Whip up this quick and delicious Chicken Al Pastor for any occasion! Marinated chicken thighs in a zesty, earthy, and slightly spicy marinade makes for perfect tacos, tostadas, taquitos, and more.
Looking for more taco recipes? Try my steak tacos, chicken tinga, Chipotle chicken pasta and the best creamy chicken tacos.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Tips
- What is Achiote paste?
- Adjust the heat
- How To Warm Tortillas
- What To Serve With Al Pastor
- Freezing And Storing Instructions
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead?
- Discover More Mexican Recipes
- Before You Head Out
- Recipe Card
- Instructions + Step-by-Step Photos
- You'll Also Love
- Join TYBInsider
- Comments
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Ingredients
- Chicken - use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. Thanks to their higher fat content, they're more flavorful and juicier than chicken breasts. This fat helps prevent the chicken from drying out when cooked at the high heat to create a caramelized exterior.
- Spices - you'll need cumin, salt, black pepper, ancho chili powder, and dried oregano for an authentic Mexican taste.
- Juice - use orange juice for citrus flavor and tenderizing properties.
- Chipotle peppers - These are smoky, spicy dried chipotle chiles (jalapenos) in adobo sauce - a sweet mixture of tomatoes, vinegar, and spices. While chipotle in adobo isn't typically very spicy, if you're sensitive to jalapeno heat, you can skip one or two of the pepper pods inside the can. However, the adobo sauce itself is essential for flavor.
- Pineapple - traditionally, al pastor is served with roasted pineapple cut from the top of the vertical spit. Instead of dealing with a whole pineapple, I prefer using canned chunk pineapple and roasting them.
- Achiote paste - adds an earthy, peppery flavor and vibrant red color to the pork.
Step-by-step photos can be found below the recipe card.
Tips
- For a spicy kick, use 4-5 chipotle chiles.
- I recommend chicken thighs over breasts = juicier chicken.
- Based on my testing, marinating the chicken overnight (12 hours) yields maximum flavor absorption. I also tried 3, 5 and 8 hours and the chicken is delicious but not as good as when marinating for longer.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure juicy chicken.
- Make sure to discard any leftover marinade before baking to prevent the chicken from braising instead of baking properly.
What is Achiote paste?
Achiote is essential in Mexican and Central American cuisine, lending its earthy, slightly bitter flavor to dishes like al pastor.
Made from ground annatto seeds, it provides the iconic taste and color. You can find it as a spice or paste in Mexican markets or online.
While makeshift substitutes are possible, having achiote on hand ensures an authentic al pastor experience.
Adjust the heat
This dish isn't particularly spicy, but if you're sensitive to black pepper or heat, consider omitting a chipotle chile or two from the can.
How To Warm Tortillas
For the best Tacos Al Pastor experience, I highly recommend warming your tortillas. Warm tortillas become softer and enhance the flavors of the dish. Plus, lower-quality corn tortillas are less likely to break when warmed. Here are some quick methods to warm your tortillas:
- Open Flame (gas stove or grill): Place tortillas directly on the burner of your gas stove or grill. Flip with tongs once charred on one side. Be careful not to over-char, as this can make them brittle. You want them soft and pliable.
- Skillet: Heat a skillet (or griddle) over medium-high heat. Warm each side of the tortilla for about 20 seconds until soft. No need for char marks with this method.
- Microwave: Stack 5-7 tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 20 seconds on high, then repeat at 10-second intervals if needed until warmed through.
- Oven: Create stacks of about 5 tortillas each and wrap each stack in foil. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
What To Serve With Al Pastor
Some ideas for you:
- Guacamole or avocado crema
- Pickled red onion
- Cilantro lime rice
- Salsa or fresh pico de gallo
- Cotija cheese
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Leftover chicken al pastor can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze. Transfer the cooled chicken al pastor to a freezer bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, defrost by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or by submerging the freezer bag/container in room temperature water for 20-25 minutes.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead?
