Chicken Al Pastor – This recipe takes tender, juicy chicken and marinates it in a smoky, tangy blend of pineapple, chipotle, and spices. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or even salads.
What is Chicken Al Pastor?
Chicken Al Pastor is a Mexican dish inspired by shawarma, brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants. It traditionally features marinated meat cooked on a vertical spit. This chicken version is marinated in a blend of chili peppers, spices, pineapple juice, and vinegar, giving it a signature sweet and smoky flavor. While it’s usually cooked on a rotisserie, this recipe adapts easily for stovetop, oven, or grill preparation.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Al Pastor
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the spices and pineapple juice to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
- While chicken breasts work, thighs are more flavorful and less likely to dry out during cooking
- Cook the chicken on high heat for a few minutes at the end to get those irresistible charred edges that mimic the traditional spit-roasting process.
- Skip the store-bought marinades and make your own. This ensures authenticity and lets you control the spice and sweetness levels.
Variations of Chicken Al Pastor
Taco Night Twist
Serve the Chicken Al Pastor as a taco filling with corn tortillas, diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Don’t forget the pineapple chunks!
Bowl-Style Al Pastor
Pair the chicken with rice, black beans, avocado, and fresh salsa for a wholesome meal.
Vegetarian Version
Substitute the chicken with jackfruit, tofu, or even mushrooms. The marinade works beautifully with these alternatives.
Low-Carb Option
Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas or serve the chicken on a bed of cauliflower rice.
How to Serve Chicken Al Pastor
- Traditional Tacos: Load your tortillas with chicken, grilled pineapple, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Top with a dollop of crema or your favorite salsa.
- Quesadillas: Layer the chicken with cheese in a tortilla and grill until crispy and gooey.
- Al Pastor Pizza: Spread a thin layer of salsa roja on pizza dough, add chicken, pineapple, and cheese, and bake to perfection.
- Salad Topping: Add the chicken to a salad with romaine, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy lime vinaigrette.
How to Store Chicken Al Pastor
Refrigerate
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain its juicy texture.
Freeze
For longer storage, freeze the marinated chicken in a ziplock bag before cooking. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought Al Pastor seasoning?
Absolutely! While homemade marinades offer a richer flavor, store-bought seasoning can be a great time-saver.
2. Can I grill the chicken?
Yes! Grilling enhances the smoky flavor. Just make sure to cook the chicken evenly and brush it with leftover marinade for extra flavor.
3. What makes Al Pastor different from other Mexican dishes?
The use of pineapple and the shawarma-inspired cooking method sets Al Pastor apart, creating a unique blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
4. Is Chicken Al Pastor spicy?
It can be, depending on the chilies used. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chipotle or guajillo peppers in the marinade.
Chicken Al Pastor
Chicken Al Pastor - This recipe takes tender, juicy chicken and marinates it in a smoky, tangy blend of pineapple, chipotle, and spices. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or even salads.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs cut into quarters
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 6 1/2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 1/2 large onion coarsely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon achiote paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons guajillo chili powder
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
Instructions
- Quarter the chicken thighs and place them in a bowl.
- In a blender or food processor, combine pineapple juice, vinegar, lime juice, onion, garlic, spices, achiote paste, and chili powder. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, toss to coat, and refrigerate for 10 minutes (or up to 4 hours). Bring to room temperature before cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add a few spoonfuls of marinade, then grill the chicken for 7 minutes per side until charred.
- Toss in pineapple chunks and the remaining marinade. Cook for 2-3 minutes until caramelized.
- Perfect in tacos, rice bowls, or salads!
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 227Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 109mgSodium 1000mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 21g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Al Pastor is a mouthwatering dish that combines tradition and innovation. With its perfect balance of spices, tangy pineapple sweetness, and versatile serving options, it’s no wonder this dish has captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide. Whether you’re hosting a taco night, meal prepping, or exploring new flavors, this recipe will not disappoint.
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