Chicken Al Pastor

Chicken Al Pastor, a tantalizing fusion of Mexican and Middle Eastern flavors, is a dish that has been winning hearts and taste buds across the globe. Imagine succulent strips of marinated chicken, cooked to perfection on a rotating spit, infusing each bite with a harmonious blend of smoky, spicy, and tangy notes.

Originating from the streets of Mexico City where it was traditionally made with pork, this modern twist on the classic dish swaps out the pork for juicy chicken while preserving all the bold flavors that make Al Pastor so irresistible.

Whether wrapped in warm tortillas with onions and cilantro or served atop a bed of rice with charred pineapple slices on the side, Al Pastor Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that transports you to bustling street markets and vibrant fiestas.

How To Make Chicken Al Pastor:

• Mix together the al pastor marinade ingredients: pineapple juice, achiote rojo paste, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, oregano, and cumin. Some variations of this recipe may include orange juice, ground annatto seeds, Morita peppers, and guajillo chiles.
• However, these flavors are already present in the essential achiote spice blend, which lends the characteristic red color to the al pastor marinade.
• Remove any excess fat from the boneless chicken thighs, then coat them evenly in the marinade. Place the chicken thighs in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least two hours, or overnight, to marinate. If using chicken breasts, remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Prepare the marinated chicken using your preferred cooking method. You can grill, smoke, or bake it in the oven as per the recipe instructions. Once cooked, dice the chicken into small pieces.

• Now it’s ready to use in chicken al pastor tacos (corn tortillas recommended, with white onion, lime wedges, and cilantro), burritos, burrito bowls, or your preferred dish! Consider topping with fresh pineapple chunks or canned pineapple. Other topping ideas include pico de gallo, adobo sauce, black beans, sour cream, salsa verde, and avocado salsa.

Key Tips

Prepare In Bulk And Freeze For Later!

• To prepare Chicken Al Pastor in bulk, using a smoker can truly elevate the flavors to new heights. The slow cooking process allows the meat to absorb all the delicious marinade flavors while becoming incredibly tender and juicy.
• Preparing it in bulk and freezing it for later is a convenient way to have delicious meals ready to go. By marinating and freezing the chicken directly in the marinade, you ensure that the flavors are locked in, resulting in a more flavorful dish when cooked. Thawing the package in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours allows the meat to fully absorb the marinade, enhancing its taste.

• To ensure your precooked chicken retains its delicious flavor and juiciness, defrost it first before reheating. Once thawed, warm it up in a pan over medium heat – remember to stir occasionally to prevent uneven heating. If the chicken appears dry as it’s warming up, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water or oil for that perfect finishing touch.
• Consider adding some fresh touches before serving your reheated chicken al pastor. A squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can help rejuvenate the flavors and elevate your dish from good to exceptional.

Use In Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, And More!

• The key to perfectly seasoned it lies in the marinade, typically made with a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic, and citrus juices. For an authentic touch, consider adding pineapple juice or bits to enhance the sweetness and tanginess of the dish.
• When assembling tacos or burritos with it, don’t forget about the toppings! Cilantro, diced onions, fresh lime juice, and salsa verde can add layers of freshness and brightness to balance out the rich flavors of the meat.
• For a twist on classic Mexican fare, try using it in quesadillas or even on top of nachos for a delicious fusion flavor experience.

Save The Marinade And Brush On More As The Chicken Cooks.

• Instead of discarding the flavorful marinade after coating your chicken, keep it on hand for an extra boost of taste during cooking. By brushing on more marinade as the chicken cooks, you not only intensify the flavors but also infuse each bite with a deliciously rich profile.
• While it might be tempting to brush on the leftover marinade right at the end of cooking, resist that urge. To ensure food safety and proper flavor development, give the marinade enough time to reach a safe temperature before removing the chicken from the heat.
• To truly elevate your dish, it is crucial to save the marinade and brush it on generously as the chicken cooks on the grill. The marinade holds a perfect balance of flavors that infuse into the meat, creating a juicy and flavorful result.

Freeze After Vacuum Sealing For Best Results.

To prepare Chicken Al Pastor for the freezer, follow these key tips for freezing this flavorful dish.

• Make sure to marinate the chicken with all the spices and sauces for at least 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, enhancing its taste after being frozen and reheated.
• Once it is cooked to perfection, portion it out into individual servings before vacuum sealing. This makes it easier to defrost only what you need without exposing the rest of the batch to air and potential moisture.
• Label each packet with the date of preparation and contents for easy identification in your freezer.