While I love using chicken thighs for their flavor and juiciness, feel free to switch them out for chicken breasts if you prefer. Just make sure to pound them flat or butterfly them for even cooking. And if you go with breasts, you can skip the broiling step to avoid drying them out.
Discover More Mexican Recipes
Before You Head Out
If you gave this recipe a try, I'd be so thankful if you could leave a ★★★★★ rating and review below. It helps other readers, supports my work, and means the world to me. Thank you for being part of The Yummy Bowl family. Happy cooking! ❤️
Recipe Card
Chicken Al Pastor (Quick Oven Recipe)
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the al pastor marinade and marinate the chicken. Combine all the marinade ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.3 cloves garlic, 3 chipotle peppers, ½ cup orange juice, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon achiote paste, 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- Place the chicken thighs and thinly sliced yellow onion in a large bowl. Pour the al pastor marinade over them and toss well to coat. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours or overnight (preferred).½ yellow onion, 1 ½ pounds boneless
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F, positioning the rack in the center. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup if desired.
- Bake. Transfer the marinated chicken and onions to the prepared baking sheet. Discard any leftover marinade. Add the diced pineapple to the baking sheet and toss everything together, ensuring the pineapple is coated with the marinade. Bake for 15 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked through. Remove the chicken from the oven to chop and preheat the broiler.2 cups finely diced pineapple
- Dice. Carefully chop the partially cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces on a cutting board. Return the chopped chicken to the baking sheet.
- Broil. Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil for 4-5 minutes (you may need less time for that depending on your oven, keep an eye on it!), turning the pan halfway through, until the al pastor chicken is browned and slightly crisp.
- Serve! Serve the crispy chicken al pastor in tortillas for tacos or in a bowl with rice and beans for burrito bowls.charred corn tortillas
Nutrition
Notes
- Nutrition is calculated without tortillas or toppings.
- How to warm tortillas - instructions in the blog post.
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead? While I love using chicken thighs for their flavor and juiciness, feel free to switch them out for chicken breasts if you prefer. Just make sure to pound them flat or butterfly them for even cooking. And if you go with breasts, you can skip the broiling step to avoid drying them out.
- To Store. Leftover chicken al pastor can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Instructions + Step-by-Step Photos
- Prepare the al pastor marinade and marinate the chicken. Combine all the marinade ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Place the chicken thighs and thinly sliced yellow onion in a large bowl. Pour the al pastor marinade over them and toss well to coat. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours or overnight (preferred).
- Bake the chicken. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F, positioning the rack in the center. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup if desired. Transfer the marinated chicken and onions to the prepared baking sheet. Discard any leftover marinade.
- Add the diced pineapple to the baking sheet and toss everything together, ensuring the pineapple is coated with the marinade. Bake for 15 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked through. Remove the chicken from the oven to chop and preheat the broiler.
- Dice the chicken al pastor. Carefully chop the partially cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces on a cutting board. Return the chopped chicken to the baking sheet.
- Broil for crispy chicken al pastor. Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil for 4-5 minutes (You may need less time for that depending on your oven, keep an eye on it!), turning the pan halfway through, until the al pastor chicken is browned and slightly crisp.
- Serve! Serve the crispy chicken al pastor in tortillas for tacos or in a bowl with rice and beans for burrito bowls. Top with your favorite taco night toppings such as sour cream, avocado crema, pickled red onions, cilantro, etc. Enjoy!
This delicious recipe was adapted from PlaysWellWithButter.
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Charla
Yum! I'm saving this recipe for next weekend when I have family coming from south. They are going to love it!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
thank you, hope they loved it!
Simone
Yummy!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
thank you so much!
suja md
Outstanding recipe thanks so much! tasted so much good!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
thank you so much Suja!
Carrie Robinson
This is definitely going to have to happen for our next taco night at home! That marinade sounds amazing! 🙂
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
enjoy!!
Ann
Great crowd pleaser meal and so good. Thanks!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
it's a winner!!!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
enjoy a delicious chipotle copycat chciken al pastor made from scratch!