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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.
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 I lived it too! But I decided to make it at home because I much prefer feeding my kids homemade meals and I figured when they stop serving it, I can just make it at home for them. All you need is chicken, a few seasonings, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. I will tell you further down below how you can make it in your air fryer or oven.
If you are into meal prepping, you can easily double up on this recipe to meal prep for the week. If you love Chicken rice bowls, you will also like my chicken carnitas recipe or my Greek Chicken Bowl.
Recipe Overview
Tips Before You Get Started
- I decided to use boneless and skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe, but you can definitely use chicken breasts.
- Marinating the chicken is highly recommended. I usually recommend marinating it for 1-4 hours, or if possible, overnight. This will save you time the next day anyway.
- Consider adding 1/4 cup of pineapple juice to the marinade. Even though I didn’t do this to keep the calories to a minimum, it will help tenderize the chicken and add a sweet and tangy taste to it.
- Do not forget to allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking.
- Don’t 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 165°F.
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 and can be found at almost every grocery store. If you can’t find it, you can replace it by using achiote paste and vinegar.
- Olive oil: If you have any other oil that you normally cook with, you can just use that.
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- Seasonings: ground coriander, cumin, and garlic powder
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I prefer chicken thighs for this dish because they turn out juicy, but you can use chicken breast if you like.
How to make Chicken Al Pastor
Below is a step-by-step process on how I made this recipe. You can also find a video on how I made it below for guidance.
1️⃣ Make the Al Pastor Marinade
In a small food processor, add the chipotle peppers with the adobo sauce, oil, salt, pepper, and seasonings. Process until almost smooth and combined.
✏️ If you want this extra spicy, consider adding some cayenne pepper.
2️⃣ Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and add the chipotle mixture. Stir well to coat each piece. Allow the meat to marinate for 1-4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
✏️ Marinating the night before isn’t such a bad idea. You will not only get the best flavor, but it will also save you time the next day to prep the chicken.
3️⃣ Cook the Chicken
When ready to cook, allow the meat to reach room temperature 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 temperature reaches 165°F.
✏️ I find it best to use a food thermometer to check if the chicken is done. It is simply the best way to know. But if you have gotten the hang of cooking chicken and you can just tell, go with your instincts.
4️⃣ Let is Rest and serve
After cooking the chicken, set them on a plate or cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing them.
✏️ I like to mostly serve this with rice, and my son loves it with cilantro lime rice.
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 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.
Yes. You can make them ahead to freeze, or if you have leftovers you want to freeze, you can. Place them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 months.
How to make in the air fryer
- Follow the same steps for making the marinade and marinating the chicken breasts or chicken thighs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd) and air fry 14–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the thighs, flipping halfway, until the edges caramelize.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to bake chicken al pastor
- Make the al pastor marinade and marinate the chicken thighs for 1-4 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper.
- Add the chicken to the pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also place the chicken on a rack on the sheet pan if you want more even airflow around the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor Recipe
Video
Equipment
- small food processor
- Large bowl
- Large non stick Skillet
Ingredients
- 7 ounces chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, one can
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, or avocado 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 processor, 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 temperature 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 temperature reaches 165°F. About 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve over cooked rice and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it with chicken breast if you like.
- You can use any other oil instead of olive oil, like avocado oil.
- Feel free to use chicken breast or any other meat of your choice instead of chicken thighs.
- Do not overcook the chicken.
- Serve with rice, burritos, or tacos.
- Storage: Store leftovers in a container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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What you can serve it with
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- White Rice
- Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad
- Garlic Butter Cauliflower Mash
- Cilantro Lime Rice
Loved this recipe
Thank you
Lovely recipe 👍
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