What is Chicken Al Pastor? A Flavorful Mexican Dish You Can Make at Home

Craving a taste of Mexico right in your kitchen? Look no further than Chicken Al Pastor! Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine and reminiscent of popular restaurant offerings, this homemade recipe brings a burst of smoky, zesty, and slightly sweet notes to your dining table. If you’re wondering what makes Chicken Al Pastor so special and how to recreate it at home, you’re in the right place. Get ready to discover a dish that’s surprisingly easy to make and incredibly delicious.

Unveiling Chicken Al Pastor: What Makes It Special?

Chicken Al Pastor, translating to “shepherd style,” is a dish that boasts a rich culinary history and a unique flavor profile. Originating from the traditional shawarma brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants, Al Pastor evolved into a distinctly Mexican dish by incorporating local ingredients and cooking techniques.

At its heart, Chicken Al Pastor features chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of chili peppers, pineapple, and achiote paste, along with a medley of aromatic spices. This marinade infuses the chicken with a complex flavor – a harmonious balance of smoky, sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy notes. The pineapple not only contributes to the sweetness but also tenderizes the chicken, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful. Traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie (trompo), home cooks can easily achieve similar caramelized and slightly charred edges by searing the marinated chicken in a skillet.

Why This Homemade Chicken Al Pastor Recipe is a Must-Try

This Chicken Al Pastor recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll love making it at home:

Incredible Flavor

Prepare your taste buds for a flavor explosion! Chicken Al Pastor is renowned for its ability to tantalize your senses. The marinade creates a symphony of tastes – the smoky depth from chili peppers, the bright sweetness from pineapple, and the warmth of spices like cumin, oregano, and cinnamon. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a touch of spice, making it irresistibly delicious.

Surprisingly Easy to Make

Despite its complex flavor profile, this Chicken Al Pastor recipe is remarkably simple to prepare. The magic lies in the marinade, which comes together quickly in a blender. Once the chicken is marinating, the cooking process is just a quick sear in a skillet. This simplicity makes it an ideal dish for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings when you want impressive flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.

Versatile for Various Meals

Chicken Al Pastor is incredibly versatile. While it’s traditionally served in tacos, its uses extend far beyond. Imagine it in burrito bowls, quesadillas, salads, or even as a topping for nachos. This adaptability makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping or for families with diverse preferences. You can easily customize your meals throughout the week using this flavorful chicken as the star ingredient.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Chicken Al Pastor

To create authentic and flavorful Chicken Al Pastor, you’ll need these key ingredients:

Chicken Thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are more forgiving and retain moisture better than chicken breasts, resulting in juicier and more flavorful Al Pastor.
Pineapple Juice and Chunks: Pineapple is essential for both flavor and tenderizing the chicken. Use both pineapple juice for the marinade base and pineapple chunks to add sweetness and texture when cooking. Canned pineapple juice is a convenient option.
Achiote Paste: This vibrant red paste, made from annatto seeds, is crucial for the authentic flavor and color of Al Pastor. It adds an earthy, slightly peppery note. Look for it in the international aisle of most grocery stores or in Mexican markets.
Guajillo Chili Powder: Made from dried Guajillo peppers, this chili powder offers a mild heat with fruity and earthy undertones. It’s less spicy than chipotle powder and adds depth of flavor to the marinade. If unavailable, a mix of taco seasoning and regular chili powder can be used as a substitute.
Spices and Aromatics: Cumin, oregano, cinnamon, onion, and garlic round out the flavor profile, adding warmth, depth, and savory notes to the marinade.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Al Pastor

Follow these simple steps to create delicious Chicken Al Pastor at home:

Prepare the Marinade: In a blender, combine pineapple juice, white vinegar, lime juice, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, pepper, achiote paste, and guajillo chili powder. Blend until completely smooth.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes, or ideally 4-12 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a few spoonfuls of the marinade to the hot skillet, followed by the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear on both sides until nicely charred and cooked through.
Add Pineapple and Sauce: Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet along with any remaining marinade. Toss everything together and cook for a few more minutes until the pineapple is slightly caramelized and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve: Your homemade Chicken Al Pastor is ready! Serve it hot in tacos, burrito bowls, or your favorite Mexican dishes.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Al Pastor Every Time

Room Temperature Chicken: Allow the marinated chicken to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to ensure each piece sears properly and develops a nice char. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Rest the Chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Al Pastor

Storing: Store leftover Chicken Al Pastor in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheating: To reheat, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps prevent the chicken from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken?
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for 4-12 hours. However, even a 10-minute marinade will impart noticeable flavor.

Can I grill Chicken Al Pastor?
Yes! Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor. Thread marinated chicken pieces and pineapple chunks onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and charred.

Can I freeze leftover Chicken Al Pastor?
Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture and flavor of the chicken and sauce. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of cooking.

More Delicious Mexican Chicken Recipes to Explore

If you love the flavors of Chicken Al Pastor, you might also enjoy these other fantastic Mexican chicken dishes:

Chicken Tinga: Shredded chicken in a smoky chipotle tomato sauce, perfect for tacos or tostadas.
Pollo Asado: Citrus-marinated grilled chicken with bright and zesty flavors.

Chicken Al Pastor Recipe

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 from 41 votes

This homemade Chicken Al Pastor recipe delivers an even more flavorful experience than restaurant versions and is surprisingly quick to prepare. Packed with incredible taste, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Watch the video below to see how to make it!

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8

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Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into quarters
6 1/2 tablespoons pineapple juice
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 large onion, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon achiote paste
2 tablespoons guajillo chili powder
1/2 cup pineapple chunks
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Slice chicken thighs into four pieces and place in a bowl.
In a blender, combine pineapple juice, white vinegar, lime juice, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, pepper, achiote paste, and guajillo chili powder. Blend until smooth.
Pour marinade over chicken and mix. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Bring chicken to room temperature before cooking if chilled.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add marinade (a few spoonfuls) then chicken. Grill 7 minutes per side, or until charred.
Add pineapple and remaining marinade; toss to combine. Cook for a few more minutes. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

TO STORE: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
TO REHEAT: Bake in a 400°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Author: Arman Liew

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Originally published July 2023, updated and republished October 2024

This recipe for Chicken Al Pastor is a flavorful journey to the heart of Mexican cuisine, easily made in your own kitchen. Enjoy the vibrant tastes and versatility of this amazing dish!