Chicken Al Pastor: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Mexican Dish

Chicken al pastor offers a delightful and healthier spin on the traditional pork al pastor, bringing the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your kitchen with ease. This recipe captures the essence of al pastor—the sweet and savory marinade, the pineapple’s tangy sweetness, and the smoky char—all while using tender and juicy chicken. Perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or enjoyed on its own, this Chicken Al Pastor will become a family favorite.

## What is Al Pastor?

Al pastor, which translates to “shepherd style,” is a popular Mexican dish influenced by Lebanese immigrants who introduced shawarma to Mexico. Traditionally, al pastor is made with marinated pork that’s thinly sliced and cooked on a vertical spit. The meat is often served in tacos with onions, cilantro, and a slice of pineapple.

Our Chicken Al Pastor recipe captures the authentic flavors of the traditional dish but simplifies the cooking process for home cooks. By marinating chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred) and cooking them in a skillet or on the grill, we can achieve a similar depth of flavor without needing a vertical spit.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful:** The marinade is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy, creating a complex and irresistible flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal hands-on time and can be made with ingredients readily available in most supermarkets.
* **Versatile:** Use the Chicken Al Pastor in tacos, burritos, salads, bowls, or as a main course.
* **Healthier Option:** Chicken is a leaner protein compared to pork, making this a lighter alternative to traditional al pastor.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner.

## Ingredients

### For the Chicken:

* **2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs** (or chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick pieces)
* **1 tablespoon olive oil**
* **1/2 cup chopped pineapple** (fresh or canned, drained)
* **1/4 cup chopped cilantro**
* **Optional toppings:** chopped onion, extra cilantro, lime wedges, salsa

### For the Al Pastor Marinade:

* **4 dried guajillo chiles**, stemmed, seeded, and deveined
* **2 dried ancho chiles**, stemmed, seeded, and deveined
* **1/4 cup apple cider vinegar**
* **1/4 cup pineapple juice**
* **2 tablespoons achiote paste** (optional, but recommended for authentic flavor and color)
* **2 cloves garlic**, minced
* **1 teaspoon dried oregano**
* **1/2 teaspoon ground cumin**
* **1/4 teaspoon ground cloves**
* **1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon**
* **1/2 teaspoon black pepper**
* **1 teaspoon salt** (or more, to taste)

## Equipment

* **Blender or food processor**
* **Large bowl or zip-top bag**
* **Skillet or grill**
* **Cutting board**
* **Knife**

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Chiles

1. **Toast the Chiles:** Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the guajillo and ancho chiles and toast them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they become fragrant and slightly pliable. Be careful not to burn them. This toasting process enhances their flavor.
2. **Rehydrate the Chiles:** Place the toasted chiles in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are softened.

### Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. **Blend the Ingredients:** Drain the softened chiles and add them to a blender or food processor along with the apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, achiote paste (if using), garlic, oregano, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt.
2. **Blend Until Smooth:** Blend all the ingredients until you have a smooth and consistent paste. You may need to add a little more pineapple juice or water if the mixture is too thick. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

### Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Place the chicken thighs (or chicken breasts) in a large bowl or a zip-top bag.
2. **Coat with Marinade:** Pour the al pastor marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken.
3. **Marinate:** Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will become. For best results, marinate for 8-12 hours.

### Step 4: Cook the Chicken

There are two main methods for cooking your marinated chicken:

#### Method 1: Skillet Cooking

1. **Heat the Skillet:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a good sear.
2. **Cook the Chicken:** Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken in the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. **Add Pineapple:** In the last few minutes of cooking, add the chopped pineapple to the skillet and cook until it’s lightly caramelized and heated through. This will add a burst of sweetness to the dish.
4. **Rest:** Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

#### Method 2: Grilling

1. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. **Grill the Chicken:** Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. **Add Pineapple:** In the last few minutes of cooking, add the chopped pineapple to the grill and cook until it’s lightly caramelized and heated through. Use a grill basket or place the pineapple on a less hot area of the grill to prevent it from burning.
4. **Rest:** Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

### Step 5: Slice and Serve

1. **Slice the Chicken:** Once the chicken has rested, slice it thinly against the grain.
2. **Serve:** Serve the Chicken Al Pastor in tacos, burritos, salads, or bowls. Garnish with chopped onion, cilantro, lime wedges, and your favorite salsa. A dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema can also be a delicious addition.

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of chile peppers in the marinade to control the spice level. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and veins from the chiles thoroughly. For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a serrano chile to the marinade.
* **Type of Chicken:** While this recipe calls for chicken thighs, you can also use chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts, as they can become dry.
* **Achiote Paste:** Achiote paste is a key ingredient for authentic al pastor flavor and color. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with a mixture of paprika, cumin, and a pinch of cinnamon.
* **Pineapple:** Fresh pineapple is preferred, but canned pineapple (drained) works well too. You can also grill or pan-fry the pineapple separately to caramelize it before adding it to the chicken.
* **Marinade Time:** For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. However, even a 2-hour marinade will significantly enhance the taste.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit for a vegetarian version. Press the tofu to remove excess water before marinating.
* **Slow Cooker Method:** For a hands-off approach, you can cook the marinated chicken in a slow cooker. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving.
* **Air Fryer Method:** Air frying is another quick and easy way to cook the chicken al pastor. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Tacos:** Serve the Chicken Al Pastor in warm tortillas with chopped onion, cilantro, and a slice of pineapple. A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright, fresh flavor.
* **Burritos:** Use the Chicken Al Pastor as a filling for burritos, along with rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
* **Salads:** Top a fresh salad with sliced Chicken Al Pastor, avocado, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing.
* **Bowls:** Create a flavorful bowl with rice, black beans, corn, Chicken Al Pastor, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
* **Quesadillas:** Fill quesadillas with shredded Chicken Al Pastor and cheese for a quick and easy meal.
* **Nachos:** Layer tortilla chips with cheese, Chicken Al Pastor, and your favorite nacho toppings, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

* **Serving Size:** 1 serving (about 4 ounces of chicken)
* **Calories:** 250-300
* **Protein:** 30-35g
* **Fat:** 10-15g
* **Carbohydrates:** 5-10g
* **Fiber:** 1-2g

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover Chicken Al Pastor in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, freeze the cooked Chicken Al Pastor in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Skillet:** Reheat the Chicken Al Pastor in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the Chicken Al Pastor in the microwave on medium power until warmed through. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.
* **Oven:** Reheat the Chicken Al Pastor in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Wrap the chicken in foil to prevent it from drying out.

## Conclusion

Chicken Al Pastor is a versatile and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Mexico to your table. With its sweet and savory marinade and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re making tacos, burritos, or salads, this recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of al pastor at home. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill or skillet, and get ready to savor the amazing taste of Chicken Al Pastor!