Skewers (Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers)
Lunches that shimmer in the summer sun or dinners that spark memories of beach days can lead you straight to the cheerful flavors of Puerto Rico. Nothing quite encapsulates that vibrant spirit like Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers. With a savory marinade that exudes warm spices and a hint of BBQ sweetness, these skewers are nothing short of culinary magic. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying a quiet night at home, you’re bound to fall in love with these delicious bites.
Why Make This Recipe
- The marinade offers a delightful blend of spices that brings chicken to life.
- They are perfect for grilling season, making outdoor dining more enjoyable.
- Easy to prepare, they offer a vibrant taste of Puerto Rican cuisine right in your kitchen.
Simple Way to Prepare Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers
Ready to transform your mealtime into something extraordinary? Let’s dive into making these flavorful Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers. The key to capturing the irresistible taste lies in marinating the chicken to allow the flavors to mingle deliciously. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients
- 3½ -4 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tsp adobo seasoning
- 1 Tbsp oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 packets sazón con culantro y achiote (from a box of multiple packets)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
Directions
- If using bamboo skewers, place them in a dish of water for at least 1 hour before grilling. This will help prevent them from charing on the grill.
- In a large bowl, marinate the chicken cubes with olive oil, adobo seasoning, sazón, oregano, garlic powder, cumin, and vinegar. Mix thoroughly until the chicken pieces are evenly coated in the marinade. For optimal results, cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or for an entire day if you prepare it in the morning for dinner.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Be sure to pack them snugly without overcrowding so they grill evenly. Leave space on both ends for easy handling.
- Preheat a grill to medium heat. Place the skewered chicken on the grill in a single layer. Grill for 5 minutes, then brush the top with barbecue sauce. Flip the skewers and brush the other side with the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Check the doneness of the chicken, which should register an internal temperature of 170-175°F. Brush more barbecue sauce on top and continue grilling a few more minutes if necessary.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra BBQ sauce if desired. These skewers pair wonderfully with toasted baguette slices.
Storage Tips for Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers
While these skewers are best enjoyed right off the grill, you might be wondering how to store any leftovers. Here are some straightforward guidelines:
- Refrigerate the skewers in an airtight container for 3-4 days at or below 40°F.
- They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; simply wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
- When reheating, make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and best flavor.
Best Ways to Serve Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers
Serving these delightful skewers can be as fun as making them. Here are some ideas to make your mealtime even more appetizing:
- With Spicy Mango Salsa: This adds a fresh and fruity pop that complements the savory chicken beautifully. The sweetness of mango paired with a hint of spice from jalapeños creates a tropical balance.
- Alongside Rice and Beans: A classic Puerto Rican side, pairing these skewers with rice and beans gives a hearty touch, emphasizing cultural flavors.
- As Part of a Barbecue Platter: Grill mixed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini alongside the skewers. This colorful presentation is perfect if you’re entertaining guests.
- In Tacos: Use warm tortillas and fill them with chunks of grilled chicken, some diced onion, and cilantro for a twist. It’s tasty and something out of the ordinary.
Tips to Make Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers
- Don’t skip marinating your chicken; this is where the magic happens.
- If you don’t have adobo seasoning, you can blend garlic powder, pepper, and salt as a substitute.
- Soak skewers in water to avoid burning when grilling.
- For added flavor, grill with citrus slices like lemon or lime on the side.
- Let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes post-grilling to let the flavors settle.
Variations or Substitutions
To keep things interesting, consider these fun twists:
- Veggie Skewers: Substitute chicken for firm vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, coating them in the same marinade.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, try adding chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the marinade to take these skewers to the next level.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes, marinating the chicken a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen. Just grill it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Are chicken thighs necessary, or can I use chicken breasts?
A: While chicken thighs yield the juiciest and most flavorful skewers, you can swap them with chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be mindful that they may dry out quicker.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
- Use spicy adobo seasoning or add crushed red pepper flakes while marinating for an extra kick.
- Incorporate some sliced jalapeños on the skewers before grilling.
As the grilling season rolls into full swing, these Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers shine as a vibrant and delicious option for your gatherings or quiet dinners alike. The fragrant marinade, the ease of preparation, and the joyous burst of flavors offer everyone a little taste of paradise. Grab your grilling gear and let your taste buds embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the essence of Puerto Rican cuisine. Enjoy every tender, juicy bite!
Print
Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 130 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Savor the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico with these delicious chicken skewers marinated in a blend of warm spices and barbecue sweetness.
Ingredients
- 3½ – 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tsp adobo seasoning
- 1 Tbsp oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 packets sazón con culantro y achiote
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- If using bamboo skewers, place them in a dish of water for at least 1 hour before grilling.
- In a large bowl, marinate the chicken cubes with olive oil, adobo seasoning, sazón, oregano, garlic powder, cumin, and vinegar. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, packing them snugly.
- Preheat a grill to medium heat.
- Grill skewers for 5 minutes, brush with barbecue sauce, then flip and grill for another 5 minutes.
- Check doneness; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 170-175°F. Brush with more barbecue sauce and grill a few more minutes if necessary.
- Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider grilling citrus slices alongside the skewers. Let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes before serving.