Grilled Elote Chicken Skewers are the kind of dish that makes your taste buds dance the cha-cha. Imagine juicy chicken marinated in a zesty mixture, kissed by the smoky embrace of the grill, and topped with flavors reminiscent of your favorite street corn. perfect side for summer grilling It’s the perfect blend of savory and sweet, with a hint of spice that keeps you coming back for more.
Every time I whip up these skewers, I’m transported to sun-soaked summer afternoons. My friends gather around, laughter fills the air, and my grill becomes the main attraction. refreshing summer skewers Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or just a casual weeknight dinner, these Grilled Elote Chicken Skewers steal the show every time.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These skewers are easy to prepare and become a crowd-pleaser at any gathering
- The vibrant flavors make each bite a delicious adventure
- Their stunning presentation adds flair to your table while being versatile enough for any occasion
- Enjoy them as appetizers or serve them over rice for a hearty meal
Last summer, I served these skewers during our annual neighborhood cook-off; everyone raved about them and begged for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts; they absorb flavors beautifully when marinated.
Fresh Corn: Choose sweet corn for grilling; it adds that authentic elote flavor.
Mayonnaise: This creamy element helps bind all the flavors together; use full-fat for best results.
Chili Powder: A pinch adds an exciting kick! Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the entire dish; don’t skimp on this!
Cotija Cheese: Sprinkle generously for that signature elote taste; it’s crumbly and salty—yum!
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds freshness; feel free to add more if you’re a fan.
Wooden Skewers: Soak them in water before use 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
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. a flavorful taco-inspired dish Add cubed chicken and toss until coated evenly in this flavorful mixture.
Prepare the Corn: Remove kernels from fresh corn cobs using a sharp knife. Toss with lime juice and sprinkle lightly with chili powder.
Assemble the Skewers: Alternate threading marinated chicken cubes and corn kernels onto soaked wooden skewers. Make sure not to overcrowd them; give each piece some room to breathe.
Preheat Your Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates so everything sizzles nicely without sticking.
Grill Until Perfectly Cooked: Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Turn occasionally until chicken is cooked through and has those beautiful grill marks.
Add Final Touches: Once done grilling, remove skewers from heat. Sprinkle cotija cheese and chopped cilantro over everything while still warm—this is where magic happens! For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Beef and Cheese Chimichangas recipe.
Enjoy every bite of your Grilled Elote Chicken Skewers while basking in compliments from friends and family! delicious bowl meal.
You Must Know
- Grilled Elote Chicken Skewers are not just any skewers; they bring the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn to your backyard
- The combination of sweet corn, spicy seasoning, and juicy chicken creates an explosion of flavor that will impress your guests and elevate your grilling game
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfection with Grilled Elote Chicken Skewers, marinate the chicken while soaking the skewers. Grill until the chicken reaches 165°F for juicy results. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to cater to different diets. You can also experiment with spices like smoked paprika or lime zest for extra zing.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness significantly
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill
- Always check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure juicy results and avoid dryness
Sharing these Grilled Elote Chicken Skewers at a family barbecue turned into an unexpected competition for who could make the best skewer!
FAQ
What is elote?
Elote is a popular Mexican street food made of grilled corn topped with cheese, chili powder, and lime.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw it before marinating and grilling for best results.
What sides pair well with these skewers?
Serve with cilantro lime rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.

Grilled Elote Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 skewers total) 1x
Description
Grilled Elote Chicken Skewers bring the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn to your grill, delivering juicy chicken marinated in a zesty blend and paired with sweet corn. These skewers are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a beautiful presentation for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cubed
- 2 ears of fresh sweet corn, kernels removed
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp chili powder
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add cubed chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Prepare corn by removing kernels from cobs and tossing them with lime juice and a sprinkle of chili powder.
- Thread marinated chicken cubes and corn kernels onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving space between pieces.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F) and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- Remove from grill and sprinkle with cotija cheese and chopped cilantro before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg