Chipotle’s New Chicken Al Pastor: Recipes and Culinary Adventures

Chipotle Mexican Grill has recently introduced a new menu item that has been generating considerable buzz: Chicken Al Pastor. This addition promises a vibrant twist on their traditional offerings, bringing the flavors of Mexico’s iconic al pastor to a broader audience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into what makes Chipotle’s Chicken Al Pastor so appealing, how it compares to authentic al pastor, and explore a variety of ways to incorporate this exciting ingredient into your home cooking.

What is Chicken Al Pastor?

Before we delve into recipes and cooking tips, it’s crucial to understand what al pastor truly is. “Al pastor” translates to “shepherd style,” a reference to the Lebanese immigrants who introduced shawarma to Mexico. Over time, the traditional lamb was replaced with pork, marinated in a blend of spices and chilies, and then cooked on a vertical spit (trompo). The meat is thinly sliced and often served in tacos, tortas, or as a standalone dish.

Chipotle’s version uses chicken, marinated in a similar blend of achiote, guajillo peppers, and other spices to achieve that distinctive sweet and smoky flavor. While it’s not cooked on a trompo in the traditional sense in Chipotle restaurants, the flavor profile aims to capture the essence of authentic al pastor.

Chipotle’s Chicken Al Pastor: A Closer Look

Chipotle’s Chicken Al Pastor offers a unique combination of flavors. The chicken is marinated in a complex blend of spices, giving it a savory, slightly sweet, and smoky profile. This makes it an incredibly versatile ingredient for various recipes.

Flavor Profile:

* Smoky: The use of chipotle peppers (in adobo sauce) and other dried chilies like guajillo peppers contributes to a deep smoky flavor.
* Sweet: A touch of pineapple juice or other sweeteners balances the heat and adds a subtle sweetness, characteristic of al pastor.
* Savory: The marinade includes spices like cumin, oregano, and garlic, which provide a savory backbone.
* Slightly Spicy: While not overwhelmingly hot, the blend of chilies offers a pleasant kick.

Texture:

The chicken is typically tender and juicy, making it easy to incorporate into different dishes. The marination process helps to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender product.

Recipe Ideas with Chipotle’s Chicken Al Pastor

Now, let’s explore some delicious ways to use Chipotle’s Chicken Al Pastor in your own cooking. These recipes are designed to be easy to follow and adaptable to your personal preferences.

1. Chicken Al Pastor Tacos

This is the most classic way to enjoy al pastor, and it’s incredibly simple to make at home.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor (either purchased from Chipotle or made from scratch – recipe below)
* 12 corn tortillas
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 1/2 cup chopped white onion
* Lime wedges, for serving
* Pineapple chunks (optional), for serving
* Your favorite salsa

Instructions:

1. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or until softened and slightly pliable. Alternatively, you can warm them in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 1 minute.
2. Prepare the Chicken: If you purchased from Chipotle, the chicken is already cooked. If preparing from scratch, cook as described in the recipe below. If using store-bought, you may wish to sear it for a few minutes in a pan to give it a little extra crispiness.
3. Assemble the Tacos: Place a generous amount of Chicken Al Pastor on each tortilla. Top with chopped cilantro, chopped onion, and pineapple chunks (if using).
4. Serve: Serve immediately with lime wedges and your favorite salsa.

2. Chicken Al Pastor Bowls

For a heartier and more complete meal, consider making Chicken Al Pastor bowls. This is a great way to customize your dish with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor
* 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
* 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
* 1/2 cup salsa
* 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
* 1 avocado, diced
* Chopped cilantro, for garnish
* Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice: Cook the rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Warm the Beans and Corn: Heat the black beans and corn kernels in separate saucepans or in the microwave. You can also grill the corn for a charred flavor.
3. Assemble the Bowls: In individual bowls, layer the rice, black beans, corn, and Chicken Al Pastor.
4. Add Toppings: Top with salsa, sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
5. Serve: Serve immediately with lime wedges.

3. Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

A quick and easy way to enjoy Chicken Al Pastor is in a quesadilla. This is a great option for a light lunch or a snack.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor
* 4 large flour tortillas
* 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend)
* Cooking oil or butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Ensure the Chicken Al Pastor is warm. If it’s been refrigerated, heat it up in a pan or microwave.
2. Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface. Sprinkle half of each tortilla with shredded cheese, then top with Chicken Al Pastor, and then more cheese.
3. Fold the Tortillas: Fold the tortillas in half, pressing down gently to seal the edges.
4. Cook the Quesadillas: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of cooking oil or butter. Place the quesadillas in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
5. Serve: Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve immediately.

4. Chicken Al Pastor Nachos

Nachos are always a crowd-pleaser, and adding Chicken Al Pastor takes them to the next level. This is perfect for game nights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients:

* 1 bag (10-12 ounces) tortilla chips
* 1 pound Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor
* 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
* 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
* 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
* 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
* 1 avocado, diced
* Chopped cilantro, for garnish
* Salsa, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Chips: Spread the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Add Toppings: Spread the refried beans evenly over the chips. Top with Chicken Al Pastor, shredded cheese, and pickled jalapeños.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Add Fresh Toppings: Remove from the oven and top with sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
6. Serve: Serve immediately with salsa.

5. Chicken Al Pastor Salad

For a lighter and healthier option, try a Chicken Al Pastor salad. This is a great way to enjoy the flavors of al pastor without the added carbs.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor
* 6 cups mixed greens
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1 cucumber, diced
* 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
* 1 avocado, diced
* 1/4 cup cilantro-lime dressing (or your favorite dressing)
* Crumbled cotija cheese (optional), for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
2. Add Chicken: Add the Chicken Al Pastor to the salad.
3. Add Avocado: Add the diced avocado.
4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle with cilantro-lime dressing (or your favorite dressing).
5. Garnish: Garnish with crumbled cotija cheese (if using).
6. Serve: Toss gently and serve immediately.

Making Chicken Al Pastor from Scratch

While Chipotle’s version is convenient, you can also make your own Chicken Al Pastor at home. This allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. Here’s a detailed recipe:

Ingredients:

* 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

For the Marinade:

* 4 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
* 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
* 1/4 cup white vinegar
* 1/4 cup pineapple juice
* 2 tablespoons achiote paste
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 cup orange juice
* 1 tablespoon salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chilies: Toast the dried guajillo and ancho chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
2. Soak the Chilies: Place the toasted chilies in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for about 30 minutes, or until softened.
3. Make the Marinade: Drain the chilies and place them in a blender along with the white vinegar, pineapple juice, achiote paste, garlic, oregano, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, orange juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
4. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
5. Cook the Chicken:
* Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the marinated chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
* Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
* Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.
6. Shred or Chop: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks or chop it into smaller pieces.
7. Serve: Serve the Chicken Al Pastor in tacos, bowls, quesadillas, or salads. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Chicken Al Pastor

To ensure your Chicken Al Pastor turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

* Use High-Quality Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, as they tend to be more flavorful and remain juicy during cooking.
* Don’t Skip the Marinade: The marinade is the key to achieving the authentic al pastor flavor. Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
* Toast the Chilies: Toasting the dried chilies before soaking them enhances their flavor and adds depth to the marinade.
* Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the chilies or reduce the amount of achiote paste. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the marinade.
* Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings and garnishes to customize your Chicken Al Pastor dishes. Some popular options include pineapple chunks, cilantro, onion, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Variations and Adaptations

Chicken Al Pastor is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Here are some variations to consider:

* Vegetarian Al Pastor: Replace the chicken with grilled pineapple, mushrooms, or cauliflower. Marinate the vegetables in the same al pastor marinade for a flavorful vegetarian option.
* Vegan Al Pastor: Use the same vegetarian options and ensure the achiote paste is vegan-friendly. Skip the sour cream or Greek yogurt and opt for a vegan alternative.
* Gluten-Free Al Pastor: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for tacos and quesadillas.
* Low-Carb Al Pastor: Serve the Chicken Al Pastor in salads or bowls without rice or beans. Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb option.

Why Chicken Al Pastor is a Culinary Delight

Chicken Al Pastor is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary experience. The combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, along with the tender texture of the chicken, makes it a truly satisfying meal.

Whether you’re enjoying it in tacos, bowls, quesadillas, or salads, Chicken Al Pastor is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, go ahead and try one of the recipes above, or get creative and come up with your own variations. The possibilities are endless!

The introduction of Chipotle’s Chicken Al Pastor is not just a menu addition; it’s an invitation to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Mexican cuisine. It opens up new avenues for home cooks to experiment and create delicious meals that are both flavorful and easy to prepare.

Enjoy your culinary adventures with Chicken Al Pastor! It’s a flavor journey you won’t want to miss. It allows you to control the ingredients, spice level, and presentation, making it a perfect choice for a home cooked meal.