Blog | Dinner

Chicken Al Pastor

Name: Chicken Al Pastor
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 4 h 32 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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 ⅓ cups finely chopped onion, divided; ⅔ 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; 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; ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro

ByEmma July 5, 2025July 4, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Looking for a flavorful and easy recipe to spice up your dinner routine? Look no further than Chicken Al Pastor! This dish is bursting with delicious Mexican flavors, easy to make, and perfect for family dinners or weekend BBQs. As someone who loves exploring different cuisines, I can assure you that this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Mouthwatering flavors: The combination of dried guajillo chiles, achiote paste, and chipotle peppers creates a rich and spicy marinade that will tantalize your taste buds.
Quick prep time: With just a few simple steps, you can have this dish ready to grill or bake in no time.
Versatile: Whether you serve it with corn tortillas for tacos or alongside rice and beans, Chicken Al Pastor is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways.

Ingredient Notes:

Dried guajillo chiles: Adds a deep, smoky flavor to the marinade.
Achiote paste: Provides a vibrant color and earthy taste.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Adds heat and a hint of smokiness.
Fresh pineapple: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the spicy marinade.
Corn tortillas: Perfect for serving the chicken as tacos.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

In a blender, combine dried guajillo chiles, achiote paste, garlic, chipotle peppers, onion, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, cumin, brown sugar, and salt. Blend until smooth.
Marinate the chicken thighs in the sauce for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Thread the marinated chicken onto wooden skewers, alternating with pineapple slices.
Grill or bake the skewers until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Serve the Chicken Al Pastor on corn tortillas, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Helpful Tips:

For a spicier marinade, add more chipotle peppers.
If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the skewers in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

For extra flavor, grill the pineapple slices before skewering them with the chicken.
Make extra marinade to use as a dipping sauce for the tacos.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Chicken Al Pastor with rice, beans, salsa, and a side of guacamole for a complete meal. Pair it with a cold Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita for the perfect combination.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftover Chicken Al Pastor in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs are more flavorful and juicy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time for even more flavor.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken? Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with Chicken Al Pastor? Rice, beans, salsa, and guacamole are great accompaniments.

Conclusion:

Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make the perfect Chicken Al Pastor, it’s time to get cooking! This dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its bold flavors and easy preparation. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!

Emma

I’m a mom of two, a former marketing executive turned full-time food blogger, and someone who has always believed that great meals don’t have to take hours to prepare. My passion for cooking started in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her turn everyday ingredients into something magical. Since then, I’ve spent over 10 years refining my skills from mastering 30-minute dinners to developing shortcuts that make life easier without compromising taste.