Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo)

Succulent Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo) bring a burst of flavor to your palate. Marinated in a harmonious blend of Spanish spices, these skewers offer an enticing mix of zest.

The tender, grilled chicken pieces are squeezed through onto skewers, showcasing a perfect balance of juiciness and char. Each bite is a journey through a variety of tastes, as the aromatic spices interact with the savory goodness of the chicken. Whether served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a main course, Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo) is a gastronomic delight that promises to elevate any dining experience.

You will also like Lemon Pepper Chicken, Chicken Croquettes, Chicken Pot Pie, and Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce.

Jump to:

• ⭐Why You'll Love This Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo) Recipe
• 🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
• 📖Variations of Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo)
• 👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo)
• 🔪Kitchen Tools Required
• ❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost, Reheat and Serve
• 💭Tips for Making Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo)
• ❓Frequently Asked Questions for Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo)
• 🍛More Comfort Appetizer Recipes!
• 🎥Watch my Videos
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

⭐Why You'll Love This Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo) Recipe

Juicy grilled Chicken Skewers bursting with flavorful marinade, creating a delightful combination of tenderness and taste in every bite. 

Here are a few reasons to fall in love with this recipe:

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is easy to prepare, especially for busy days. These Chicken Skewers involve simple steps, making them accessible to both novice and experienced cooks.  
• Flavorful Marinade: The recipe might feature a delicious marinade that adds a burst of flavor to the chicken. This could include a mix of herbs, spices, and acids like citrus juices and wine.  
• Tender and Juicy Chicken: A great chicken skewers recipe ensures that the chicken is cooked to perfection—juicy and tender. Proper marinating and cooking techniques contribute to this outcome. 
• Customizable: You can tailor the recipe to your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a spicy kick, a sweet glaze, or a combination of flavors, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your liking. 
• Versatility: Chicken skewers are versatile and can be enjoyed on various occasions. They make for a great appetizer, party snack, or even a main course. They can be served with a variety of sides, sauces, or dips. 
• Healthy Option: Chicken is a lean protein, and depending on the marinade and cooking method, chicken skewers can be a healthy choice. Grilling helps avoid excessive use of oil. 
• Appealing Presentation: Skewers can be visually appealing, making them a great choice for entertaining or family meals. The presentation of the skewer adds a fun and festive element to the dish. 

If you want more appetizers you should check out Spanish Omelette and Fried Cheese Balls.

🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions

Ingredients for this Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo) recipe are simple. Here is a list of everything you need:

For Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo): 

• Garlic Clove: Adds a robust, savory flavor to the marinade, enhancing the taste of the chicken.
• Ginger: Provides a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to the marinade, complementing the other spices.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and other ingredients, balancing the overall taste.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh and herbaceous note, contributing to the overall aroma and flavor complexity.
• Pepper: Contributes a hint of spiciness, adding a kick to the marinade.
• Cumin: Offers a warm and earthy flavor, complementing the overall spice profile of the dish.
• Oregano: Provides a savory and slightly peppery taste, enhancing the overall Mediterranean flavor.
• Cinnamon Powder: Imparts a sweet and warm undertone, adding depth to the marinade.
• Turmeric: Adds a vibrant yellow color to the chicken while providing a slightly bitter, earthy flavor.
• Cardamom Powder: Offers a fragrant, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor, contributing to the aromatic profile.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a tangy and citrusy element, tenderizing the chicken and brightening the overall taste.
• Wine: Enhances the marinade with a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Water: Helps to balance the marinade and ensure the chicken stays moist during cooking.
• Chicken Thighs: The main protein source, offering juicy and flavorful meat for the skewers.
• Oil: Helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill.

For Red Mojo Sauce: 

• Red Pepper: Contributes sweetness and a vibrant color to the sauce. 
• Garlic Cloves: Infuses a strong, savory flavor. 
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the sauce. 
• Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor, as well as a deep red color. 
• Cumin Powder: Provides an earthy and warm undertone. 
• Dried Red Chili: Adds heat and spice to the sauce. 
• Vinegar: Provides acidity, balancing the richness of the sauce. 
• Sunflower Oil: Adds a smooth texture to the sauce and helps blend the ingredients. 

Here are some substitutions for a Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo) recipe:

For Chicken Skewers: 

• Garlic Clove: Substitution: Garlic powder or minced garlic. 
• Ginger: Substitution: Ground ginger or ginger paste. 
• Salt: Substitution: Sea salt or kosher salt. 
• Parsley: Substitution: Cilantro or chives for a different herbaceous flavor. 
• Pepper: Substitution: Black pepper or red pepper flakes for added heat. 
• Cumin: Substitution: Ground coriander for a milder flavor. 
• Oregano: Substitution: Italian seasoning or thyme. 
• Cinnamon Powder: Substitution: Ground nutmeg or allspice for warmth. 
• Turmeric: Substitution: Ground ginger or curry powder for a similar color and flavor. 
• Cardamom Powder: Substitution: Ground cinnamon or nutmeg. 
• Lemon Juice: Substitution: Lime juice or white wine vinegar for acidity. 
• Wine: Substitution: Chicken or vegetable broth for moisture and flavor. 
• Water: Substitution: Chicken or vegetable broth. 
• Chicken Thighs: Substitution: Chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option. 
• Oil: Substitution: Olive oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter. 

