Grilled Elote Chicken Skewers

Name: Grilled Elote Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs); 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional); 2 tsp chili powder; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese for topping; Wooden or metal skewers

Published: May 23, 2025

by Lionel Ramon

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These grilled Elote chicken skewers are easy to make and bursting with flavor
Customize the seasoning for a personal touch that everyone will love
Their vibrant colors make for a stunning presentation at any gathering
Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing when needed

To this day, I still hear my buddy Dan raving about them—he even suggested I open a food truck! Who knew chicken could inspire such dreams?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 3-4 breasts; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you have to feed.
Fresh Garlic: Select firm cloves for the best flavor; the fresher, the better!
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness; bottled just won’t cut it.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of color and flavor; if you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out.
Chili Powder: This spice gives that authentic elote kick; adjust according to your heat preference.
Olive Oil: A splash of good quality olive oil helps keep everything juicy while grilling.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors in the dish.
Cotija Cheese: Crumbled generously over skewers right before serving adds creaminess and an extra layer of flavor.
Skewers (Wooden or Metal): If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to prevent burning on the grill.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined; the smell will make you weak in the knees.

Marinate the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Toss until evenly coated; cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—this step is crucial for maximizing those flavors.

Skewer Time!: Thread marinated chicken onto your skewers; aim for about 4-5 pieces per skewer. Leave some space between each piece for even cooking and easier flipping on the grill.

Get That Grill Going!: Preheat your grill over medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C). Brush the grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking—nobody wants sad-looking chicken stuck to the grill!

Grill Until Golden Brown!: Place skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes total, turning occasionally until chicken is cooked through and has beautiful char marks—those grill lines are like trophies!

Add Finishing Touches!: Once done grilling, remove skewers from heat and sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over them while they’re still warm. Serve with extra lime wedges for those who want an added zing.

Now you’ve got yourself a plate of grilled Elote chicken skewers that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds—and thirds! Enjoy every juicy bite! For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Taco Salad recipe.

This amazing grilled elote chicken skewers recipe will brighten your summer BBQs and impress your friends. The perfect blend of spices and smoky flavor will have you coming back for seconds, or thirds, or maybe even fourths.

Content:

Fresh corn adds sweetness to the skewers, so don’t skip it. Pair with lime juice for a zesty kick that dances on your taste buds. I learned this after my first attempt tasted like cardboard without it.

Using metal skewers makes flipping easier and prevents food from sticking. I once lost half a skewer in the grill because I used wooden ones—total disaster!

Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor absorption; this is essential for juicy, tender bites. Trust me, my friends still rave about the first batch I made!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by marinating the chicken while preheating your grill. Skewering comes next, followed by grilling over medium-high heat until perfectly charred and juicy.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a delicious twist. Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them on low heat in a skillet to retain moisture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh herbs for added flavor and aroma, enhancing your grilled elote chicken skewers experience
Make sure to soak wooden skewers before grilling to prevent burning
Lastly, serve with a sprinkle of cheese on top for an authentic elote touch!

I remember hosting my first barbecue with these grilled elote chicken skewers. Friends kept asking for the recipe; their compliments felt like winning an Oscar in my kitchen! Avocado Egg Toast.

FAQ

What are grilled elote chicken skewers?

Grilled elote chicken skewers combine marinated chicken with sweet corn and spices. BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh corn gives a superior sweet taste and crunchiness!

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📖 Recipe Card