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Delicious Chicken Al Pastor Recipe: Easy & Authentic!

If you’re craving a dish that embodies the vibrant flavours of Mexico, look no further than Chicken Al Pastor. This delightful fusion of marinated chicken, aromatic spices, and the characteristic tang of pineapple makes it a firm favourite in many households. In this article, we will guide you through an easy and authentic Chicken Al Pastor recipe that you can prepare in the comfort of your own kitchen.

What is Al Pastor?

Al Pastor, which translates to "shepherd style," traditionally uses pork. It has its roots in the shawarma brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants, yet it has evolved to embrace local ingredients and culinary techniques. Chicken Al Pastor is a lighter twist on this classic, offering a succulent and flavourful option that will leave your taste buds singing.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 500g boneless chicken thighs (skinless is preferable)
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers)
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 small pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• Fresh coriander, chopped
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Corn tortillas, for serving

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, fresh orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, adobo sauce, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk it well until all the ingredients are finely blended.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the boneless chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, although marinating overnight will yield even more flavour.

Step 3: Grill the Pineapple

While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium heat. Place the pineapple slices on the grill and cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side until you see nice grill marks and the fruit becomes caramelised. Once done, remove from the grill and chop into small pieces.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

After marination, heat a bit of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs, cooking for about 5–7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char. Remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into small pieces.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your corn tortillas on the grill or in a separate pan. To assemble, place a generous amount of the grilled chicken on each tortilla, top with diced grilled pineapple, chopped onion, and fresh coriander. Squeeze a bit of lime juice over the top for that zesty kick.

Enjoying Your Chicken Al Pastor

Chicken Al Pastor can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it as street-style tacos, enjoy it with rice and beans, or create a vibrant taco platter for your next gathering. Accompany it with some pico de gallo or a creamy avocado salsa for a complete feast.

Conclusion

This easy and authentic Chicken Al Pastor recipe is perfect for anyone looking to explore the beautiful flavours of Mexican cuisine without the fuss. Whether you’re enjoying it on a casual weeknight or serving it at a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and prepare for a culinary adventure that will transport you right to the heart of Mexico!

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