Irresistible Chicken Al Pastor Tacos - Authentic Mexican Flavor

Introducing Chicken Al Pastor Tacos

Tacos have become wildly popular in recent years. From taco bars popping up across cities to tacos taking over social media, this classic Mexican street food is appealing to more taste buds than ever before. So what exactly are chicken al pastor tacos and why should you give this flavorful dish a try?

What is Al Pastor?

Al pastor literally translates to "shepherd style" in Spanish. This taco variety originated in central Mexico, taking inspiration from shawarma brought by Lebanese immigrants. The traditional al pastor preparation revolves around stacking marinated pork on a rotisserie, allowing the meat to cook slowly while retaining moisture and becoming infused with flavor.

As the outer layer of meat crisps and chars, thin slices are shaved off to place onto corn tortillas along with other taco fillings. Over time, this rotisserie taco concept made its way north and has become a sensation in American cuisine. Restaurants now offer al pastor preparations with different types of protein like chicken, beef, shrimp and more.

Why Choose Chicken for Al Pastor?

Chicken may not seem like an obvious choice for recreating the al pastor taco experience, especially considering its origins use pork. However, the milder flavor of chicken allows for bolder seasonings to shine through. This makes it an ideal canvas for transporting your taste buds to the intricate spice blends found in Mexican cooking.

Beyond absorbing flavors well, chicken cooks quickly and pairs nicely with many al pastor accompaniments. Going with chicken al pastor filling allows you to bring this street taco into your home kitchen without needing to set up a rotating spit.

Crafting Classic Chicken Al Pastor Flavor

While chicken itself may seem simple enough, authentic al pastor tacos get their depth from the marinade and seasoning applied to the meat. Before explaining how to cook chicken for these tacos, let's look at key ingredients that infuse traditional Mexican zest into every bite:

• Guajillo chilies - A dried mirasol chili essential for the characteristic reddish-orange color and mild spice level.
• Dried ancho chiles - Adds a rich, raisin-like sweetness.
• Chipotle peppers - Smoked jalapeños that bring a distinct chili flavor and subtle smokiness.
• Achiote paste - A popular Mexican condiment that contains earthy, bright and slightly bitter notes.
• Cumin - A standout spice in Tex-Mex cuisine, providing nutty and peppery warmth.
• Garlic - No al pastor marinade is complete without the sharp pungency and spice of garlic.
• Pineapple juice - The tropical fruit may seem unorthodox, but it acts to tenderize the meat and promote caramelization.
• Orange juice - Adds a touch of sweetness and citrusy acidity to balance the other flavors.

Putting It All Together

With authentic Mexican flavor covered in the marinade, cooking chicken al pastor filling becomes a breeze. Simply soak boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the marinade anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight. Then sauté the chicken in batches until browned and cooked through.

You can keep it classic by slicing the chicken into smaller strips for assembling tacos. Or go bold by chopping the meat into smaller pieces and crisping them up with marinade to create chicken al pastor crumbles. Top with traditional sides like cilantro, onions, pineapple, salsa and more to craft your ideal chicken al pastor tacos.

3 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy Chicken Al Pastor

Part of chicken al pastor’s appeal comes from its versatility. This protein takes well to tacos, bowls, nachos, salads and beyond. Here are just a few delicious ways to implement chicken al pastor flavor into mealtime:

1. Loaded Chicken Al Pastor Tacos

For a quick and easy chicken taco night, season thawed chicken breast or tenders with a store-bought version of the al pastor spice blend. Pan fry until cooked through and slice or dice the chicken. Warm corn tortillas and fill them with the protein, cilantro, onions, pineapple salsa and Mexican crema or cheese.

2. Chicken Al Pastor Power Bowl

Transform chicken al pastor from a handheld taco into a fresh and vibrant meal-prep bowl. Cook farro, quinoa or rice along with black or pinto beans. Top with marinated and cooked chicken thigh meat, avocado, corn, tomato, spinach and a drizzle of lime crema.

3. Chicken Al Pastor Nachos

For a fun and flavorful snack or appetizer, cover tortilla chips with black beans, chicken al pastor, cheese, pineapple pico de gallo and other favorite toppings. Melt everything together and serve the sizzling nachos with salsa, sour cream, guacamole and lime wedges.

Tips for Sensational Chicken Al Pastor at Home

While recreating authentic street taco flavor may sound difficult, you can make mouthwatering chicken al pastor tacos with basic ingredients and a few helpful tips:

Use Thighs Over Breasts

Chicken thighs offer more fat and connective tissue over lean white meat. This keeps the chicken tender and juice even with high-heat cooking methods.

Marinate Overnight

Letting chicken soak in the paste overnight allows the flavors to fully penetrate for the most intense al pastor taste. However, 30 minutes will also infuse excellent flavor.

Blacken Spices

Get nice char marks on the chicken over high heat. This enhances both texture and smoky notes reminiscent of cooking on a trompo rotisserie.

Garnish Generously

Contrast the rich chicken with crisp, bright garnishes. Onions, cilantro, lime, avocado and pineapple are classic al pastor taco accompaniments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What salsa goes best with chicken al pastor tacos?

The usual red or green salsas pair nicely. For something tropical, try mango or pineapple salsa. A salsa with habanero also gives a great flavor contrast.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Chicken breasts can work but tend to dry out faster. Thighs have more moisture and ability to absorb flavors for authentic chicken al pastor texture.

How should I cook chicken al pastor filling?

Pan frying or griddling on the stovetop are easy cooking methods. Get color on both sides while ensuring the interior reaches 165°F. You can also grill or broil marinated chicken for great char.

What if I don't have guajillo or ancho chilies?

Ground cayenne and paprika mimic some of the flavor. Otherwise, subbing dried arbol, pasilla or mulato gives closer spice similarity. Leaving out the dried peppers altogether greatly alters the end result.

FAQs

Can I prepare chicken al pastor in a slow cooker?

Yes, combine the marinade and chicken thighs in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Shred the chicken and crisp it up in a skillet before assembling tacos.

What drinks pair well with chicken al pastor?

Refreshing beverages like horchata, agua fresca, Mexican Coke, Dos Equis, or margaritas complement the rich al pastor flavors.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Leftover rotisserie chicken lacks the flavor infusion from marinating, but makes a quick shortcut. Add taco seasoning or al pastor rub to give it more taste.

Is there a vegetarian al pastor option?

Try marinating and cooking portobello mushrooms or jackfruit in the al pastor sauce for a meatless alternative. Grilled pineapple also makes good taco filling.