Picture this: tender, juicy chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of Mexican spices, roasted in the oven to perfection, with a hint of smoky char and a touch of sweetness from pineapple. You’re about to make one of the most flavorful dishes you’ve ever tasted! This Oven Roasted Chicken Al Pastor takes all the beloved flavors of traditional al pastor and gives it a simple, oven-baked spin—making it easy to prepare without a rotisserie. It’s the kind of dish that will have your taste buds dancing and your kitchen smelling like a fiesta.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’ve never tried chicken al pastor before, you’re in for a treat. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Full of Flavor: The marinade brings together savory, tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors in every bite. It’s a perfect balance that’ll make you crave more.
- Easy to Make: No need for a special grill or rotisserie. The oven does the heavy lifting here, making it a super easy weeknight meal.
- Juicy and Tender: Oven roasting locks in all the flavors, leaving the chicken moist and tender, with a slight caramelization on the edges.
- Versatile: You can serve this chicken in so many ways—tacos, burritos, bowls, or even on its own with a side of rice or veggies.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to your liking! Want it milder? Skip the chili peppers. Want a bit more kick? Add some extra heat with jalapeños or chili powder.
Ingredients
Let’s break down the key ingredients for this irresistible chicken al pastor:
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe. They’re juicy and tender, absorbing all the flavors of the marinade.
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, which tenderizes the chicken and gives it that classic al pastor flavor.
- Garlic: A punch of garlic makes the marinade aromatic and full of depth.
- Lime Juice: Adds a zesty, citrusy freshness that brightens up the rich flavors.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: These smoky, spicy peppers are the soul of the marinade, giving it that signature al pastor flavor.
- Chili Powder: For an extra layer of heat and depth.
- Cumin: A hint of earthy warmth that ties everything together.
- Oregano: Adds a savory, herbaceous note to the marinade.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- Olive Oil: Helps coat the chicken and ensures it roasts to golden perfection.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Here’s how you can make this mouthwatering Oven Roasted Chicken Al Pastor:
- Make the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine pineapple, garlic, lime juice, chipotle peppers in adobo, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. You want a thick, flavorful marinade that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the chicken is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally, marinate for 4-6 hours to get the best flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). You want it nice and hot to get that perfect roasted texture.
- Roast the Chicken: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer on the sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken to help with browning.
- Bake to Perfection: Roast the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is beautifully browned and caramelized.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips or cubes for serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Oven Roasted Chicken Al Pastor on tortillas with your favorite toppings, like diced onions, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime. You can also serve it with rice, beans, or a side of grilled veggies.
How to Serve Oven Roasted Chicken Al Pastor
This chicken is versatile, so feel free to serve it however you like. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- Tacos: Serve the chicken in soft corn tortillas with a dollop of salsa, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime.
- Burritos: Add the chicken to a warm flour tortilla, along with rice, beans, cheese, and guacamole for a hearty burrito.
- Bowls: Make a delicious bowl by layering the chicken with rice, black beans, avocado, and your favorite veggies.
- Salads: Top a fresh salad with strips of chicken al pastor for a light and flavorful meal.
- With Rice and Beans: Serve it on the side with a simple Mexican rice and refried beans for a comforting dinner.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to ensure your Oven Roasted Chicken Al Pastor turns out perfect:
- Marinate Longer: If you have the time, let the chicken marinate overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
- Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is key to getting that perfect sweet and tangy flavor. If you use canned, make sure to drain it well to avoid extra liquid.
- Grill Option: If you have a grill, you can also cook the chicken on medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
- Customize the Heat: If you like it spicy, add extra chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes, you can, but chicken breasts tend to be leaner, so they might not be as juicy. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken the night before and cook it the next day. The flavors will be even better after marinating overnight.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stove for the best texture.
Q4: Can I freeze the chicken after marinating?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the marinated chicken in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Q5: Can I use a different meat?
A5: Yes, you can use pork, beef, or even tofu if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of meat you choose.
Q6: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A6: Add more chipotle peppers, or sprinkle some chili flakes or cayenne pepper into the marinade for extra heat.
Q7: What kind of tortillas should I use?
A7: Corn tortillas are a traditional choice and pair beautifully with the chicken. However, flour tortillas work well too if you prefer them.
Q8: Can I cook the chicken on the stovetop instead?
A8: Yes! You can cook the marinated chicken thighs in a skillet over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through.
Q9: Can I use a store-bought marinade?
A9: While a homemade marinade is best for this recipe, you can use store-bought al pastor marinade if you’re in a pinch.
Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes! Just make sure to use two baking sheets if necessary to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
Conclusion
This Oven Roasted Chicken Al Pastor is packed with bold, vibrant flavors that will have your taste buds cheering. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making tacos for Taco Tuesday or prepping for a family dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Oven Roasted Chicken Al Pastor
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This high-protein oven roasted chicken al pastor is a flavorful twist on the classic al pastor dish, made easy by roasting in the oven! With a rich marinade of pineapple, chipotle, and spices, this chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with protein. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or as a meal prep option, this recipe will quickly become a favorite
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or white)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for serving)
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine pineapple, chipotle peppers, olive oil, vinegar, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, then pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Place the marinated chicken thighs on the baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with your favorite sides like rice, tortillas, or on a salad, and drizzle with lime juice for added freshness.
Notes
- For a crispy edge, broil the chicken for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking.
- This recipe works well for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Serve with traditional toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and avocado for an authentic al pastor experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 100mg