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Easy & flavorful! This Simple Chicken Al Pastor recipe delivers authentic Mexican flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Simple Chicken Al Pastor

Easy & flavorful! This Simple Chicken Al Pastor recipe delivers authentic Mexican flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients 

  • 3 tablespoons achiote paste
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 2 tsp pepper
  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • ¾ cup pineapple juice
  • 1.5 - 2 lbs chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp honey

Instructions 

  • In a medium bowl combine achiote paste, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, cumin, salt and pepper and whisk together, breaking apart the achiote paste.
  • To the bowl add white vinegar and pineapple juice and whisk to combine.
  • Chop chicken thighs into bite sized pieces (I like to cut them with kitchen scissors).
  • Add chicken to sauce and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes. You can also do this as early as the day before.
  • Place a larger cast iron skillet over medium heat or use a flattop grill.
  • When pan is hot add in avocado oil then use tongs to add in the chicken (leaving remaining marinade in the bowl).
  • Cook for 8-10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, tossing the chicken occasionally to cook through.
  • If you like extra sauce, once the chicken is cooked and removed from the pan, add in the remaining marinade to the pan and cook down for about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once chicken is cooked, drizzle with honey and toss.

Notes

Ways to serve:
  • For tacos: serve in tortillas with chopped pineapple, pickled onions, chopped cilantro and cotija cheese.
  • For burrito bowls:  Serve over rice with chopped pineapple, black beans, pickled onions, chopped cilantro, avocado and cotija cheese

Nutrition

Calories: 206kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 67mg, Sodium: 765mg, Potassium: 206mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 301IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 20mg, Iron: 1mg
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