro and lime brighten the smoky, tender chicken.
Every bite is juicy, flavorful, and satisfying.
Smoky Paprika Mexican BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
These chicken drumsticks are coated with a smoky paprika and garlic marinade for bold, aromatic flavors.
Grilling or baking locks in juiciness while creating a flavorful, slightly charred exterior.
They’re perfect for weekend cookouts, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Rub chicken drumsticks thoroughly and marinate 1–2 hours.
- Preheat grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook drumsticks 25–30 minutes until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve hot with lime wedges.
These smoky paprika Mexican BBQ chicken drumsticks are tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
They’re perfect for cookouts or family meals.
The paprika and lime add a smoky, tangy depth.
Every bite is savory, aromatic, and satisfying.
Honey-Chipotle Mexican BBQ Chicken Breasts
These chicken breasts are marinated in a sweet and smoky honey-chipotle sauce for a bold flavor profile.
Grilling or baking ensures juicy meat with a caramelized, flavorful exterior.
They’re ideal for weekend dinners, casual meals, or a family barbecue.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Mix honey, chipotle, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat chicken breasts in marinade and refrigerate 1–2 hours.
- Preheat grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook chicken 6–8 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Serve with lime wedges or fresh cilantro.
This honey-chipotle Mexican BBQ chicken is smoky, sweet, and tender.
It’s perfect for weekend dinners or backyard barbecues.
The chipotle adds heat while honey balances sweetness.
Every bite is flavorful, juicy, and satisfying.
Lime-Cilantro Mexican BBQ Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs are marinated in lime juice, cilantro, and Mexican spices for a bright, aromatic flavor.
Grilling or baking produces a juicy interior and smoky, slightly charred exterior.
They’re perfect for taco fillings, salads, or as a main dish for dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Mix lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat chicken thighs thoroughly and refrigerate 1–2 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken 6–8 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Serve with fresh lime wedges.
These lime-cilantro Mexican BBQ chicken thighs are juicy, aromatic, and smoky.
They’re perfect for tacos, salads, or weekend dinners.
The lime and cilantro enhance the smoky, tender chicken.
Every bite is flavorful, tender, and satisfying.
Spicy Garlic Mexican BBQ Chicken Wings
These chicken wings are coated in a spicy garlic and Mexican BBQ sauce for bold, smoky flavor.
Grilling creates crispy, caramelized skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
They’re ideal for game day, parties, or casual weekend meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb chicken wings
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine garlic, olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss chicken wings in marinade 1–2 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill wings 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally until crispy and cooked through.
- Serve hot with lime wedges.
These spicy garlic Mexican BBQ chicken wings are smoky, tender, and bold.
They’re perfect for parties, game day, or weekend meals.
The garlic and chili create a zesty, smoky flavor.
Every bite is flavorful, juicy, and satisfying.
Mexican BBQ Chicken Tacos with Fresh Salsa
These chicken tacos feature smoky, spiced grilled chicken topped with fresh tomato and cilantro salsa.
The chicken remains tender and juicy, enhanced by the zesty salsa for a vibrant flavor combination.
They’re perfect for casual dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 small tortillas
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Mix olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss chicken in marinade and refrigerate 1–2 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken 6–8 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Serve in tortillas with tomatoes and cilantro.
These Mexican BBQ chicken tacos are smoky, fresh, and flavorful.
They’re perfect for weekend dinners or casual gatherings.
The fresh salsa enhances the smoky, tender chicken.
Every bite is juicy, aromatic, and satisfying.
