Chicken Al Pastor

Posted on December 24, 2025

Easy and Delicious Chicken Al Pastor Recipe

I still remember the first time I attempted to make Chicken Al Pastor. It was a chilly evening, and I had just moved to a new city, away from my family’s home-cooked meals. Feeling a little homesick, I rummaged through my collection of recipe books, hoping to find something that would transport me back to my Mother’s kitchen—where savory scents lingered in the air, laughter echoed, and food was always the centerpiece of our gatherings.

I stumbled upon a recipe for Chicken Al Pastor, and honestly, I had no idea what “Al Pastor” even meant. All I knew was that it involved chicken and a lot of flavor. I thought, “How hard can this be?” In the midst of my optimism, imagine my surprise when my bright idea of grilling chicken turned into a smoky disaster of charred bits and an overwhelming cloud of smoke that sent my cat diving under the couch. Oops!

However, after numerous attempts and a few practice runs that ended up as takeout-worthy dinners, I finally cracked the code. This delightful recipe for Chicken Al Pastor is not just a great way to satisfy those comfort food cravings, but it’s also budget-friendly, high in protein, and brings a definite twist to easy weeknight dinners. Plus, the combination of grilled chicken and pineapple is nothing less than magical, leaving you craving for more!

So, if you’re looking to spice up your week with something uniquely delicious, grab your apron, light up that grill (or a skillet works too), and let’s dive into this mouthwatering Chicken Al Pastor recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With just marinating and grilling, this recipe works perfectly for quick family meals on any busy night.
Healthy Comfort Food: Combining chicken with pineapple gives you that sweet and savory combo, perfect for those cozy nights when you’re curling up on the couch with a movie.
Leftover Heaven: The great part? You’ll have hearty leftovers that can easily become a vibrant lunch or dinner the following day.
Kid-Friendly: Trust me; even the pickiest eaters will devour it. After all, who can resist tacos topped with grilled sweetness?
Meal Prep Winner: It’s a fantastic addition to any meal planning chicken endeavor, allowing you to get ahead of the game without the hassle.
Flavor Explosion: Each bite is bursting with a medley of tangy, spicy, and sweet notes that will tantalize your taste buds like no other.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

The beauty of Chicken Al Pastor lies in its unique flavors. A marriage of Mexican traditions with a hint of tropical goodness— the infusion of pineapple juice and the savory marinade brings a delightful complexity to the chicken. It’s a dish packed with high flavor but low effort, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.

If you ever find yourself craving those taco truck vibes at home, this recipe brings it right to your kitchen. Oh, and let’s not forget the grilled pineapple! They add an unexpected surprise that truly takes this dish to a whole new level. Trust me, when those juicy chunks caramelize on the grill, you’ll be there savoring each moment, wondering how you lived your life without this flavor pairing.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and so much better than chicken breast for this recipe. Trust me on this one!
1 cup pineapple juice: The star of our marinade that adds sweetness and acid to the chicken, making it tender and juicy.
1/4 cup orange juice: To complement the pineapple and bring an additional citrusy zest.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: This adds a tart twist to the marinade, helping to enhance the flavors.
2 tablespoons adobo sauce: This smoky element gives a beautiful depth of flavor you wouldn’t want to skip.
1 tablespoon chili powder: Just a hint of warmth to elevate the marinated chicken.
1 tablespoon smoked paprika: This gives it that distinct smoky flavor, creating an al pastor vibe.
1 teaspoon cumin: Adding earthiness and richness, complementing all the bright citrus we have going on.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better (period).
Salt and pepper to taste: To season and elevate all the lovely flavors.
Chunks of fresh pineapple for grilling: For that extra caramelized sweetness that tops off your tacos perfectly.
Tacos, tortillas, or quesadilla wraps for serving: Choose your adventure— taco, burrito, or quesadilla; you really can’t go wrong!

Oh, and a little advice: avoid pre-made pineapple juices with added sugar. Getting fresh pineapple juice (or even juicing a pineapple yourself) adds an earthy flavor that elevates this dish to the next level!

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of crafting these perfectly zesty Chicken Al Pastor tacos.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

First, in a medium bowl, combine the pineapple juice, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, and adobo sauce. Oh, the vibrant colors of that recipe mix! I mean, honestly, what is it about mixing juices that feels like alchemy? It’s like a tropical sunset in a bowl.

Next, add the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, and season it with salt and pepper. Whisk everything until quite mixed, and you might even want to sneak a taste. Not that I’m advocating for sneaking tastes or anything, but boy, it’ll make your kitchen smell incredible!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Now, toss the chicken thighs in the marinade, making sure they get coated. I like to dive right in with my hands (a bit reckless, I know). It’s oddly satisfying, like giving them a warm hug right before dinner! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. If you can leave it overnight, even better! The more time in the marinade, the more flavor it’ll soak up.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

When you’re ready to grill (cue the excitement!), get your grill heated up over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, it should be preheated as well. You want that sizzle when the meat hits the heat!

