Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor Recipe

Growing up in a Mexican family, chipotle chicken al pastor was one of my favorite meals. The tangy adobo marinade, the sweet pineapple, and the savory chicken were the perfect combination of flavors that left me craving more with each bite. As an adult living far from my childhood home, recreating this nostalgic dish in my own kitchen has been a delicious way to celebrate my heritage.

In this post, I’m excited to share my easy recipe for authentic chipotle chicken al pastor. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to make this incredible Mexican street food staple in your own home. Whether you grew up eating al pastor like I did or you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons, this Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor Recipe is sure to satisfy.

How to Make Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor

Making chipotle chicken al pastor at home is much easier than you might think. The recipe has just a few components:

Ingredients

• 3 pounds of Chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 3.5 ounces (4) of guajillo chilies (pre-soaked)
• 2 Pasilla chilies
• 3.5 ounces of achiote paste
• 1 Chipotle pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/2 tablespoon of ground cumin
• 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 3 cloves
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• A pinch of Rosemary
• 1 tablespoon of Mexican oregano
• 3/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 3/4 cup of pineapple juice
• 1 cup of orange juice
• 1 Pineapple, thinly sliced
• Oil for cooking
• Tortillas for serving

Necessary Equipment

• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Blender
• Mixing bowl
• Non-stick skillet or cast iron skillet
• Spatula

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Marinade:

1. In a blender, combine guajillo chilies, pasilla chilies, achiote paste, Chipotle pepper, bay leaf, garlic cloves, ground cumin, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, Rosemary, Mexican oregano, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, and orange juice.
2. Blend until smooth.

Step 2. Marinate the Chicken:

1. Place thinly sliced chicken in a bowl.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken and mix well.
3. For best results, marinate for 12 to 24 hours. If short on time, marinate for at least 1 hour.

Step 3. Cook the Chicken:

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes.
2. Add a little oil to the skillet.
3. Place the marinated chicken onto the hot skillet without moving it to achieve searing marks.
4. Cook for 4 minutes on one side.
5. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, for 6 to 8 minutes total.

Step 4. Caramelize the Pineapple:

1. After removing the chicken from the skillet, add thinly sliced pineapple.
2. Cook for about 2 minutes until the pineapple caramelizes slightly.

Step 5. Assemble the Tacos:

1. Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 5 to 8 minutes before serving.
2. Warm tortillas and fill them with the cooked chicken and caramelized pineapple.

Step 6. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Your Chicken al Pastor tacos are ready to be devoured!

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Use chicken thighs for even more flavor and moisture
• Skip the pineapple or substitute peaches, mango, or plums depending on what’s in season
• Top with avocado, lettuce, queso fresco, red onion, cilantro, and lime
• Make tacos, burritos, bowls, nachos, quesadillas, or sandwiches
• Use leftover chicken for salads, soups, omelets, etc.
• Store chicken and marinade separately up to 3 days refrigerated

What to Serve with Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor

These tacos are amazing on their own, but here are some sides that complement them perfectly:

• Mexican Rice – The tomatoey flavor and fluffy texture pair so well with the tacos.
• Refried or Black Beans – Protein-packed and full of fiber to help balance the meal.
• Elote – Grilled corn on the cob slathered in spicy mayo, cheese, and lime is a classic Mexican street food.
• Chips and Guacamole – No Mexican meal is complete without crisp tortilla chips and creamy, fresh guacamole.
• Esquites – Spicy Mexican street corn off the cob. Toss grilled corn kernels with mayo, lime, chili powder and queso fresco.
• Tomato Salad – Fresh sliced tomatoes and onion in a lime vinaigrette help cut through the richer flavors.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Al Pastor

• Store leftover chicken and marinade separately in airtight containers.
• Chicken keeps 3-4 days refrigerated, marinade keeps 5-7 days.
• Reheat chicken in the microwave until warm, about 60-90 seconds.
• Chicken and marinade can also be frozen for longer storage. Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat tortillas wrapped in damp paper towels for 20-30 seconds until warm and pliable again.

FAQs

What if I can’t find achiote paste?

You can make your own by blending annatto seeds with garlic, pepper, oregano, cumin, and citrus juice until smooth. Or substitute a mix of paprika, cumin, and minced garlic.

Can I use a rotisserie chicken?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is a shortcut, but try to find ones without too much added salt or seasoning. Marinate the shredded chicken in the adobo for an hour before serving for best flavor.

How should I slice the chicken?

Aim for 1/4 inch thick slices. If too thick, they won’t cook through fully and absorb the marinade. Very thin slices will overcook quickly.

Can I cook it on the grill?

Yes, definitely! The smoky char flavor from the grill is amazing. Oil the grates well and cook over direct medium heat, turning once.

Can I prepare the tacos ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients and marinate the chicken up to 24 hrs ahead. Assemble tacos right before eating for best texture and flavor.

Continue to Content

Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor Recipe

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

An authentic recipe for chipotle chicken al pastor with tangy adobo marinade and sweet grilled pineapple. Easy to make flavorful Mexican street food at home.

Print

Ingredients

• 3 pounds of Chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 3.5 ounces (4) of guajillo chilies (pre-soaked)
• 2 Pasilla chilies
• 3.5 ounces of achiote paste
• 1 Chipotle pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/2 tablespoon of ground cumin
• 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 3 cloves
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• A pinch of Rosemary
• 1 tablespoon of Mexican oregano
• 3/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 3/4 cup of pineapple juice
• 1 cup of orange juice
• 1 Pineapple, thinly sliced
• Oil for cooking
• Tortillas for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a blender, combine guajillo chilies, pasilla chilies, achiote paste, Chipotle pepper, bay leaf, garlic cloves, ground cumin, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, Rosemary, Mexican oregano, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, and orange juice.
   Blend until smooth.
   
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place thinly sliced chicken in a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken and mix well. For best results, marinate for 12 to 24 hours. If short on time, marinate for at least 1 hour.
   
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes. Add a little oil to the skillet. Place the marinated chicken onto the hot skillet without moving it to achieve searing marks. Cook for 4 minutes on one side. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, for 6 to 8 minutes total.
   
4. Caramelize the Pineapple: After removing the chicken from the skillet, add thinly sliced pineapple. Cook for about 2 minutes until the pineapple caramelizes slightly.
   
5. Assemble the Tacos: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 5 to 8 minutes before serving. Warm tortillas and fill them with the cooked chicken and caramelized pineapple.
   
6. Serve and Enjoy: Your Chicken al Pastor tacos are ready to be devoured!

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 450Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 1200mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 5gSugar: 15gProtein: 25g

The nutrition information provided below is estimated using an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered medical advice or guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult a professional for any dietary needs or restrictions.

Bring the Flavors of Mexico to Your Kitchen

Recreating classic Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor Recipe is an amazing way to add authentic Mexican cuisine to your dinner routine. The irresistible blend of smoky chilies, savory chicken, sweet fruit, and fresh garnishes will transport your tastebuds straight to the streets of Mexico.

I hope you and your family enjoy this recipe as much as mine always has. The next time you’re craving adventure in the kitchen, give these incredible tacos a try.