Chicken Al Pastor is a flavorful Mexican dish made with marinated chicken cooked with spices, chilies, pineapple, and herbs. This chicken al pastor recipe is inspired by the famous pork-based al pastor tacos but uses chicken for a lighter version. The sweet and smoky marinade gives the chicken a bold taste, making it perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls.
Origin of Chicken Al Pastor
Al Pastor originated in Mexico and was influenced by Middle Eastern shawarma brought by Lebanese immigrants. Traditional al pastor uses pork cooked on a vertical spit, but chicken al pastor became popular as a lighter and more accessible variation of the classic dish.
Why It’s Loved
Chicken Al Pastor is loved for its perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. The pineapple adds a hint of sweetness that complements the seasoned chicken, making it a delicious filling for tacos and other Mexican dishes.
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Chicken Al Pastor
Course: Recipes4
servings20
minutes15
minutes320
kcalIngredients
500 g chicken thighs or breast, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp pineapple juice
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp oregano
1 cup pineapple chunks
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Directions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, pineapple juice, lime juice, tomato paste, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and oregano.
- Add sliced chicken and coat well with the marinade.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 15–20 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 6–8 minutes until fully cooked.
- Add pineapple chunks and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve.
Notes
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in tacos with onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.
- Tip: For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of pan cooking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
