Chicken Al Pastor is a vibrant and flavorful dish inspired by the popular Mexican pork al pastor, a street food staple often seen on skewers at taco stands. It’s a delicious twist on the traditional al pastor, packed with bright flavors and ideal for tacos, burritos, or even over rice.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Chicken Al Pastor offers the same irresistible flavors as the classic pork version but with a more accessible and leaner protein. The marinade, which combines pineapple, adobo seasoning, and a mix of spices, infuses the chicken with a smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. The pineapple not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a beautiful sweetness that balances out the savory seasonings.

What truly sets this recipe apart is the depth of flavor. The use of ingredients like achiote paste, chipotle peppers, and lime juice creates a complex, layered taste profile that is vibrant and unique. Whether you’re making tacos for a party or looking for a weeknight dinner idea, Chicken Al Pastor is sure to impress.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Al Pastor

Marinate the Chicken Well: For the best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour, but ideally, overnight. This gives the flavors time to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

Use Boneless, Skinless Thighs: Chicken thighs are the ideal choice for Chicken Al Pastor because they remain juicy and tender even after cooking. Boneless, skinless thighs absorb the marinade wonderfully and cook quickly, making them a convenient option.

Grill or Sear for Extra Flavor: While you can cook the chicken in a skillet, grilling or searing the chicken on high heat gives it a delicious char that enhances the flavor. If you don’t have a grill, you can use a cast-iron skillet to achieve that crispy, caramelized crust.

Fresh Pineapple is Key: While canned pineapple can work in a pinch, fresh pineapple adds a much more vibrant and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the chicken’s smokiness. If using canned, ensure that it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

Control the Spice Level: The heat in Chicken Al Pastor comes from chipotle peppers, but you can adjust the amount depending on your preference. For a milder version, reduce the number of peppers, or omit them entirely for a less spicy dish.

Variations of Chicken Al Pastor

While Chicken Al Pastor is delicious as is, there are several ways you can customize the recipe to suit your taste:

• Vegetarian Al Pastor: For a plant-based version, substitute the chicken with portobello mushrooms or a meat alternative like soy protein or tempeh. The marinade and cooking method remain the same, but these vegetables will absorb the flavors and provide a hearty, meaty texture.
• Pineapple-Free Version: If you’re not a fan of pineapple, you can substitute it with other fruits like mango or peach for a different fruity sweetness. Alternatively, you can skip the fruit altogether and focus on the smoky, spicy flavors from the marinade.
• Spicy Chicken Al Pastor: For those who love heat, you can increase the amount of chipotle peppers or add fresh jalapeños to the marinade. Adding a bit of hot sauce to the final dish can also provide an extra kick.
• Al Pastor with Pork or Beef: Although Chicken Al Pastor is the focus here, you can easily swap in pork or beef for a more traditional take on al pastor. Pork shoulder or beef flank steak work well when marinated and grilled in the same way.

How to Serve Chicken Al Pastor

Chicken Al Pastor is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Tacos: One of the most popular ways to enjoy Chicken Al Pastor is in soft corn tortillas. Top with fresh cilantro, chopped onions, a squeeze of lime, and perhaps a bit of salsa for an authentic taco experience.
• Burritos: For a heartier meal, wrap the Chicken Al Pastor in a large flour tortilla along with rice, beans, and your favorite toppings. You can even add a bit of guacamole and sour cream for extra creaminess.
• Bowls: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice for a quick and healthy meal. Add toppings like roasted vegetables, salsa, and avocado to create a satisfying rice bowl.
• Quesadillas or Nachos: Shred the Chicken Al Pastor and use it as a filling for quesadillas or as a topping for nachos. The smoky chicken pairs perfectly with melted cheese and crunchy tortilla chips.
• Salads: For a lighter option, serve the chicken on top of a salad with fresh greens, diced tomatoes, avocado, and a drizzle of lime dressing. This is a refreshing take on the dish that’s perfect for warmer weather.

How to Store Chicken Al Pastor

Chicken Al Pastor is a great meal to prep in advance or save as leftovers. Here’s how to store it properly:

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover Chicken Al Pastor in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, be sure to warm it through thoroughly in a skillet or microwave.
2. Freezing: If you have leftover chicken or want to make a larger batch ahead of time, Chicken Al Pastor can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cooled chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet for the best results.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

While chicken breast can be used, it tends to dry out faster compared to thighs. If you decide to use breast, marinate it well and be careful not to overcook it. To compensate for the lack of fat in the chicken breast, you may want to add a tablespoon of oil to the marinade.

2. What is achiote paste, and can I substitute it?

Achiote paste is made from ground annatto seeds, garlic, and spices. It gives the chicken Al Pastor its characteristic reddish color and unique flavor. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with a combination of paprika, garlic powder, and cumin, though it may not replicate the exact flavor.

3. How do I adjust the spice level of Chicken Al Pastor?

The spice level can easily be adjusted by altering the amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce used in the marinade. For a milder dish, use one pepper, and for more heat, increase the number of peppers or add some cayenne pepper or jalapeños.

4. Can I make Chicken Al Pastor on the stovetop instead of the grill?

Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can sear the marinated chicken in a hot cast-iron skillet. Once seared, lower the heat and let the chicken simmer in the pan until fully cooked, which will give you a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

5. Can I use pre-marinated chicken for this recipe?

While it’s possible to use pre-marinated chicken, making your own marinade from scratch ensures that the chicken is perfectly seasoned with the right balance of spices, citrus, and pineapple. This method also allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Al Pastor is an incredibly flavorful and versatile dish that brings the taste of Mexican street food right to your kitchen. The combination of smoky spices, tangy pineapple, and juicy chicken creates a well-rounded dish that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or even just served over rice. Whether you prefer it spicy, sweet, or savory, this recipe can be customized to suit your tastes. It’s a dish that is sure to impress guests or provide a comforting weeknight meal for the whole family. Enjoy!

Try other chicken recipes:

• Chicken Adobo Filipino
• Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese
• Canned Chicken Salad