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A beautiful Side view of the finished Al Pastor Chicken recipe, served on a white ceramic plate placed over a clean white marble countertop. The chicken is golden, slightly charred, and coated in rich spices, garnished with pineapple chunks and fresh herbs. This delicious dish captures the balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.

Al Pastor Chicken Recipe

This Al Pastor Chicken bursts with tropical flavors, juicy textures, and a bold chili kick. Perfect for tacos or bowls, it’s easy, colorful, and totally addictive—your new go-to Mexican dish!
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 222kcal
Author: Jacob Allen
Servings: 8

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl (for marinating)
  • Blender or food processor (for marinade)
  • Large skillet or grill pan
  • Tongs
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Measuring spoons & cups

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs cut into quarters
  • 6 1/2 tablespoons pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/2 large onion coarsely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon achiote paste
  • 2 tablespoons guajillo chili powder
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  • Blend pineapple juice, vinegar, lime juice, onion, garlic, and spices into a smooth marinade.
    Top-down image showing a clear glass blender containing pineapple juice, white vinegar, lime juice, chopped onion, garlic cloves, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, guajillo chili powder, and achiote paste. This flavorful mix is blended into a smooth marinade that gives Al Pastor Chicken its signature taste and deep red color. The setup is clean and simple.
  • Pour marinade over chicken thighs and coat well.
    The chicken thighs are placed in a clear glass bowl and generously coated with the freshly prepared vibrant red marinade. Each piece is evenly coated with the spicy and tangy blend. This top-down view captures the moment right after the marinade is poured, highlighting the bold color and aromatic ingredients used in the Al Pastor Chicken preparation.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).
    Top-down image of marinated chicken resting in a clear glass mixing bowl covered with plastic wrap. The marinade has seeped into the chicken, infusing it with flavor. The bowl is set on a white marble countertop, ready to be refrigerated for at least two hours to allow the spices and juices to deeply penetrate and tenderize the chicken.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
    A black cast iron skillet is seen heating on a white marble surface with olive oil shimmering inside, indicating it's ready to cook. The vibrant marinated chicken pieces are about to be added using stainless steel tongs. This step prepares for searing the chicken, giving it that iconic charred and smoky flavor associated with Al Pastor.
  • Cook chicken pieces until fully cooked and slightly charred, about 8–10 minutes per side.
  • Add pineapple chunks and sauté for 2–3 minutes until caramelized.
    In this step, sweet pineapple chunks are being sautéed in the same skillet next to the cooked Al Pastor Chicken. The pineapples begin to caramelize and darken, releasing their natural sugars and forming a sticky glaze. The vibrant color contrast and textures enhance the dish's balance of sweet and savory, adding brightness to each bite.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Serve hot with Classic Mexican Rice or pair with Mexican Candy Shots for a fun twist.
    A beautiful Side view of the finished Al Pastor Chicken recipe, served on a white ceramic plate placed over a clean white marble countertop. The chicken is golden, slightly charred, and coated in rich spices, garnished with pineapple chunks and fresh herbs. This delicious dish captures the balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.

Nutrition

Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 16g | Sodium: 939mg | Potassium: 234mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 84mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg