Craving Chipotle’s Chicken Al Pastor but stuck at home? No sweat! We’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor factory for this smoky, spicy, and sweet chicken dish. Forget the takeout menu – get ready to be your own Chipotle hero!
Table of Contents
what is the meaning of Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor?
Chipotle: This refers to the smoky and slightly spicy flavor that comes from chipotle peppers. Chipotle peppers are jalapeños that have been smoked and dried, giving them a deeper, richer flavor compared to fresh jalapeños.
Al Pastor: This translates to “shepherd-style” and is traditionally used for tacos made with marinated pork cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
However, Chipotle’s Chicken Al Pastor takes inspiration from the flavors of Al Pastor tacos but uses chicken instead of pork. So, it’s a grilled chicken dish with a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor profile thanks to the chipotle peppers and other spices used in the marinade. It often comes with a touch of sweetness from pineapple juice and might be served with chopped onion, cilantro, and pineapple for an extra layer of freshness.
- Preparation Time
15 minutes - Cooking Time
20 minutes - Serves
4 adults - Difficulty
Easy
chipotle chicken al pastor Ingredients
- For the Marinade (Our Flavor Bomb)
- 2 guajillo peppers (chop them up, take out the seeds if you don’t like things too spicy)
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (more if you crave heat, less if you like it mild)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (freshly squeezed is the [invalid URL removed]!)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (think tiny, tiny pieces)
- 1 tablespoon ground achiote (don’t worry, it just adds color)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (a little smoky magic!)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt (to taste, you be the judge!)
- For the Chicken:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (whichever you prefer!)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped white onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple (sweetness alert!)
- Warm tortillas (corn or flour, your call!)
- Your favorite Chipotle toppings (white rice, black beans, salsa, guac – you get the idea!)
how to make chipotle chicken al pastor (Instructions)
- Marinate Party: Throw all the marinade ingredients in a blender and blitz it until it’s smooth and smells incredible. This is your secret weapon, so treat it with respect (and maybe a sip – just kidding!). Pour the marinade into a bowl and toss in your chicken, making sure it’s covered in all that goodness. Seal it up with plastic wrap and stash it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better, but hey, you do you! The longer it marinates, the more amazing it tastes.
- Grill Time! Get your grill pan or actual grill nice and hot over medium-high heat. Take your chicken out of the marinade and ditch any leftover marinade (safety first!). Slap those chicken pieces on the grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through.
- Chopping Block: While the chicken cools down a bit, grab a knife and chop up the cilantro, onion, and pineapple into tiny bits.
- Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor Fiesta! Dice up the cooked chicken and mix it with your chopped cilantro, onion, and pineapple. Now for the fun part – building your Chipotle masterpiece! Warm those tortillas, pile on the yummy chicken mixture &add all your favorite Chipotle toppings. Boom! Get ready for a flavor explosion in your mouth!
chipotle chicken al pastor nutrition Table (per serving, without toppings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Protein | 40g |
Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor
Ingredients
For the Marinade (Our Flavor Bomb)
- 2 guajillo peppers chop them up, take out the seeds if you don’t like things too spicy
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce more if you crave heat, less if you like it mild
- ½ cup pineapple juice freshly squeezed is the [invalid URL removed]!
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced (think tiny, tiny pieces)
- 1 tablespoon ground achiote don’t worry, it just adds color
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika a little smoky magic!
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt to taste, you be the judge!
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (whichever you prefer!)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped white onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh pineapple sweetness alert!
- Warm tortillas corn or flour, your call!
- Your favorite Chipotle toppings white rice, black beans, salsa, guac – you get the idea!
Instructions
- Marinate Party: Throw all the marinade ingredients in a blender and blitz it until it's smooth and smells incredible. This is your secret weapon, so treat it with respect (and maybe a sip – just kidding!). Pour the marinade into a bowl and toss in your chicken, making sure it's covered in all that goodness. Seal it up with plastic wrap and stash it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better, but hey, you do you! The longer it marinates, the more amazing it tastes.
- Grill Time! Get your grill pan or actual grill nice and hot over medium-high heat. Take your chicken out of the marinade and ditch any leftover marinade (safety first!). Slap those chicken pieces on the grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they're cooked through.
- Chopping Block: While the chicken cools down a bit, grab a knife and chop up the cilantro, onion, and pineapple into tiny bits.
- Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor Fiesta! Dice up the cooked chicken and mix it with your chopped cilantro, onion, and pineapple. Now for the fun part – building your Chipotle masterpiece! Warm those tortillas, pile on the yummy chicken mixture &add all your favorite Chipotle toppings. Boom! Get ready for a flavor explosion in your mouth!
Tips & Tricks for Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor Hacks
Alright, so you’ve got the recipe for Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor down pat – that’s awesome! But listen up, because I’m here to share some secret tips and tricks to make this dish next-level delicious. Get ready to blow your taste buds away (and maybe even impress your friends)!
