The spicy, smoky, and fruity flavors of this chicken al pastor recipe are irresistible—perfect for making tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, and more!

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This post is all about making chicken al pastor that is perfect for making tacos, burrito bowls, and other Mexican inspired meals. 

Bursting with bold flavors and succulent bites of juicy, spicy, marinated chicken, chicken al pastor is one of the best examples of simple ingredients coming together to create an irresistible meal.

Chicken al pastor is the perfect recipe for summer since it involves so many delicious fresh flavors, like pineapple, lime, and cilantro. You can double or triple the recipe to make enough chicken al pastor for summer parties and taco nights with family and friends.

Whether you’re craving a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine or looking to spice up your dinner routine, this easy chicken al pastor recipe promises to deliver a fiesta of flavor right in your own kitchen. 

With just a few easy steps and readily available ingredients, you’ll be on your way to savoring juicy, smoky, and tangy chicken al pastor tacos that are sure to impress your family and friends. 

So fire up the grill pan, grab your favorite tortillas, and let’s get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. This easy homemade chicken al pastor will elevate your mealtime experience.

What is Chicken al Pastor?

Chicken al pastor is inspired by the traditional Mexican dish, pork al pastor. The chicken is marinated with a blend of herbs and spices, including chile peppers, garlic, cumin, and oregano. Pineapple juice, citrus juice, and vinegar are added to the marinade blend for acidity and sweetness. 

The style of the dish has origins from Lebanese immigrants who settled in Mexico in the 19th century. The meat is cooked on a spit or vertical rotisserie, known as a trompo, similar to how shawarma or gyro meat is made. 

You may find tacos al pastor served at a local restaurant, taqueria, or even your favorite food truck. This recipe aims to make chicken al pastor at home for those times when you crave al pastor, but can’t get it at your favorite spot.

Chicken al pastor can be used as a taco filling, to make burritos or burrito bowls, or added to other Mexican inspired dishes. It’s easy to make and hard to resist, making homemade chicken al pastor a great recipe to add to your meals.

How is This Recipe Different?

Here are a few differences between restaurant style al pastor and this recipe for making chicken al pastor at home. 

Traditional al pastor commonly begins with thinly sliced pork marinated in a complex blend of spices, including achiote paste, dried chilies, garlic, and citrus juices. This marinade infuses the meat with layers of flavor, from earthy and smoky to tangy and spicy, creating a harmony of flavors that is unique to al pastor.

The meat is stacked onto a vertical rotisserie known as a trompo, and sometimes topped with pineapple for flavor. As the meat rotates slowly on the trompo, it cooks to tender perfection, with the outer layers caramelizing and crisping up to create a tantalizing crust.

Instead of using a trompo, this homemade chicken al pastor recipe is made by cooking the chicken in a skillet, a grill pan, or in the oven, common ways to cook chicken at home. The al pastor that you get at your favorite restaurant or food vendor may be prepared using achiote paste. Achiote adds distinct flavor and color to al pastor sauce or marinade.

This chicken al pastor recipe can be made without achiote paste, using canned chipotle peppers in adobe sauce and chile powder to add color and color, instead. If you can find or prefer to use achiote paste, start by adding a small amount to the marinade, since a little goes a long way.

Some al pastor recipes use dried peppers, such as guajillo peppers and ancho peppers, to make the marinade or sauce. (Guajillo peppers are a medium heat pepper that are commonly used in Mexican cooking.) 

For convenience, this recipe uses canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and ancho chile powder instead. Guajillo chile powder can also be added to the mix (you can also use guajillo chile powder to make chili and other Mexican inspired dishes.) Using dried chile powder makes it easy to prepare the marinade, saving time while adding flavor.

Remember to use caution when handling hot peppers, since residue from the peppers can irritate skin and other parts of the body.

Once the al pastor marinade is made, the chicken is easy to prepare and cook—easy enough that you can make chicken al pastor for a tasty weeknight dinner. 

The chicken should be added to the marinade and stored in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking. The pineapple, citrus juice, and vinegar helps to make the chicken more flavorful and tender.

You can cook the marinated chicken in a skillet on the stovetop or roast the chicken on a sheet pan in the oven. Line the inside of the sheet pan with parchment paper for easier clean up.

Serve chicken al pastor with grilled corn tortillas to make tacos, with warm flour tortillas to make burritos, or with steamed rice to make burrito bowls. Chicken al pastor makes an easy weeknight dinner, a festive main dish for a party or gathering, and a tasty addition to meal prep for lunch or dinner. 

Homemade Chicken al Pastor Ingredients

This homemade chicken al pastor recipe uses simple ingredients that are available at many grocery stores. You may already have many of these ingredients at home in your pantry. 

