Pinchos, Spanish for “spikes,” are a Puerto Rican “fast food” staple. You’ll find them all over the island, sold by vendors who set up makeshift stands on the side of the road. They’re one of the first things I grab when I visit the island, they’re such a taste of home and my childhood!
Delish, simple, handheld and versatile, pinchos are usually made with pork or chicken. They are usually topped with a small piece of toast or fried plantain. Nothing beats a pincho hot off the grill, and now you can have these at home! By taking some common ingredients and adding some Puerto Rican spices, you can turn regular old kabobs into delish Puerto Rican pinchos!
4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon Adobo seasoning
2 packets Sazon with annatto seasoning
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup barbecue sauce
Metal or bamboo skewers
Cut the chicken thighs into 1 inch cubes and place them into a gallon-sized zip-top bag.
Season the chicken with the adobo, Sazon, oregano and olive oil.
Seal the bag and refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight.
Thread the chicken onto the skewers, making sure that the chicken is packed snuggly, but not too tightly. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
Heat your grill to medium heat, and lay the pinchos in a single layer along the grates.
Grill the pinchos for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is golden and thoroughly cooked.
When the pinchos are cooked, slather them with your favorite BBQ sauce.
My Yorkie London was having a ball watching me at the grill. This little guy right here couldn’t resist the aromas wafting through the air.
Serve these delish pinchos with some crusty bread slices, or some fried plantains.

Puerto Rican Pinchos (Kabobs)
An authentic Puerto Rican recipe for pinchos.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon Adobo seasoning
- 2 packets Sazon with annatto seasoning
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
- Metal or bamboo skewers
Instructions
-
Cut the chicken thighs into 1 inch cubes and place them into a gallon-sized zip-top bag.
-
Season the chicken with the adobo, Sazon, oregano and olive oil.
-
Seal the bag and refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight.
-
Thread the chicken onto the skewers, making sure that the chicken is packed snuggly, but not too tightly.
-
Heat your grill to medium heat, and lay the pinchos in a single layer along the grates.
-
Grill the pinchos for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
-
When the pinchos are cooked, slather them with your favorite BBQ sauce.
-
Serve with some crusty bread slices, or fried plantains.
Recipe Notes
If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 1 hour before using them. This will keep them from burning up on the grill.

12 comments
I have made this recipe for several years and my whole family loves them!!! We had a gathering with friends and they ate 11 lbs of pinchos.
Wao,I always go to Aguada antes de llegar al cementerio ,ahi hay un muchacho que los hace riquisisisimos.Que Dios lo bendiga.
Always my first stop on the island is the pincho stand off the Yauco exit in front of Willers Cash and Carry. They use garlic butter spiced, lightly grilled pan sabao. So good.
There should be a WARNING: “Neighbors may knock on your door wondering if they are invited.” I remember being in Cayey and just following my nose to the next pincho stand! *yum!!*
Lol thanks Loraine!
[…] I initially got a hot dog, then had to go back to get Pinchos to try because they smelled so good. Pinchos is chicken on a stick and it was marinated to […]
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I made these last night for the family with Mexican street corn… it was great!
That’s awesome Dave! I’m so happy you and your family enjoyed them 🙂 Happy cooking!
[…] Authentic Puerto Rican Pinchos Chicken Kabobs […]
These were so tasty, super fast and they are awesome in the summer time with a nice cold beer! Thanks so much Jannese and your recipes are amazing and deliciosas! Keep your great recipes coming, we love everything on our site!
Thank you! Love cooking for my family 🙂