Pinchos (Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers) Recipe
Pinchos are flavorful Puerto Rican chicken skewers, marinated in a vibrant blend of spices, vinegar, and barbecue sauce, then grilled to perfection. These juicy, tender bites are perfect for a tasty appetizer or main dish, embodying the rich culinary heritage of Puerto Rico.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 3½ to 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons adobo seasoning
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 2 packets sazón con culantro y achiote
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces to ensure even marination and cooking.
- Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, adobo, oregano, garlic powder, cumin, vinegar, and sazón con culantro y achiote packets, mixing thoroughly to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-4 hours, to absorb the flavors fully.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
- Brush with Barbecue Sauce: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with barbecue sauce on all sides to glaze and add extra flavor.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot as a delicious appetizer or main course.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred but thighs remain juicier.
- Adjust the barbecue sauce quantity to taste or use a spicy variety for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with traditional Puerto Rican sides like tostones or arroz con gandules for an authentic meal.