For the marinade:

• Onion. Onions provide a sweet and savory base flavor for the marinade and help to tenderize the chicken.
• Pineapple. Pineapple adds sweetness and tanginess to the marinade , balancing the savory flavors of the chicken. It also helps to tenderize the meat.
• Garlic. Garlic adds depth of flavor and aromatic notes to the marinade. Add 3 or 4 cloves to the blender to flavor the sauce.
• Chipotle Peppers. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce provide smoky heat and a distinctive flavor to the al pastor marinade. The adobo sauce adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish. Look for canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, often located near other Mexican foods in the supermarket.
• Chile Powder. Chile powder adds heat and a warm, earthy flavor to the marinade. You can often find ancho chile powder sold in the spice aisle at the grocery store. Guajillo chile powder can be ordered online to add even more spicy flavor to foods like chicken al pastor, burritos, and chili. Or, use your favorite all purpose chili powder to flavor the al pastor marinade. Add a teaspoon or two of chili powder to the marinade mix, depending on how spicy you like your chicken.
• Cumin. Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor to foods, along with hints of citrus. Cumin is a staple ingredient to use in many Mexican dishes.
• Oregano. Dried oregano provides a savory, herbal note to the marinade. If you can find it in the store, use Mexican oregano for more authentic flavor. 
• Smoked Paprika. Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor and rich color to the al pastor marinade.
• Achiote. Achiote paste is used to add color and distinct flavors to authentic al pastor dishes. If you can find achiote paste, then add a small amount (1 to 2 tablespoons) to the marinade blend. If not, then the chicken al pastor can be made without it.
• Salt and Pepper. Salt and black pepper enhance the overall flavor of the dish and help to balance the other ingredients
• Vinegar. Vinegar adds acidity to the marinade, which helps to tenderize the chicken and balance the flavors. Use distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. 
• Pineapple Juice. Pineapple juice adds sweetness and acidity to the marinade, helping to tenderize the chicken and giving a sweet, tropical flavor that complements the other ingredients in the marinade.
• Citrus Juice. Add freshly squeezed lime juice or orange juice to the marinade to help tenderize and flavor the chicken. 
• Vegetable Oil. Oil helps to bind the marinade ingredients together and adds richness to the dish. It can also be used to cook the marinated chicken.

For the protein: 

• Chicken. Use cubed, boneless, skinless breasts or chicken thighs to make the chicken al pastor. Place the chicken in the al pastor marinade mixture and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Cook the chicken in a skillet or grill pan on the stovetop or on a sheet pan in the oven until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, as measured by an instant read meat thermometer. 

For serving:

• Warm Tortillas or Rice. Use grilled corn tortillas to make chicken tacos al pastor, or wrap the cooked chicken al pastor in a warm flour tortilla to make a burrito. Chicken al pastor can also be served over steamed rice, with ingredients like black beans, diced tomatoes, and guacamole, to make a burrito bowl. 
• Sliced Onion. Serve thinly sliced onion as a topping for chicken al pastor.
• Fresh Pineapple. Try serving chicken al pastor with grilled pineapple for a delicious burst of flavor. Pineapple fruit is high in sugar, which caramelizes as it cooks. Cooking sliced pineapple in a grill pan for a few seconds on each side helps to bring out the flavor. 
• Fresh Cilantro. Sprinkle the chicken al pastor with chopped fresh cilantro to add a unique, herbal note to the dish.
• Fresh Lime Juice. Sprinkle fresh lime juice over the chicken al pastor before serving, for even more flavor. A lime juicer makes it easy to extract fresh lime juice from limes. 

Tools You’ll Need 

Here are some tools can be useful for making chicken al pastor at home.

• Citrus Juicer (if juicing oranges)
• Lime Juicer (if juicing limes)
• Skillet (if cooking chicken al pastor on the stovetop)
• Sheet Pan (if cooking chicken al pastor in the oven)

How to Make Homemade Chicken Al Pastor

Here is how to make a version of homemade chicken al pastor at home. A printable recipe with ingredients and instructions is included below.

1—Gather your ingredients.

First, gather the ingredients to make chicken al pastor. You’ll need boneless chicken breasts or thighs, onion, pineapple, garlic, chipotle pepper, chile powder, and herbs and spices—along with vinegar, oil, and citrus juice to make the marinade.

2—Prepare the marinade.

Place all of the marinade ingredients (except for the chicken) in a high powered blender. Pulse until the ingredients are smooth and well blended.

3—Marinate the chicken.

Cut the chicken into strips or cubes, and place it in a freezer bag or container to marinate. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken with the sauce.

4—Cook the chicken al pastor.