Dietary Restrictions

For those following a dairy-free or gluten-free diet, this is a delicious choice that naturally fits within these dietary restrictions. The marinade for this dish typically consists of various spices, citrus juices, and vinegar, making it free from any dairy products. The traditional method of cooking the marinated chicken on a vertical spit ensures that no gluten-containing ingredients are used in the preparation.

A Note On Serving Sizes

To serving sizes, it’s essential to consider individual preferences and needs. While a standard serving of cooked chicken is often deemed as 3 oz, this can vary depending on one’s appetite and dietary requirements. For instance, those following high-protein diets may opt for larger portions to meet their nutritional goals effectively.

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or substitute with chicken breasts

For Marinade:

• 1 cup pineapple juice (from a 20 oz can of pineapple slices)
• 1.75 oz achiote rojo seasoning paste (half of a standard 3.5 oz package, see details in the post)
• ⅓ cup olive oil (optional, for a greasier texture if desired)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or another vinegar as a substitute)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• ½ tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon oregano

Instructions

To Prepare:

Once you’ve combined the enticing mix of ingredients for the marinade in this vibrant chicken al pastor recipe, make sure to set aside some pineapple slices for a delightful accompaniment later on. The sweet and tangy flavors of the pineapple will complement the savory notes of the marinated chicken perfectly, adding a refreshing touch to each bite. Consider grilling the pineapple slices alongside the marinated chicken for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours before cooking; for best results, marinate overnight.

To Smoke Or Bake:

Preheating your smoker or oven to 250 F sets the stage for a slow and steady infusion of smoky goodness into the meat. The use of a wire rack on a baking sheet ensures that heat circulates evenly around the chicken, resulting in a tender and juicy final product. As you patiently wait for the internal temperature to reach 165 F, take this time to savor the anticipation of savory aromas filling your kitchen.

To Grill:

Once your grill is preheated to the optimal temperature of 350 F, place the marinated chicken on the grates and let it sizzle to perfection. Remember to flip the chicken only once during the grilling process, ensuring that both sides cook evenly. Keep a close eye on the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe 165 F before removing it from the heat.

To Serve:

To serve, start by warming up some fresh tortillas on a hot skillet to give them that irresistible aroma and slight char. Next, spoon a generous portion of the juicy, marinated dish onto the center of each tortilla. Don’t forget to add a dollop of zesty salsa verde or pico de gallo for an extra burst of flavor.

Garnish your tacos with finely chopped onions, cilantro leaves, and a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the overall taste profile. To elevate the experience further, consider serving your chicken el pastor tacos with a side of creamy refried beans or refreshing Mexican street corn salad.

To Prepare In Bulk For The Freezer:

To prepare it in bulk for the freezer, start by marinating the chicken pieces in a flavorful blend of spices, pineapple juice, and vinegar. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 4 hours to ensure maximum flavor absorption.

Once marinated, cook the chicken on a hot grill until it is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. To prepare for freezing, allow the grilled chicken to cool completely before portioning it into individual freezer-safe bags or containers.

To reheat frozen portions, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The flavors will intensify as they sit in the freezer, making each reheated portion taste even more delicious than before. By preparing this dish in bulk for the freezer, you can save time and effort while still enjoying an authentic and flavorful Mexican meal whenever you please.

To Prepare From Frozen – Uncooked:

When preparing it from frozen, the key is to ensure that the meat fully defrosts before cooking. By allowing the chicken to marinate for a few hours after defrosting, you allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. To speed up the defrosting process, consider moving the chicken from the freezer to the fridge at least a day before you plan on cooking it.

To Prepare From Frozen – Precooked:

Preparing frozen precooked chicken al pastor can be a convenient and delicious option for quick meals. To achieve the best results, it’s essential to defrost the cooked chicken thoroughly before reheating it.

Once defrosted, warm the chicken in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is heated through. Adding a splash of water or oil during the reheating process can help prevent the chicken from drying out and enhance its flavors.

Conclusion

Chicken Al Pastor is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Its combination of marinated chicken, pineapple, and traditional spices creates a unique and satisfying flavor profile.

Whether enjoyed in tacos, burritos, or on its own, this dish is sure to please even the most discerning palate. I highly recommend trying it for a taste experience that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Mexico.

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