Spice it Up (or Down): This recipe is all about customization, my friend! You’re the flavor captain of this ship. Craving a fire in your mouth? Add another chipotle pepper or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Want things a little more chill? Reduce the chipotle peppers or add a touch of honey to the marinade for a hint of sweetness. It’s all about finding your perfect balance!
Leftover Fiesta: We all know the struggle of what to do with leftovers. But fear not, because this chicken is a fridge and freezer BFF (best friend forever)! Leftover Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor is perfect for throwing into salads, tacos, or bowls throughout the week. No more boring lunches – you’re a flavor hero now!
Get Creative, Captain Flavor! This recipe is just a jumping-off point, like a springboard for your taste buds adventures. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Feeling adventurous? Try adding chopped bell peppers, jalapenos, or even mango to the mix for a twist on the flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so unleash your inner chef and have some fun!
Basically: Don’t be afraid to play around with the recipe! Make it spicier, and sweeter, or add your own fun ingredients. Leftovers are your friend, and this is your chance to get creative in the kitchen. So go forth and conquer the world of Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor, home edition!
is chipotle chicken al pastor gluten-free?
Absolutely! Here’s the scoop on Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor and gluten: The good news is, Chipotle’s Chicken Al Pastor recipe itself is generally considered gluten-free. This means folks with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can usually enjoy it without any problems.
Here’s why:
- Gluten-Free Ingredients: The marinade and chicken itself don’t contain any wheat, barley, or rye – the grains that cause gluten problems. Ingredients like chipotle peppers, pineapple juice, spices, and achiote (a natural food coloring) are naturally gluten-free.
- Watch Out for Cross-Contamination: A small cautionary note: While the recipe itself is gluten-free, there’s always a chance of cross-contamination at Chipotle restaurants. This means contact with other ingredients that contain gluten during preparation. If you have celiac disease and are super sensitive to gluten, it might be best to make it at home to be extra safe.
FAQs for Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor
Q: This recipe looks amazing, but is it hard to make?
A: Not at all! The recipe breaks down the steps into easy-to-follow instructions. You’ll just need to blend the marinade, marinate the chicken, grill or cook it, and then chop everything up. It’s a fun and achievable recipe for any home cook.
Q: I’m not a huge fan of chicken breast. Can I use a different cut of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative. They’re naturally more flavorful and juicy, and they work perfectly in this recipe.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh pineapple juice? Can I use canned pineapple juice instead?
A: Sure! Canned pineapple juice will work just fine. You might want to adjust the sweetness a bit depending on the brand, but it’s a perfectly acceptable substitute.
Q: The recipe calls for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. What exactly are those?
A: Chipotle peppers are jalapeños that have been smoked and dried. Adobo sauce is a flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, peppers, and spices. The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the marinade.
Q: Do I have to remove the seeds from the guajillo peppers?
A: It depends on your spice preference! The seeds in the guajillo peppers pack a bit of heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can remove them before adding the peppers to the blender.
Q: My grocery store didn’t have achiote. Can I still make this recipe?
A: No problem! Achiote adds a unique flavor and color, but you can still make a delicious Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor without it. Just adjust the recipe with a touch of paprika for a hint of smokiness.
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A longer marination time will result in more flavorful chicken. The recipe recommends at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better.
Q: I don’t have a grill. Can I cook the chicken in a different way?
A: Of course! You can easily cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat with a little bit of oil. Just cook it for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Q: What if the chicken isn’t cooked through after grilling for the recommended time?
A: No worries! Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces. Just keep grilling the chicken for a few more minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: The leftover marinade looks too good to throw away. Can I use it for anything else?
A: We hate wasting food too! You can use leftover marinade as a sauce for vegetables, tofu, or even shrimp. Just make sure to heat it up to a rolling boil before using it.
Q: How long will leftover Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor last in the fridge?
A: Leftovers are a delicious way to enjoy this dish throughout the week! Properly stored in an airtight container, your leftover chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Q: Can I freeze leftover Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor?
A: Absolutely! Leftover chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing it, and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: This recipe sounds delicious, but it’s a little spicy for me. How can I make it milder?
A: There are a few ways to tame the heat! You can reduce the number of chipotle peppers in the marinade, or remove the seeds from the guajillo peppers before blending them. Adding a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt to the cooked chicken can also help cool things down.
Q: I don’t like cilantro. Is there anything I can substitute it with?
A: No problem! Cilantro adds a fresh flavor to the dish, but you can easily substitute it with another fresh herb like parsley or chopped fresh chives.
Q: What are some other toppings I can add to my Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor?
A. The possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas: shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, black beans, corn, or even a dollop of hot sauce.
Q: This recipe is so good, I want to impress my friends with it! Any tips for presentation?
A: Presentation is all about having fun! Warm your tortillas and arrange them on a plate. Top them with the Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor mixture, and then let your friends add their favorite toppings from a colorful selection on the side. It’ll be
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