Description
These Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers, known as Pinchos, are marinated in a flavorful blend of adobo, oregano, cumin, and sazón, then grilled to juicy perfection and brushed with tangy barbecue sauce. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish, they deliver a taste of the Caribbean with every bite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 3 1/2 – 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons adobo seasoning
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 2 packets sazón con culantro y achiote
Additional
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- Bamboo skewers (if using, soaked in water for at least 1 hour before grilling)
- Toasted baguette slices (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Soak Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, place them in a dish of water ensuring they are fully submerged and soak for at least 1 hour before grilling to prevent burning.
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, adobo, sazón, oregano, garlic powder, cumin, and vinegar. Mix thoroughly so each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, preferably marinate in the morning for dinner.
- Thread Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and thread the pieces onto the soaked skewers. Pack them snugly but not too tight, leaving some space at both ends for handling.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, preparing it for cooking the chicken skewers evenly.
- Grill & Sauce: Place the chicken skewers in a single layer on the grill. Cook for 5 minutes, then brush evenly with barbecue sauce. Flip the skewers and brush the other side with sauce as well.
- Finish Cooking: Continue grilling for another 5 minutes, check for doneness. Brush more barbecue sauce on all sides and grill a few more minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170-175°F, ensuring tender and moist bites.
- Serve: Remove from grill and serve immediately. Add additional barbecue sauce on top if desired. Accompany with toasted baguette slices for a delicious presentation.
Notes
- Soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 170-175°F.
- Baguette slices make a great side or base to serve alongside the pinchos.
- Adjust barbecue sauce quantity according to preference for glaze or dipping.