Umami-Packed Adobo Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Salsa
Craving flavour? My Adobo Seasoning Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Salsa are a BBQ game-changer! Easy, juicy, and bursting with Latin zest. Get the recipe!

Alright, let's dive right into it!
Recipe Introduction: Adobo Chicken Skewers – Your New BBQ Best Friend
Ever wondered how to jazz up your usual chicken skewers? this recipe answers that call, featuring the star of the show: adobo seasoning .
Get ready for an explosion of flavour that'll have everyone begging for more.
Quick Hook: Adobo for the Win!
Seriously, who doesn't love a good skewer? these adobo seasoning infused chicken skewers are about to become your new go-to.
Imagine savoury, slightly tangy chicken paired with a sweet and zesty pineapple salsa. can't beat it!
Origin Story: Latin Flavours, Easy Peasy
These skewers draw inspiration from the vibrant world of latin food and mexican food recipes authentic . think of them as a little fiesta on a stick! perfect for beginner cooks, this recipe takes about an hour from start to finish, and serves about 4 hungry people.
Ideal to make some delicious mexican dishes .
Main Benefits: Healthy-ish and Oh-So-Good
Okay, so maybe not strictly raw food recipes or "health food", but these skewers are packed with protein and vitamins.
They’re perfect for a summer bbq, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a picnic in the park. honestly? this recipe stands out because it's simple, flavourful, and guaranteed to impress.
I mean, who can resist a taste of adobo sauce ?
Honestly, i remember the first time i made these. my mate, dave, who normally survives on a diet of crisps and beer, actually asked for seconds! it was a culinary miracle.
Trust me, this one’s a winner. adobo , mexican salsa recipes , mexican sauce , and a little oregano —what’s not to love?
Alright, let's dive into what you need to make these crazy good Adobo Chicken Skewers! Honestly, half the battle is just having everything ready, yeah?
Umami-Packed Adobo Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Salsa Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsp (30g) Adobo seasoning
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15ml) soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) pieces
- 1 cup (150g) diced fresh pineapple
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
🥄 Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, Adobo seasoning, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- While the chicken marinates, combine all salsa ingredients in a small bowl. Toss gently and set aside.
- Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating ingredients.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and slightly charred.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for a few minutes. Top with the pineapple salsa and serve immediately.
Ingredients & Equipment
"A recipe has no soul. You, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe." - Thomas Keller. This quote resonates so well, so let's bring this recipe to life!
Main Ingredients – The Stars of the Show
We're talking proper deliciousness here.
- Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs (680g) , cubed. Go for free-range if you can. You know, happy chickens taste better.
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml) . Use a decent one, not the cheap stuff. It makes a difference, trust me.
- Adobo Seasoning : 2 tbsp (30g) . This is the MAGIC.
Quality adobo seasoning is key. I prefer brands with a good balance of garlic, oregano, and turmeric. Fresh herbs and spices makes all the difference
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Adds a cheeky tang.
- Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Low sodium is best. Don't want it too salty.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best!
- Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 yellow , cubed. Adds a pop of color.
- Red Onion: 1 , cubed. Don't skip this, it adds depth.
- Skewers: Wooden (soaked) or metal. Important! No one wants burnt skewers.
Seasoning Notes – The Flavor Boosters
Let's talk about flavor! It's time to whip up this Mexican food recipes authentic
- Essential Spice Combinations : The adobo seasoning already packs a punch, but a pinch of smoked paprika can add a smoky depth. A dash of cumin seeds complements the dish.
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics : Freshly cracked black pepper and a bay leaf (removed before serving) will create an experience for your palate. Don't be shy. Experiment with flavors in Latin food recipes.
- Quick Substitution Options : Don't have adobo seasoning? Mix garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and a pinch of turmeric. It will save the day!
Honestly, my nonna always said oregano is key. i swear it adds that "je ne sais quoi". plus, my abuela’s adobo sauce recipe always had a secret ingredient: a pinch of cinnamon.
Honestly, it was mental.
Equipment Needed – Keep It Simple
No need for fancy gadgets. This is raw food recipes made easy.
- Mixing Bowl: For the marinade.
- Cutting Board & Knife: Obvs.
- Grill (or Grill Pan): BBQ weather permitting!
- Skewers: For, well, skewering.
- Small Pan: For cooking Mexican sauce .
Honestly, I've used a fork for whisking in a pinch. Don't stress if you don't have exactly everything. This is not a MasterChef audition. Don't worry about measuring precisely. Just have fun.

Alright, let's get cooking! ever get that craving for something seriously flavorful? well, buckle up buttercup! we're diving headfirst into umami-packed adobo chicken skewers with pineapple salsa .
Think sunshine on a stick.
Let's Prep Like Pros!
First things first, mise en place , my friends. that's fancy chef talk for "get your stuff together." dice your bell peppers, red onion and pineapple.
Mince your garlic. grab that jar of adobo seasoning – it's the star! this might sound a bit extra, but soaking wooden skewers prevents them from catching fire on the grill.
Who wants fiery skewers? not me!.
Safety first! Wash your hands and always use a clean cutting board for raw chicken. Honestly, these things really help to get better food.
Skewer Power: Step-by-Step
Okay, ready to get messy? Here's the lowdown:
- Whisk together 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, 2 tbsp (30g) Adobo seasoning , 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp (15ml) soy sauce, and those minced garlic cloves. Smells good, right?
- Chuck in 1.5 lbs (680g) of cubed chicken into the marinade. Make sure it's all coated. Then, cover it and stick it in the fridge for at least 30 mins.
