Chipotle Chicken al Pastor features juicy chunks of grilled chicken enhanced with a spicy pineapple marinade. Its saucy, caramelized texture delivers bold, tangy, smoky flavors, perfect for rice bowls, burritos, tacos, and salads.
Looking for other delicious chicken recipes? Try my Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken and these Air Fried Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders next.
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If you like Chipotle's chicken al pastor, you're going to love this recipe! It has all the flavor you expect because we use a similar chili pepper marinade that packs a bold heat.
The first time I tried the fast food chain's chicken, I was blown away by the charred crust and the mix of spicy and sweet flavors. It was off the menu for a while, and as of Spring 2024, it's back for a limited time. I developed my own copycat recipe so I can enjoy al pastor chicken whenever I crave it!
What is Chicken Al Pastor?
Al pastor chicken is grilled chicken marinated in a rich sauce of chili peppers, pineapple juice, lime juice, and other spices. It is a variation of the traditional Mexican dish, made with marinated pork cooked on a spit. The protein is a popular menu item at Chipotle, a Mexican grill restaurant.
Ingredients
You can use chicken thighs or chicken breasts, depending on whether you prefer dark meat or white meat. I personally love how naturally moist chicken thighs are because it contributes to the flavor, but let's get into this marinade!
Chipotle in adobo sauce provides a smoky heat that is essential for the depth of flavor in this chicken al pastor recipe, while pineapple juice adds a sweet tanginess that balances the spice. Achiote paste adds vibrant color but also a subtle earthy flavor.
- Chipotle in adobo sauce
- Pineapple juice
- Achiote paste
- Onion, diced
- Garlic paste
- Lime juice
- Ground cumin
- Oregano
- Salt
- Chicken thighs or breasts
- Olive oil, to sear chicken
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the marinade in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag or a large bowl with a lid. Combine everything (except the olive oil and chicken), ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly mixed together.
Reserve about ¼ cup of the marinade for later use. Add the chicken to the marinade mixture, making sure it is evenly coated. Then refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or for the best flavor, marinate overnight.
Sear each side for approximately 10 minutes, adjusting the cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken. The goal is to achieve a golden crust on the outside and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and allow it to rest on a cutting board for at least five minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier chicken. After resting, slice the chicken into bite-size pieces.
Finally, toss the sliced chicken in the reserved al pastor marinade before serving. This adds an extra burst of flavor to the dish. Enjoy your delicious chicken al pastor!
Hint: To ensure your chicken properly sears, always add meat to a hot skillet. This way you develop a nice, caramelized crust that adds extra flavor. Also, don't overcrowd the pan because you'll end up with a steam instead of a sear.
Substitutions & Variations
- Peppers - Swap the chipotle peppers with ancho or guajillo peppers.
- Grilling - Throw marinated chicken on the grill for a deeper smoky flavor instead of searing it in a skillet.
- Acidity - Don't have lime juice? Swap it with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
Equipment
You'll need a few things to make this Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor recipe. A gallon-size Ziploc bag or a large bowl with a lid is essential for marinating the chicken. You'll also need a cutting board and knife for dicing the onion and cutting the chicken into pieces.
When it's time to cook, grab a large skillet and a pair of tongs for searing the chicken. Finally, a meat thermometer is handy to make sure your chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature of 165ºF.
Storage
Once it has cooled down to room temperature, store leftover chicken al pastor in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume it within 4 days. You can reheat leftovers in the microwave or in the skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil.
FAQ
What does chicken al pastor taste like?
Chicken al pastor is an explosion of flavors that combines smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet notes. The chipotle in adobo sauce gives the chicken a rich, smoky heat, while the pineapple juice adds a refreshing tangy sweetness. Achiote paste provides an earthy, slightly peppery undertone that, along with cumin and oregano, creates a complex and vibrant taste profile. The final result is succulent chicken with a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Is Chipotle chicken al pastor spicy?
Chipotle's chicken al pastor gets its heat from seared morita peppers (slightly spicer than jalapeños) and ground achiote (which has a mild peppery flavor). The added sweetness and acidity mellow the flavor of the peppers for a medium heat level.
What is al pastor made of?
Traditional al pastor is made from marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit. The marinade typically includes a combination of chipotle in adobo sauce, pineapple juice, achiote paste, garlic, onion, lime juice, cumin, oregano, and salt. This recipe uses chicken thighs or breasts instead of pork, offering a delicious, more accessible variation on the classic dish.
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Pairing
These are my favorite sides to serve with this Chipotle Chicken al Pastor recipe:
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use a gallon size Ziploc bag or a large bowl with a lid and add in the chipotle sauce, pineapple juice, achiote paste, onion, garlic paste, lime juice, ground cumin, oregano, and salt. Mix the marinade ingredients around until everything is fully incorporated.
Video
Glenn says
Yummum