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Take the chicken out of the marinade (don’t forget to let the excess marinade drip off, or you’ll have a smoky situation again—trust me on this one) and lay it on the grill. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes per side. The sound of sizzling is music to my ears! You want those lovely char lines. The spice blend aroma will be wafting through your home, making you wonder why you didn’t choose this recipe sooner.

Step 5: Grill the Pineapple

While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to throw those chunks of fresh pineapple onto the grill. Watch as they caramelize beautifully. Honestly, I’m always amazed at how that golden brown hue transforms fresh pineapple into something extraordinary. You’ll want to grill those chunks for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re heated through and sporting lovely grill marks. Small victories!

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Now, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes—waiting is sometimes the hardest part, but so worth it! After it has rested, slice the thighs into strips. The juiciness will surprise you, and you’ll probably want to take a bite before it even gets inside the tortilla.

Step 7: Assemble and Enjoy

Now for the fun part! Grab your desired tortillas, and pile on those juicy chicken strips. Top it with your grilled pineapple chunks for that sweet-sour goodness, and throw on your fixings—think fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime. I mean, is it really a taco if you don’t have lime? Each bite will be a little fiesta in your mouth.

Tips for Best Results

Marination Time: Longer is better. If you can marinate overnight, do it! Just plan ahead.
Grill Temperature: Nailing the right grill temperature is key. Too hot, and you’ll char the outside while the inside remains raw—yikes!
Use Bone-In Thighs: For an even juicier result, bone-in skin-on thighs are fantastic. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Play with Spices: Spice it up! Add more chili powder or even a splash of hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
Use Leftovers: Leftover chicken can be tossed into salads or wraps, or simply enjoy it solo with some rice.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Chicken Alternatives: Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for pork or even tofu for a plant-based version.
Citrus Variations: If you don’t have orange juice, you can use lemon juice instead—it’ll be a slightly different flavor juxtaposition, but still delicious!
Spice Level: For those who love a kick, add some cayenne or sliced jalapeños to the marinade for heat!

Directions

In a bowl, mix pineapple juice, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, adobo sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
Preheat the grill over medium-high heat.
Remove chicken from marinade and grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked.
While chicken is cooking, grill the pineapple chunks until caramelized.
Remove chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
Serve the chicken in tacos, burrito bowls, or quesadillas with grilled pineapple chunks on top.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

If you’re looking for some delicious drinks to accompany your Chicken Al Pastor, margaritas are a classic! A tangy lime margarita pairs beautifully with the flavors. If you’re after something lighter, a freshly made agua fresca or even a sprightly sparkling water with lime would do.

For sides, think about serving a vibrant Mexican street corn salad or a tangy slaw with lime dressing to balance out the sweetness. For dessert, churros and chocolate sauce would round out your meal perfectly—because who can resist a sweet ending?

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storing leftovers is a breeze. Just toss any leftover chicken into an airtight container, and it’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. For reheating, I suggest tossing the chicken back on the grill briefly or using a microwave with a touch of water to keep the moisture in. Oops! Don’t forget to cover it, or you’ll zap it dry, and nobody wants that!

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

Want to meal prep? The marinade is perfect for prepping in advance. Just don’t add the chicken until you’re ready to cook. Chicken in the marinade can be stored in a freezer bag—just remember to label it and use within 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling, and you’ll be all set!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Marinade: Don’t skip this step! It’s all about the flavor incorporation.
Overcrowding the Grill: Cook in batches! If you crowd the grill, the chicken won’t get that lovely char; instead, it’ll steam.
Cutting Too Soon: Give the chicken some time to rest after cooking. Slicing too soon leads to juices running all over the cutting board.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yep, but keep in mind that chicken breasts can dry out. Adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Can I use the marinade for other proteins?
Certainly! This flavorful marinade works well with pork or shrimp, too.
How do I make this dish low-carb?
Skip the tortillas and serve the chicken over a fresh salad for a great low-carb option!
What toppings should I use?
Fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado, and a squeeze of lime are all fantastic choices! Feel free to get creative!
Is this suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s a fantastic option for meal prep, just store the chicken and sides separately until you’re ready to enjoy!

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls for marinating.
Grill or skillet for cooking.
Tongs for handling the chicken.
A sharp knife for slicing.
Sturdy tortilla or serving platters.

Final Thoughts

As you sit down to enjoy your Chicken Al Pastor, I hope it brings you a sense of warmth and comfort. This isn’t just a dish to fill your stomach—it’s about sharing a table, a laugh, and making memories with the people you love. After all, food has that magical ability to transport us back in time and bring us together.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!

Chicken Al Pastor

Easy and Delicious Chicken Al Pastor Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Ingredients