- While the chicken's having a bath, mix together 1 cup (150g) diced pineapple, 1/2 red onion, 1/2 red bell pepper, maybe a bit of jalapeño (if you're brave), 1/4 cup (15g) cilantro, 2 tbsp (30 ml) lime juice, salt, and pepper. That is Mexican Salsa Recipes in a nutshell, so summery and vibrant.
- Thread the chicken, peppers, and onion onto skewers. Alternate the ingredients.
- Fire up the grill to medium-high heat. Grill those skewers for 6- 8 minutes per side , until the chicken's cooked. The internal temp needs to hit 165° F ( 74° C) .
Pro Tips for Adobo Greatness
Want to elevate your skewer game? my abuela always said it's all about the details. first, don't cram too much onto the skewers.
Give everything room to breathe. second, don't skip that marinating time! the longer, the better. let the flavours sink deep into the chicken.
Avoid the common mistake of overcooking the chicken, this will ensure juicy and tender skewers. you could even make the salsa a day ahead.
The flavors mingle and it tastes even better. it's a great way to get ahead if you're having a bbq.
You know what goes perfectly with this? mexican sauce
These skewers are like a holiday on a plate. the adobo chicken is savory, the pineapple salsa is sweet and tangy, and it's all just…delicious.
Plus, they are pretty easy to get right if you follow the tips in the recipe. you can also adapt to other variants, such as using it with adobo sauce with pork.
Honestly, the possibilities are endless with latin food . i hope you love this recipe as much as i do. enjoy.
Alright, let's talk recipe notes for these amazing Adobo Chicken Skewers! Honestly, sometimes the little details make all the difference. You know?
Nailing the Flavours
Listen, these skewers are all about that adobo seasoning . if you're feeling fancy, you can even make your own adobo sauce from scratch! some people like it spicier.
You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper. oregano would also go really well in the marinade too. play around.
Plating Perfection & Perfect Partners
Presentation is key, innit? these skewers look amazing on a platter. i like to arrange them with the pineapple salsa right on top.
Honestly, some coconut rice and black beans would make this a proper latin food feast. plus, a nice cold beer never hurt anyone.
Think about adding some mexican sauce or mexican salsa recipes for an extra kick too.
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? No worries! These are great the next day.
- Refrigeration: Pop them in an airtight container. They'll last for 3-4 days .
- Freezing: Honestly, they're best fresh. But if you must freeze, do it before grilling. Marinate the chicken. Then freeze. Thaw completely before cooking.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a pan. You could microwave them, but avoid overheating .
Playing with the Recipe: Variations
Honestly, this recipe is super versatile.
- Dietary Adaptations: Make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free if needed. Easy peasy!
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: No pineapple? Mango would be amazing too! Especially when you consider how many Mexican Dishes use these types of ingredients.
Fuel Up Right: Nutrition Rundown
Okay, so these skewers are tasty and good for you. they're packed with protein. they'll keep you full. plus, the veggies give you some vitamins.
And you're avoiding that nasty raw food recipes . win-win! plus, the adobo taste is a unique mexican food recipes authentic experience!
So there you have it! everything you need to know to make these adobo chicken skewers a total success. honestly, just have fun with it! don't stress about being perfect.
The most important thing is to enjoy the process and the delicious food. get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is adobo seasoning, and what's the big deal?
Adobo seasoning is a versatile blend of spices, often featuring garlic, onion, oregano, black pepper, and sometimes turmeric. It's a cornerstone of Latin American cuisine, especially Filipino and Caribbean cooking, adding a savory and aromatic depth to dishes. Think of it as your secret weapon for adding instant flavour, a bit like the culinary equivalent of a Doctor Who's sonic screwdriver!
Can I make my own adobo seasoning, or is store-bought better?
Absolutely! Making your own adobo seasoning is a great way to control the ingredients and tailor it to your taste. There are tons of recipes online that let you adjust the salt level or add extra heat with chili powder. However, pre-made adobo seasoning like McCormick Culinary Adobo Seasoning is a convenient option for busy weeknights, giving you a consistent flavor profile every time, just like a reliable cup of Yorkshire Tea!
How long will adobo seasoning keep, and how should I store it?
Properly stored adobo seasoning can last for quite a while! Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place – like your spice cupboard away from the hob's heat. Ground spices typically maintain their potency for about 1-2 years. If the aroma has faded, it's probably time to replace it. Trust your nose - if it doesn't smell amazing, it's past its prime, just like that jar of pickled onions at the back of the cupboard!
I'm watching my sodium intake – does adobo seasoning have a lot of salt?
That's a fair point. Adobo seasoning can be quite high in sodium, so it's important to be mindful of how much you're using, especially if you're watching your salt intake. Look for low-sodium versions of adobo seasoning, or better yet, make your own so you can control the salt level. That way you can have all the flavour without feeling like you've been tangoed around the tastebuds!
What other ways can I use adobo seasoning besides on these chicken skewers?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Adobo seasoning is fantastic on everything from roasted vegetables and scrambled eggs to grilled fish and pork chops. You can even sprinkle it on popcorn for a savory snack or use it as a dry rub for ribs before grilling. It's a real flavour chameleon, fitting into all sorts of dishes - a bit like Marmite, you'll want it on everything!
Can I use adobo seasoning if I am Gluten-Free?
Yes, in most cases you can use adobo seasoning if you are following a gluten-free diet, however always check the label before using as formulations can vary. It is best to make your own adobo seasoning from scratch. That way you can be confident that your seasoning mix is truly gluten-free, allowing you to savour its delicious flavours without worry – much like a proper, gluten-free Sunday roast!
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