For Red Mojo Sauce: 

• Red Pepper: Substitution: Roasted red bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Garlic Cloves: Substitution: Garlic powder or roasted garlic.
• Salt: Substitution: Sea salt or garlic salt.
• Paprika: Substitution: Smoked paprika or sweet paprika.
• Cumin Powder: Substitution: Ground coriander or chili powder.
• Dried Red Chili: Substitution: Crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Vinegar: Substitution: Red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar.
• Sunflower Oil: Substitution: Olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil.

Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

📖Variations of Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo)

There are numerous variations of Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo) that you can explore by tweaking the marinade, accompanying sauces, or cooking methods.

Here are a few ideas for Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo) variations:

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Skewers: Use olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, rosemary, and thyme for a classic Mediterranean flavor. 
• Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers: Add barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a touch of brown sugar for a smoky and spicy kick. 
• Asian-inspired Chicken Skewers: Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and a bit of honey for a sweet and savory Asian twist. 
• Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers: Use a marinade of lemon zest, garlic, parsley, and olive oil for a bright and zesty flavor. 
• Cilantro Lime Chicken Skewers: Combine cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and cumin for a refreshing and tangy profile. 
• Curry Coconut Chicken Skewers: Create a marinade with coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, and lime for a tropical and aromatic taste. 
• Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Skewers: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a sweet and tangy glaze. 
• Tequila Lime Chicken Skewers: Use tequila, lime juice, cumin, and chili powder for a flavorful Mexican-inspired marinade. 
• Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Skewers: Tenderize the chicken in Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and dill for a creamy and tangy twist. 
• Pesto Chicken Skewers: Coat the chicken in basil pesto, garlic, and Parmesan for a rich and herby flavor. 
• Harissa Marinated Chicken Skewers: Spice things up with a harissa-based marinade, including garlic, cumin, coriander, and lemon juice. 
• Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Skewers: Combine teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, ginger, and garlic for a sweet and savory Hawaiian-inspired dish. 

Have fun making your Chicken Skewers! Try different ingredients until you find your favorite mix. Change the spiciness, sweetness, and tanginess to match what you like. You can also try cooking them in different ways like grilling, broiling, or baking to make them even more interesting! Enjoy experimenting!

👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo)

These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.

🔪Kitchen Tools Required

Check out all of my kitchen essentials in my Amazon Store!

Here is a list of kitchen utensils for making these Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo).

• Mortar and Pestle
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Lemon squeezer
• Large Bowl
• Spatula
• Small Bowl
• Blender
• Jug
• Wooden Skewers
• Grill Pan

❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost, Reheat and Serve

Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo) are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored with some precautions to maintain their texture and flavor.

Here is how you can manage its storage:

Storing:

• Refrigeration: If you plan to consume the chicken skewers within a day or two, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is not too crowded, allowing air circulation. 
• Marinated Skewers: If the chicken is marinated, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. After that, cook or freeze to maintain freshness. 

Freezing:

• Before Cooking: If you want to freeze uncooked chicken skewers, arrange them on a baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. Place the sheet in the freezer until the skewers are firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Label with the date.
• After Cooking: For cooked chicken skewers, allow them to cool completely before freezing. Follow the same steps as for uncooked skewers, placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Defrosting:

• Refrigerator: The safest method is to thaw chicken skewers in the refrigerator. Place the frozen skewers in a dish or on a plate and let them thaw overnight. This ensures even thawing and minimizes the risk of bacterial growth.
• Cold Water Bath: If you need to thaw quickly, submerge the sealed bag or container in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to maintain a safe temperature. Do not use warm water, as it can promote bacteria growth.
• Microwave: For a faster option, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave. Follow the microwave's instructions, and be cautious to avoid partially cooking the chicken during the defrosting process.

Reheating:

• Oven or Toaster Oven: Preheat the oven to around 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Covering them with foil can help retain moisture.
• Grill or Pan: Reheat on a grill or in a pan over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated through. This method can add a nice grilled flavor.
• Microwave: While it may not preserve the original texture as well, the microwave is a quick option. Heat the skewers in 30-second intervals, checking regularly to avoid overcooking.

Serving:

• On a Platter: Arrange the chicken skewers on a serving platter, allowing them to showcase their vibrant colors and enticing aroma.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve the skewers with a variety of dipping sauces, such as red mojo picon, green mojo picon, tzatziki, hummus, garlic aioli, or a spicy mango salsa, to add extra flavor.
• Fried Potatoes: Accompany the skewers with fried potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Lemon Wedges: Provide lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their skewers, enhancing the citrusy notes.
• Family-Style Setting: Arrange the skewers on a large platter at the center of the table, allowing everyone to grab their desired portion.
• Finger Food: If serving as appetizers or finger food at a party, consider using smaller skewers and placing them in a decorative arrangement for easy grabbing.

❓Frequently Asked Questions for Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo)

Here are some commonly asked questions about making homemade Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo):

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🎥Watch my Videos

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