Chicken Al Pastor is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of flavors in this recipe will surely impress your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The marinade made with dried guajillo chiles and achiote paste gives the chicken a rich and flavorful taste.
- This dish requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
- Chicken Al Pastor is great for meal prep and can be enjoyed in various ways throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Dried guajillo chiles: Adds a smoky and slightly fruity flavor to the marinade.
- Achiote paste: Provides a vibrant color and earthy taste to the dish.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Adds a spicy and smoky kick to the marinade.
- Fresh pineapple: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the skewers.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a blender, combine guajillo chiles, achiote paste, garlic, chipotle peppers, onion, orange juice, vinegar, olive oil, cumin, sugar, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Place chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Thread marinated chicken, pineapple, and onion onto skewers.
- Grill skewers over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side or until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve chicken al pastor on warm corn tortillas topped with fresh cilantro.
Helpful Tips:
- Marinate the chicken for longer for even more flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the skewers in a grill pan on the stovetop.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For a more authentic flavor, use a charcoal grill.
- Serve the chicken al pastor with a side of Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Chicken Al Pastor pairs well with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, and a refreshing margarita.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover chicken al pastor in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, but thighs are more flavorful and juicy.
- How spicy is this dish? It has a medium level of spice, but you can adjust it by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.
- Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh? Fresh pineapple is recommended for the best flavor, but canned pineapple can be used as a substitute.
Conclusion:
Try this Chicken Al Pastor recipe for a tasty and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy this delicious dish!
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Chicken Al Pastor
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs 35 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Al Pastor is a flavorful Mexican dish featuring marinated chicken cooked on skewers with pineapple. The combination of spices, citrus, and smoky chipotle peppers creates a delicious and unique taste.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Marinade:
- 4 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 2 tablespoons achiote paste
- 6 large cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 (7 ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, drained
- 1 1/3 cups finely chopped onion, divided
- 2/3 cup orange juice
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Other Ingredients:
- 3 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut in half
- 8 (12-inch) jumbo wooden skewers
- 1 large fresh pineapple – peeled, cored, and sliced
- 20 (6 inch) corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: Blend guajillo chiles, achiote paste, garlic, chipotle peppers, 1 cup onion, orange juice, vinegar, olive oil, cumin, sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Marinate Chicken: Toss chicken in marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Skewer and Grill: Thread marinated chicken and pineapple onto skewers. Grill over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes.
- Serve: Serve grilled chicken al pastor on warm tortillas with remaining onion, cilantro, and extra pineapple.
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the dish’s spiciness level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer with tortilla
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg