Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor Recipe

Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor is a flavorful and spicy dish that combines the smoky heat of chipotle peppers with the sweet and tangy flavors typical of traditional Al Pastor marinade. While Al Pastor is originally a pork dish, this recipe uses chicken as a lighter alternative, marinated in a blend of spices, chilies, and pineapple juice, then grilled to perfection. Here’s how to make Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor Recipe.

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Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor Recipe

Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor recipe, a tantalizing fusion of smoky chipotle flavors and traditional Al Pastor techniques. Originating from Mexican cuisine, Al Pastor typically features marinated pork cooked on a vertical rotisserie, but our recipe puts a modern twist on this classic dish by substituting chicken and incorporating the bold flavors of chipotle peppers.

With its combination of tender, marinated chicken, caramelized onions, and pineapple, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a hint of heat. Whether grilled outdoors or prepared in the comfort of your kitchen, Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, transporting your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico with each delicious bite. So, fire up the grill or heat up the skillet and get ready to savor the irresistible allure of this mouthwatering Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor recipe.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, plus 2 tablespoons of the sauce
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup white vinegar
4 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon achiote paste (for color and flavor, optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika for extra smokiness)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken

2 lbs (about 900g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
Fresh pineapple slices (for grilling)
1 large onion, sliced into rounds (for grilling)

To Serve:

Warm corn tortillas
Chopped cilantro
Diced onions
Lime wedges
Sliced avocado or guacamole (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:
In a blender, combine the chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, pineapple juice, white vinegar, garlic, achiote paste, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
Grill the Chicken and Pineapple:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Grill the pineapple slices and onion rounds alongside the chicken until they are caramelized and have grill marks.
Rest and Slice:
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling, then slice it thinly against the grain. Cut the grilled pineapple into smaller pieces.
Assemble and Serve:
Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet. Assemble the tacos by placing slices of chicken, pineapple, and onion on each tortilla. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced onions, a squeeze of lime juice, and avocado slices or guacamole if desired.

Tips

Achiote Paste: Achiote paste is a traditional Mexican seasoning made from ground annatto seeds, spices, and sometimes vinegar. It gives dishes a distinctive red color and earthy flavor. It’s optional in this recipe but recommended for authenticity.
Marinating Time: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Overnight marination is ideal for the most depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor can be served in tacos, burritos, over rice, or with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Enjoy your Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor with a side of your favorite salsa and a cold beverage for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

FAQs about Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor

1. What does Chipotle Chicken al Pastor taste like?

Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor has a bold and complex flavor profile. The smokiness of chipotle peppers combines with the tanginess of pineapple, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the savory marinated chicken to create a dish that is both spicy and sweet with a hint of smokiness. It offers a balance of flavors that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

2. What is Chicken al Pastor made of?

Chicken Al Pastor typically consists of marinated chicken, often seasoned with a mixture of chipotle peppers, garlic, spices, and vinegar. It is traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served with pineapple, onions, and cilantro.

3. When did Chipotle Chicken al Pastor come out?

The exact origin of Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor is not well-documented. However, it likely emerged as a variation of traditional Al Pastor dishes, incorporating chipotle peppers for added flavor and heat.

4. What does al pastor taste like?

Al Pastor has a distinctive flavor characterized by its combination of marinated meat, typically pork, with a blend of spices, including chili peppers, garlic, and vinegar. The addition of pineapple adds a sweet and tangy element to the dish, resulting in a savory, slightly spicy, and subtly sweet flavor profile.

Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor Recipe