Okay, let’s talk about one of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy chicken—Chicken Al Pastor. If you’re a fan of Mexican food, you’re going to fall in love with this dish. It’s got all those wonderful flavors you crave: smoky, spicy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweetness. This recipe is super easy to make at home, and trust me, once you try it, you won’t want to go back to regular chicken again. Whether you’re making tacos, burritos, or just enjoying it with some rice, Chicken Al Pastor is bound to be a hit with everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
What makes this Chicken Al Pastor so special? First off, it’s got that signature Al Pastor flavor, which comes from a beautiful marinade made of chipotle, pineapple, and a mix of warm spices. It’s smoky, sweet, tangy, and a little bit spicy. The best part? It’s made with chicken instead of the usual pork, making it a bit lighter but just as flavorful. Plus, it’s quick enough to make on a busy weeknight but special enough for a weekend dinner with friends or family. I promise, after you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients (Full list of ingredients below)
Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need to make this tasty Chicken Al Pastor:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Pineapple (fresh or canned)
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Garlic
- Lime juice
- A mix of spices (cumin, paprika, oregano, etc.)
For the complete ingredient list, check below!
Directions
1. Make the Marinade
In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, pineapple chunks (including juice if you’re using canned), garlic, lime juice, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. This marinade is where all the magic happens—don’t skip it!
2. Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces or strips (depending on how you want to serve them) and place them in a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—overnight is even better if you have the time. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it gets.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (don’t throw out that marinade—keep it for basting!) and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely browned on all sides. This should take about 8-10 minutes. While it cooks, you can baste the chicken with a little bit of the marinade for extra flavor.
4. Serve the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through and caramelized with the marinade, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Now it’s time to serve! You can enjoy this Chicken Al Pastor on tacos, in burritos, on top of rice, or even in a salad. Don’t forget to add some fresh toppings like chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use chicken thighs: I know chicken breasts are tempting because they’re lean, but chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, especially when marinated. Trust me, they’re worth it for this recipe!
- Pineapple adds sweetness and tenderizes the meat: The pineapple in the marinade not only gives it that signature sweetness but also helps tenderize the chicken. If you want an extra boost of pineapple flavor, throw a few grilled pineapple slices on top when serving.
- Baste with the marinade: Don’t let that flavorful marinade go to waste. Basting the chicken with it while cooking intensifies the flavors and gives the chicken a gorgeous caramelized coating.
- Spice it up or down: If you like things spicier, add more chipotle peppers or some hot sauce to the marinade. If you prefer a milder version, use just a small amount of chipotle or leave it out entirely.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Pork Al Pastor: Traditionally, Al Pastor is made with pork, so if you want to go the classic route, swap the chicken for thinly sliced pork shoulder or pork belly. Just adjust the cooking time since pork may take a bit longer than chicken.
- Vegan Version: For a vegan option, try using jackfruit in place of the chicken. The jackfruit will soak up all the marinade flavors and give you that similar texture to pulled pork.
- Grilled Chicken Al Pastor: If you’re in the mood for grilling, marinate the chicken and then cook it on a hot grill or grill pan instead of on the stovetop. This adds an extra smoky flavor that’s irresistible.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Chicken Al Pastor is super versatile, so you can serve it in so many ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Tacos: Soft corn tortillas are a classic, topped with fresh onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. You can also add avocado, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Burritos: Wrap the chicken up in a warm flour tortilla with rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a hearty meal.
- On Rice: Serve the Chicken Al Pastor over a bed of cilantro-lime rice for a fresh, flavorful dish. Add some grilled vegetables on the side, and you’ve got a well-rounded meal.
- Salads: For a lighter option, serve the chicken on a fresh salad with some crunchy vegetables, avocado, and a tangy dressing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat your Chicken Al Pastor:
- Storage: Store leftover Chicken Al Pastor in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little bit of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to dry it out.
4 FAQs
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the marinade ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. This will give the flavors time to meld and get even better.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
You can, but keep in mind that chicken breast is leaner and might dry out faster. If you prefer using breasts, I recommend marinating them for longer and cooking them carefully to avoid dryness.
Can I make this on the grill?
Absolutely! If you want to get that smoky grilled flavor, grill the marinated chicken on medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Can I freeze the Chicken Al Pastor?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove.
Conclusion
There’s just something magical about the combination of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors in Chicken Al Pastor. It’s the kind of dish that’s packed with flavor but still so easy to make at home. Whether you’re preparing it for Taco Tuesday or just craving something tasty and fun, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Print
Chicken Al Pastor: A Flavor Explosion You Can’t Resist
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (not including marination time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes marination time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet or stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Al Pastor is a Mexican-inspired dish that combines smoky, spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors. This easy recipe uses chicken thighs marinated in a delicious blend of chipotle, pineapple, and spices, creating a tender and flavorful chicken perfect for tacos, burritos, or serving with rice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup Pineapple (fresh or canned)
- 2 Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Oil (for cooking)
Instructions
-
Make the Marinade
-
In a blender, combine chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, pineapple chunks (including juice if canned), garlic, lime juice, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
-
-
Marinate the Chicken
-
Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
-
-
Cook the Chicken
-
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (reserve some marinade for basting). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and browned, about 8-10 minutes.
-
-
Serve the Chicken
-
Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes, then serve on tacos, burritos, rice, or in salads. Add fresh toppings like onions, cilantro, and lime for extra flavor.
-
Notes
- Chicken Thighs: These provide more moisture and flavor than chicken breasts.
- Pineapple: Not only adds sweetness but also tenderizes the chicken.
- Baste: Don’t throw away the marinade! Baste the chicken while cooking for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 100mg