Easy Chicken Al Pastor Recipe at Home in 2024

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Are you ready to take your taste buds on a flavorful adventure? Look no further than this mouthwatering chicken al pastor recipe. With its perfect blend of spices, tender meat, and juicy pineapple, this dish will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating this iconic dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

What is Chicken Al Pastor Recipe?

Chicken al pastor is a popular Mexican dish that traditionally features marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, similar to shawarma or gyros. However, our recipe puts a twist on the classic by using chicken instead. The meat is marinated in a blend of dried chiles, spices, and pineapple juice, resulting in a sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor profile that will have your mouth watering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delectable dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 3 guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 2 ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp achiote paste
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings

Marinating the Chicken

The key to achieving the perfect flavor in your chicken al pastor lies in the marinade. Start by soaking the guajillo and ancho chiles in hot water for about 15 minutes until they’re soft. Then, drain the chiles and place them in a blender along with the pineapple juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, achiote paste, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.

Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Grilling the Chicken Al Pastor Recipe

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with slices of fresh pineapple.

Grill the skewers for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pineapple is lightly charred. The aroma of the spices and the sizzling sound of the meat will have your mouth watering in anticipation.

Serving Suggestions

Once your chicken al pastor is ready, remove it from the skewers and serve it on warm corn tortillas. Top with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for an authentic Mexican street food experience. You can also serve the chicken with a side of rice, beans, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Success Chicken Al Pastor Recipe

• Choose the right chiles: Guajillo and ancho chiles are essential for achieving the authentic flavor of chicken al pastor. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with a combination of dried chiles like pasilla, mulato, or chipotle.
• Marinate longer for better flavor: While you can marinate the chicken for as little as 4 hours, letting it sit overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken thighs are more forgiving than chicken breasts, but you still want to avoid overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing from the grill.
• Experiment with toppings: While the traditional toppings for chicken al pastor are diced onions and cilantro, feel free to get creative with your garnishes. Try adding sliced avocado, queso fresco, or a drizzle of Mexican crema for extra flavor and texture.

Nutritional Benefits Chicken Al Pastor Recipe

Chicken Al Pastor is not only delicious but also offers a range of nutritional benefits. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and supporting overall health. Additionally, the recipe includes a variety of vegetables and fruits, such as onions, garlic, and pineapple, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Pineapple, in particular, is rich in vitamin C, manganese, and bromelain, an enzyme that aids in protein digestion. The combination of lean protein and nutrient-dense ingredients makes this dish a well-rounded and wholesome choice for health-conscious individuals and families.

Serving Suggestions

While Chicken Al Pastor is delicious on its own, there are many ways to elevate the dish and create a complete meal. Serve the chicken with warm corn tortillas, allowing diners to assemble their own tacos. Provide a variety of toppings, such as diced onions, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and lime wedges, so everyone can customize their tacos to their liking.

For a more substantial meal, consider serving the Chicken Al Pastor alongside Mexican-inspired side dishes, such as cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a fresh salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette. These complementary flavors and textures will create a satisfying and well-balanced dining experience that your family and friends will love.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the great things about this Chicken Al Pastor recipe is that it can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. To make ahead, simply marinate the chicken mixture as directed, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, proceed with the recipe as written.

Leftover Chicken Al Pastor can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until the chicken is sizzling and heated through.

You can also freeze the cooked Chicken Al Pastor for up to 2-3 months. To do so, allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as described above.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making chicken al pastor recipe at home, you can enjoy this delicious and authentic Mexican dish whenever the craving strikes. With its irresistible combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So fire up the grill, invite some friends over, and get ready to savor the taste of Mexico in every bite.

Have you tried making chicken al pastor recipe at home? Share your experience and any tips or variations you’ve discovered in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out our other recipes for more culinary inspiration from around the world.