If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine, Chicken Al Pastor is a must-try! This dish takes all the delicious flavors of classic al pastor and gives it a chicken twist. Marinated in a zesty, slightly smoky, and sweet marinade, it’s perfect for tacos, bowls, or even just enjoying on its own. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely packed with flavor. I’m telling you—once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and vibrant flavors: The marinade is a balance of smoky, tangy, and just a hint of sweetness.
Quick and easy: You’ll be able to have this on the table in no time!
Versatile: Great for tacos, bowls, or even served over rice or quinoa.
Healthy: Chicken is a lighter choice than pork, but still full of flavor and super satisfying.
Perfect for meal prepping: You can make a batch ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week!

Ingredients (A Sneak Peek)

The key ingredients for this recipe are chicken, pineapple, chipotle peppers, and a handful of spices. Don’t worry, the full ingredient list is below!

Directions

Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining your marinade ingredients: pineapple juice, chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic, onion, lime juice, cumin, oregano, and a bit of honey or brown sugar. Blend them all together until smooth. Place your chicken (either breasts or thighs) in a large bowl or resealable bag, pour the marinade over it, and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or even overnight if you have the time. The longer it marinates, the better the flavor!

Cook the Chicken

Once your chicken is marinated and ready, heat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If using a skillet, cook the chicken for 7-8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. The caramelization from the marinade will give it that signature, beautiful char.

Slice the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. This helps keep the chicken tender and juicy. The pieces should be small enough to fit perfectly into tacos or bowls.

Serve and Enjoy

Now, pile your sliced chicken into soft tortillas for tacos, over a bowl of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal, or simply serve it with a side of veggies. I love adding a little salsa, avocado, and fresh cilantro to really take it over the top.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Marinating is key: Don’t skip the marinating step—it helps the chicken absorb all those amazing flavors!
Grill marks add flavor: If you have a grill, use it! The charred marks on the chicken add extra smokiness and flavor.
Use bone-in chicken: If you want extra flavor, consider using bone-in thighs. They tend to stay juicier and more flavorful, but they do take a little longer to cook.
Don’t overcook: Chicken can dry out quickly, so be sure to monitor the cooking time. Remove the chicken from heat once it reaches the right internal temperature.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Spicier kick: Add more chipotle peppers or even a jalapeño for an extra spicy kick.
Vegetarian option: Try this recipe with marinated tofu or even roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian twist on al pastor.
Pineapple alternatives: If you don’t have fresh pineapple juice, you can use orange juice for a different, but still sweet and tangy flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Chicken Al Pastor is perfect for tacos. Serve it with your favorite toppings like avocado, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and your favorite salsa. It’s also fantastic in a burrito or bowl, paired with rice, beans, and a bit of crema or sour cream. If you want something extra, throw in some grilled peppers and onions for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

You can store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prep! To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat, or in the microwave until heated through. For a crispy texture, I recommend reheating it in a skillet for a couple of minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can! Chicken breast will cook a bit faster and is leaner, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Use whatever you prefer.

How long should I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate it for as little as 1 hour, but for the best flavor, marinate it overnight in the fridge.

Can I use a store-bought marinade?
Sure, if you’re short on time, a store-bought al pastor marinade would work, but I highly recommend making your own for the best flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy due to the chipotle peppers. If you prefer less spice, you can reduce the amount of peppers or remove the seeds.

Conclusion

Chicken Al Pastor is the perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Whether you’re making tacos for a family dinner or prepping for the week, this recipe will hit the spot every time. It’s easy, flavorful, and sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every bite of this delicious twist on a classic!

Chicken Al Pastor

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This Chicken Al Pastor recipe gives a flavorful twist to the classic al pastor with marinated chicken, offering a smoky, tangy, and sweet flavor that’s perfect for tacos, bowls, or just as a standalone dish. It’s quick, easy, and ideal for meal prep!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilled or pan-seared
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Combine pineapple juice, chipotle peppers, garlic, onion, lime juice, cumin, oregano, and honey/brown sugar in a blender. Blend until smooth. Marinate chicken in the mixture for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight) in the fridge.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side (until internal temp reaches 165°F), or cook in a skillet for 7-8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Slice the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sliced chicken in soft tortillas for tacos, over rice or quinoa, or alongside veggies with your favorite toppings.