Layered Tortilla Kebab Skewers Recipe

Serves: 6 people (makes 18 skewers)
Total Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutritional Information per Serving (3 skewers):

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 785mg
• Iron: 2.8mg
• Calcium: 195mg
• Vitamin C: 25mg
• Vitamin A: 185mg
• Folate: 45mg

What You Will Need

For the Meat Layer:

• 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breast or beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetable Layers:

• 2 large bell peppers (red and yellow), cut into 1-inch squares
• 1 large red onion, cut into thick layers
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
• 12 cherry tomatoes, halved

For the Tortilla and Cheese:

• 6 large flour tortillas (8-inch)
• 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice

For Assembly:

• 18 wooden skewers, soaked in water
• Cooking spray or olive oil for grilling

For Serving:

• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Hot sauce
• Lime wedges
• Extra cilantro

Preparing the Seasoned Meat

Cut the chicken or beef into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil with all the spices – chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the meat cubes and toss thoroughly until every piece is well coated with the spice mixture. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.

Preparing the Vegetables

Cut the bell peppers into 1-inch squares, removing all seeds and white membrane. Peel the red onion and cut into thick layers that will hold together on skewers. Slice the zucchini into rounds about 1/2-inch thick. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. All vegetables should be cut to similar sizes for even cooking and attractive presentation.

Preparing the Tortilla Components

Cut each flour tortilla into 6 wedge-shaped pieces, like cutting a pizza. You should have 36 tortilla wedges total. In a small bowl, mix the shredded cheese with chopped cilantro and lime juice. This mixture will help bind the layers together and add fresh flavor to each skewer.

Setting Up Your Assembly Station

Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning during cooking. Arrange all ingredients in separate bowls or on a large cutting board in assembly-line fashion: seasoned meat, vegetables, tortilla wedges, and cheese mixture. This organization makes the skewer assembly much more efficient.

Assembling the First Layer

Start each skewer by threading on a piece of seasoned meat, pushing it about 1 inch from the bottom of the skewer. Follow with a piece of bell pepper, then a tortilla wedge folded in half. Add a sprinkle of the cheese mixture on top of the tortilla. This creates the first flavor layer.

Building the Middle Layers

Continue building each skewer by adding a piece of zucchini, another piece of meat, a layer of red onion, and another folded tortilla wedge with cheese. The key is to alternate proteins, vegetables, and tortilla layers to create a balanced bite in every section of the skewer.

Completing the Top Layer

Finish each skewer with a final piece of meat, a cherry tomato half, and a final folded tortilla wedge topped with cheese mixture. Each completed skewer should have about 6-7 components total, creating a substantial and satisfying appetizer. Press gently to compact the layers slightly.

Preparing for Cooking

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400 degrees. If grilling, clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. If baking, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray the skewers with cooking spray or brush with olive oil for better browning.

Grilling Method

Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 15-20 minutes total, turning every 4-5 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The meat should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees for chicken or 135 degrees for beef. The tortillas should be lightly toasted and the cheese melted.

Oven Method Alternative

If using the oven, arrange skewers on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes, turning once halfway through. The tops should be golden brown and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. This method provides more even cooking but less char flavor than grilling.

Checking for Doneness

The skewers are ready when the meat is cooked through, the vegetables are tender but still have some bite, and the tortillas are golden and slightly crispy around the edges. The cheese should be completely melted and starting to brown in spots.

Resting and Final Preparation

Remove the skewers from heat and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes them easier to handle. The resting time also lets the flavors meld together for the best taste experience.

Serving Your Tortilla Kebab Skewers

Arrange the hot skewers on a large platter and surround with small bowls of sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and hot sauce for dipping. Provide lime wedges for squeezing over the skewers and extra fresh cilantro for garnish. Serve immediately while hot and the cheese is still melted.

Perfect Party Presentation

These skewers look impressive arranged on a large wooden board or colorful Mexican-themed platter. Consider serving them with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh corn salad for a complete meal. They are perfect for outdoor parties, game day gatherings, or casual dinner parties.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can assemble the skewers up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate them covered with plastic wrap. Let them come to room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking. The meat can be marinated overnight for even more flavor development.

Vegetarian Variation

Replace the meat with seasoned black beans, grilled portobello mushrooms, or seasoned tofu cubes. Add extra vegetables like corn kernels or diced jalapeños for more flavor and texture. The cooking time may be slightly shorter without meat.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover skewers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350-degree oven for 8-10 minutes or until heated through. The tortillas may lose some crispiness when reheated, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Customization Ideas

Try different spice blends like fajita seasoning or Mexican adobo. Use different types of cheese like queso fresco or pepper jack. Add pickled jalapeños, corn kernels, or diced avocado for extra Mexican flavors. Different colored tortillas can make the skewers even more visually appealing.

Tips for Perfect Results

Soak skewers thoroughly to prevent burning. Do not pack ingredients too tightly, as they need space to cook evenly. Turn carefully during cooking to prevent ingredients from sliding off. Keep a spray bottle of water nearby when grilling to control flare-ups from cheese dripping.