Cook the chicken in a skillet or grill pan over medium high heat for 10 to 14 minutes, or bake the chicken in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 35 minutes. Cook a few slices of pineapple in a lightly greased skillet or grill pan for 2 to 3 minutes on each side to serve with the chicken al pastor.

5—Enjoy.

Chicken al pastor can be used as a filling to make tacos al pastor. It also makes a great addition to burritos, burrito bowls, and other Mexican inspired dishes. Serve chicken al pastor with grilled pineapple, thinly sliced onion, chopped fresh cilantro, and freshly squeezed lime juice for a burst of delicious flavor. 

How to Store Leftover Chicken al Pastor 

Leftover chicken al pastor can be stored and enjoyed later. It’s especially good when eaten the next day after the flavors have melded. Here are some tips on how to store leftover chicken al pastor. First, allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature after cooking (in general, it’s a good idea to refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking). 

Once cooled, transfer the chicken al pastor to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, removing any skewers if present. Seal the container tightly and refrigerate it promptly. Be sure to label the container with the date it was prepared to keep track of freshness. Leftover chicken al pastor can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 or 3 days.  

To reheat chicken al pastor, place the chicken in a microwave safe dish or skillet. Heat it in the microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through. Stir the chicken halfway through to promote even reheating. Or heat the chicken al pastor in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring it  occasionally. In either case, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving it.

What to Serve with Chicken al Pastor

Chicken al pastor pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement its bold flavors and vibrant ingredients. You can also use chicken al pastor to make incredible main dishes that are full of flavor.

Here are some delicious side dish ideas for foods to serve alongside chicken al pastor.

1—Mexican Rice

Mexican rice is a classic side dish that features tender rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices such as cumin and chili powder. It’s a perfect accompaniment to soak up the juices from the chicken al pastor and other great Mexican dishes.

2—Beans

Top rice with vegetables, black beans, and chicken al pastor to make a savory burrito bowl. Or make a side dish of creamy refried beans, a staple in Mexican cuisine. Classic bean dishes like charro beans and Borracho beans also make a good side dish for chicken al pastor. Beans add richness and protein to a meal, and they can be served either as a topping for tacos or as a side dish on their own.

3—Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables, such as a blend of zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, make a colorful side dish for chicken al pastor. The tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors of grilled vegetables complement the flavors of chicken al pastor beautifully.

4—Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Mexican street corn—or grilled corn on the cob topped with a mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice—makes a delicious side dish to serve with chicken al pastor. It also makes a great snack on it’s own. With so many delicious and creamy flavors, Mexican street corn is a colorful, savory, and tangy side dish that adds a pop of flavor to any meal. You can also make a delicious Mexican street corn style salad to serve with chicken al pastor.

5—Avocado Salad

A simple salad made with ripe avocados, tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, and lime juice makes a great side dish to serve with chicken al pastor. Creamy avocado provides a refreshing and creamy contrast to spicy chicken al pastor and other dishes.

6—Cabbage Slaw

A crunchy and refreshing cabbage slaw dressed with lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of honey or agave adds a fresh and crisp texture to your tacos or can be served as a side salad. Use cabbage slaw as a topping for tacos or sandwiches, or serve it as a side salad with your favorite dishes.

7—Tortilla Chips with Salsa and Guacamole

Tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole is a classic appetizer or side dish, and tortilla chips served with homemade salsa and guacamole are always a crowd pleaser. They add a satisfying crunch and extra flavor to a Mexican inspired meal.

8—Fruit Salad

Make a Mexican style fruit salad by combining a colorful medley of fresh fruits such as pineapple, mango, watermelon, and jicama with a few squeezes of fresh lime juice and a dash of chili powder. Watermelon salad is another great side dish for chicken al pastor. Instead of a balsamic vinegar dressing, top the salad with lime juice and a dash of Tajín seasoning for a delicious summer salad. Fruit salad makes a refreshing and light side dish that complements the sweetness of the chicken al pastor.

These side dishes offer a variety of flavors, textures, and colors that pair well with chicken al pastor. You can mix and match side dishes based on your preferences to create an irresistible meal. 

More Mexican Inspired Recipes

A printable recipe for Chicken al Pastor is listed below. If you enjoyed this recipe for making chicken al pastor at home, here are some other great Mexican inspired recipes and Tex Mex inspired recipes to check out.

• Black Bean Salad
• How to Make Salsa
• How to Make the Best Guacamole
• How to Make Easy Taco Pasta Casserole
• How to Make Mexican Street Corn Style Salad

This post was all about how to make chicken al pastor.

Credits

• Featured photos by Joshua Resnick via Canva.com
• Photos and images are for illustration purposes only.

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