What ingredients do I need to make authentic Al Pastor Chicken Skewers?

To make authentic Al Pastor Chicken Skewers, you’ll need boneless chicken thighs, dried guajillo and ancho chilies, pineapple, garlic, white vinegar, oregano, cumin, cloves, salt, pepper, and achiote paste. These ingredients create the signature marinade that balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Fresh pineapple juice is key for tenderizing the meat and adding a hint of sweetness. Skewering the marinated chicken along with pineapple chunks before grilling gives the dish its classic taste and texture.

How long should I marinate chicken for Al Pastor skewers?

Marinate the chicken for at least 4 to 6 hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. The acidity from the pineapple and vinegar in the marinade helps tenderize the chicken, while the spices infuse it with the traditional Al Pastor taste. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours as the acid can break down the meat too much, leading to a mushy texture.

What is the best way to cook Al Pastor Chicken Skewers at home?

The best way to cook Al Pastor Chicken Skewers at home is on a hot grill or grill pan. Thread the marinated chicken and pineapple pieces onto skewers, then grill over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking. The direct heat caramelizes the sugars in the pineapple and creates a delicious char on the chicken while keeping it juicy inside. Alternatively, you can broil them under the oven’s high heat.

Can I make Al Pastor Chicken Skewers without achiote paste?

While achiote paste is essential for the traditional red color and earthy flavor of Al Pastor, you can substitute it if needed. A mix of smoked paprika, ground annatto seeds, and a small amount of cayenne pepper can mimic the flavor and hue. However, the authentic taste won’t be quite the same without achiote. It’s worth sourcing achiote paste from Latin grocery stores or online for the best results.

How should I serve Al Pastor Chicken Skewers for a complete meal?

Serve Al Pastor Chicken Skewers with warm corn tortillas, chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges to build traditional tacos. You can also add sliced radishes and avocado for extra texture and freshness. A side of Mexican street-style rice or grilled vegetables complements the dish nicely. Using tortillas warmed on the grill adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the marinated chicken.

Al Pastor Chicken Skewers Recipe With Bold Flavor Marinade

Name: Al Pastor Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 4 h
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: – 2 pineapple rings; – ½ cup orange juice; – ¼ cup minced dried onion; – ¼ cup distilled white vinegar; – 2 tablespoons chili powder; – 3 garlic cloves; – 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt; – 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano; – 1 teaspoon ground cumin; – 1 chipotle chile; – 1 teaspoon adobo from canned chipotle chiles in adobo; – 1 to 1½ pounds chicken breast cut into ½ to 1 inch cubes; – ½ large purple onion; – 3 to 4 cups roughly chopped bell peppers

Description

🍢 Al Pastor Chicken Kabobs offer a bold and zesty flavor experience with a marinade rich in pineapple, chipotle, and aromatic spices.
🌶 This vibrant grilled dish pairs protein and colorful vegetables for a delicious and visually appealing meal that’s perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

– 2 pineapple rings

– ½ cup orange juice

– ¼ cup minced dried onion

– ¼ cup distilled white vinegar

– 2 tablespoons chili powder

– 3 garlic cloves

– 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt

– 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin

– 1 chipotle chile

– 1 teaspoon adobo from canned chipotle chiles in adobo

– 1 to 1½ pounds chicken breast cut into ½ to 1 inch cubes

– ½ large purple onion

– 3 to 4 cups roughly chopped bell peppers

Instructions

1-First: Prepare the marinade in a food processor to finely break down the garlic and pineapple, then pour it into a large ziplock bag.

2-Second: Cut the chicken into uniform cubes and add them to the bag for marinating, aiming for at least 2 hours for the best flavor.

3-Third: Thread the marinated chicken, peppers, and onions onto skewers carefully.

4-Fourth: Grill the skewers over medium heat for about 7 minutes per side until fully cooked.

5-Fifth: For tweaks, use other proteins if needed, and let the skewers rest before serving.

6-Final: Serve hot, perhaps over a salad or with tortillas for a full meal that takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes total.

Notes

🌶 Increase heat by adding extra chipotle pepper or more chili powder to the marinade.
🌈 Use a variety of colorful bell peppers to enhance visual appeal and flavor.
⏰ Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours to fully absorb the bold flavors of the marinade.

Prep Time: 2 hours
Marinating time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling, marinating
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 1218
Sugar: 57 g
Sodium: 5804 mg
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 93 g
Fiber: 22 g
Protein: 156 g
Cholesterol: 435 mg

Keywords: al pastor chicken, chicken kabobs, bold marinade, grilled chicken