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If you are like my kids who are obsessed with Chipotle’s Chicken Al Pastor, then you are in luck because I am going to show you how to make it at home.
Love Chicken rice bowls? You will also like my chicken carnitas recipe!
When Chipotle came out with their Chicken Al Pastor my kids wanted to try it so bad so I caved and off we went to Chipotle. I have to admit that even I lived it! 😅 But I decided to make it at home because I much prefer feeding my kids homemade meals. All you need is chicken, a few seasonings, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
I decided to use boneless and skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe but you can definitely use chicken breast. This chicken al pastor recipe was a winner and my kids approved it!
Why you will love it
- Easy: making it is so easy, you guys. You only need chicken and a handful of other pantry staple ingredients.
- Tasy: it is packed with flavor and so tasty. My kids approved it.
- Meal-prep Friendly: You can make this chicken al pastor for your meal preps with rice or veggies.
Ingredients you will need
Below is a list of ingredients you will need to make this recipe. Full measurements are listed further down below in the recipe card.
- chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: these are canned
- olive oil: or you may use any other oil of choice.
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- Seasonings: ground coriander, cumin, garlic powder,
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I prefer chicken thighs because they turn out juicy, but you can use chicken breast if you like.
How to make Chicken Al Pastor
- Make the marinade/sauce: In a small food process add the chipotle peppers with the adobo sauce, oil, salt, pepper, and seasonings. Process until almost smooth and combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place chopped chicken in a large bowl and add in the chipotle mixture. Stir well to coat each piece. Allow the meat to marinate for 1 hour overnight (in the fridge).
- Cook the chicken: When ready to cook, allow the meat to reach room temp by keeping it over the counter for 15-20 minutes. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs until golden brown and the internal temp reaches 165F. Serve over cooked rice and enjoy!
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tips
- I do recommend you marinate the chicken unless you are pressed for time. It will add in so much flavor.
- If you want to use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs you can. The cooking time will vary by a few minutes on each side based on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Do not overcook the chicken. The best way to check if the chicken is cooked through is to use a food thermometer and wait until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: If you have leftovers of the al pastor chicken and would like to store them, place them in a sealed container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You may also freeze them for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: You can either reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until it is heated through, or wrap them in foil wrap and reheat in a toaster oven for 5-6 minutes. I do prefer the microwave button.
Frequently asked questions
Chicken al pastor is a twist to the traditional Mexican dish al pastor, which is typically made with pork. Chicken thighs marinated in a mix of spice blends and chilies and then cooked. Chipotle has a chicken al pastor option on their menu that has been quite a hit. Serve al pastor chicken with tacos, burritos, or as a main dish with rice. So good! 😍
Traditionally, al pastor is made with boneless pork. But you do not need to make it with pork. Another way to make al pastor is to make it with chicken instead of pork. You can use boneless chicken breast or chicken thighs.
If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge. Chicken al pastor will last 3-4 days once stored properly in a sealed container.
Similar recipes you may like
What you can serve it with
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- White Rice
- Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad
- Garlic Butter Cauliflower Mash
- Cilantro Lime Rice
If you try a recipe and you like it, leave me some feedback in the comment section below, and don’t forget to rate it!
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Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor Recipe
Equipment
- small food processor
- Large bowl
- Large non stick Skillet
Ingredients
- 7 ounces chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, one can
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
Instructions
- In a small food process add the 7 ounces chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 3 tablespoons olive oil, Kosher salt and pepper, and seasonings (2 teaspoons ground coriander, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder). Process until almost smooth and combined.
- Place chopped 1 1/2 pound chicken thighs in a large bowl and add the chipotle mixture. Stir well to coat each piece. Allow the meat to marinate for 1 hour overnight (in the fridge).
- When ready to cook, allow the meat to reach room temp by keeping it over the counter for 15-20 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs until golden brown and the internal temp reaches 165F. About 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve over cooked rice and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- you can use any other oil instead of olive oil
- feel free to use chicken breast or any other meat of choice instead of chicken thighs.
- Do not overcook the chicken.
- Serve with rice, burritos, or tacos.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made this and it was absolutely amazing. It is now what we call a keeper recipe and we will be making it again. The flavor was fantastic.
So happy you loved it.
Made the Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor and the Honey Mustard Chicken, both were delicious and very easy to make. Thank you for creating wonderful recipes! You are the best!
Thank you Brian. So glad.
Can’t wait to try this! Looks soo good!
Love this recipe ❤️
Really good and easy to make! I didn’t use all 3 tbsps of oil in the mixture, but it still came out good. Do you put all 3 in the food processor ?
Accidentally left my rating off the first comment. 5 stars!
Thank you! You do not have to use all of it. Up to you.
Loved this. Tasted so good!
Delicious, the kids loved it. I added it to the menu
Thanks. So glad
Wow looks so delicious I am going to make it ❤️
Thanks
Really loved this recipe great for meal prepping!! Flavors are great and the kids love it. Chipotle who???
Thanks. So good!
My kids loved this so much. Very tasty.
Mine too! Thanks for the feedback